Have you ever considered transforming your garden it into a multipurpose space?
Perhaps you have children and would like to incorporate a play area into your family’s patio. Maybe you already have a play area and would like to add an outdoor dining area to your garden. Whatever the case may be, there are some things you should keep in mind if you want to multipurpose an outdoor space. The following pointers can help.
What are your Intentions?
Before you can begin your project, you need to determine what your intentions are. This will make it easier for you to keep a clear focus in mind and stick to your goals. If you want to create a patio that acts as an outdoor kitchen and dining area, you will need to create a layout and purchase the proper equipment, appliances, and materials. An outdoor kitchen and dining space can bring a whole new level of visual appeal and functionality to your home, so take your time to plan exactly what you want. Keep in mind you will have to keep your space properly protected from outdoor elements. You cannot place normal kitchen appliances outdoors and expect them to hold up.
If you have kids and want to create an outdoor space that will bring them years of fun, you will need to determine what type of play equipment will be needed. A sandbox area and swing-set type gym are both excellent ideas. Be sure to purchase quality items that will stand up to the weather for many years.
Perhaps you want an area in your outdoor space that is strictly for entertainment and/or lounging. A built-in fire pit with nice patio furniture will be perfect for this purpose. Chances are you will probably want to include some storage areas in your outdoor space as well. Think about purchasing some large, durable outdoor storage totes or building an area dedicated to outdoor storage. There are also small storage sheds that can be easily put up in no time at all.
Maybe you want an outdoor space that combines all of the above ideas. If your property and budget permits, go for it. Any home improvement warehouse will most likely be able to assist you in creating an achievable design. The materials will be available through these places as well.
Create and Design
Once your intentions are clear, you can begin to turn your plans into actions. If you haven’t yet created a “blueprint” of your new outdoor space, you should do so. This will allow you to visualize your space and give you the chance to change your mind and make adjustments if necessary. You will also need to determine what type of furnishings, appliances, and play equipment will both make your space look the best and do their job. Try to think reasonably and avoid items that don’t really serve much of a purpose. You do not want to crowd your space with unnecessary things. When you are choosing outdoor furniture and decorations, stick to patterns and colors that aren’t overwhelming. Sticking to basic colors and patterns will not only prevent you from getting sick of them, but will also make it easier to accessorize your space.
Things to Remember
There are a few things you should remember when creating a multipurpose outdoor space. You should always think of your outdoor space as you would a room inside your home. Often times, outdoor areas are considered “yards” and lack the visual appeal and intimacy of indoor rooms. You should always have the main goal of your outdoor space in mind as well. This means choosing items that will be used regularly. If there are areas that serve no particular purpose, your outdoor space may appear incomplete or generic. Give each component to your space its own purpose and it will look complete and polished. Lastly, make you must make your outdoor space user friendly. If there are children in your family, be sure the space is kid-proof. Keep all dangerous appliances, fire pits, and hazardous plants out of reach. Make sure there is always proper supervision as well. This will keep everyone who visits your multipurpose space happy, safe, and content.
All of these tips will make it easy for you to multipurpose an outdoor space. As long as you know what you are going for and keep that in the back of your mind at all times, your space should be a very popular gathering place for many years to come.
Great article. We were looking at adding a few new features to our garden, so these ideas are really helpful!