Spending time outside in your private area is a blessing that not all people get to enjoy. This is your oasis, or at least it should be, but often, these backyards are underutilized and underwhelming.
This doesn’t have to be you. With a little effort and know-how, you can make a dramatic transformation. The best part is you don’t need a huge backyard to do it either. Having a quaint, intimate gathering spot is all you need.
Tips to Design a Cozy Outdoor Space
To get your creative juices flowing and inspiration popping, this is how to design a cozy outdoor space.
Define Your Area
Cozy is all about being warm with casual comfort, but it doesn’t need to be a tiny zone. You can make it as big or small as you want, so if your backyard is huge, dedicate an area for it. The rest of the space can be for grilling and playtime, but your cozy space is a retreat.
This is best placed away from foot traffic, so don’t set it up directly on a patio or deck. Make it accessible but secluded, near but far, so quiet conversation and intimate encounters can flourish.
Make It Comfortable
Part of the cozy vibe is relaxing and enjoying the space. Rigid chairs won’t cut it here, so you must seek furniture that suits your design. Patio furniture has come a long way, and there are amazing pieces you can include here, like lounge chairs for solo reading or couches with plush pillows to wrap your body around your partner.
Also, consider adding tasteful chairs and tables to gather for intimate meals and group chats. Hammocks can let your mind wander with the wind, while umbrellas offer the right amount of shade. Browse a furniture store catalogue and curate the best items to create the right tone for your boho paradise.
Add a Rug
If your space has a floor, it can be warmed up with a nice rug. This adds colour and texture and serves as a visual definition of the zone. It also comforts your feet, so you can slip off your shoes and let your toes breathe. Many weather-resistant rugs are available to fit your space, marrying durability with style to anchor your seating area perfectly.
Mood Lighting
Outdoor spaces take advantage of natural light and our sun’s warmth. While ideal for daytime, as the evening approaches, you need illumination to extend the gathering at your cozy retreat.
Add string lights to define a border or light a path towards it. LED candles look amazing and are not as loud as standard light bulbs. They give off a dim glow to enhance the mood. With your cozy haven lit, you can enjoy family, friends, and lovers in the wee hours.
Greenery
Coziness is also about surrounding yourself with natural elements, especially outdoors. Potted plants and greenery bathe you in all that nature provides; they are a living fabric that can envelop you.
Flowering plants are especially nice as they are dynamic and captivating, with colours and shapes you will enjoy in your outdoor retreat. You can even grow some herbs and strawberries to add fragrance and colour. This benefits your space and provides food at the same time.
Fire Pit
People love the allure of flames, so why not add a fit pit to your cozy corner? Guests will flock to the dancing colours and natural warmth, creating a crackling soundtrack for practicing self-care and being in the eternal present.
There are many different fire pits with designs that can fit your vibe. You can even cook on them or enjoy dessert smores with special guests sharing your most precious outdoor space.
Add Some Throws
Sitting or lying down on your soft patio furniture is great, but to amp up the cozy factor, add a variety of throws for everyone to share. These extra pillows and warm blankets provide the comfort you need outside and can serve as a punch of colour and texture to your furniture and decor. Get yourself a bench that can house these so they are tucked away until needed, and then wrap yourself in warmth as the space cools into the evening.
This is how to design a cozy outdoor space. Remember, there are no rules because this is your plan, and you must decide how it will take shape. Put your stamp on it by combining comfortable furniture with functional accessories, and then get out there and enjoy it as much as you can.
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