How to make the most of your outdoor areas this summer

article content

Summer in Canada is the season to reconnect and reconnect with nature, fresh air and the great outdoors. It’s also time to plan some projects to make the outdoors even better. Whether you want to increase the value of your home or simply increase your enjoyment, there’s a lot you can do for your outdoor living areas.

article content

But before going deeper, the first step is to have a vision and a clear path to follow.

To get there, many choose to work with a professional designer, making sure their exterior spaces are on par with their interiors. When undertaking a project with an outdoor element, our company’s approach is to elevate the space by enhancing its function and style.

It is no secret that the pandemic caused a change in the way we perceive and use our homes. Patios, gardens, patios and balconies have taken on a new meaning among end users and resale buyers alike. Here’s how to make the most of them.

function first

Think of your garden as an extension of your interior living areas. You wouldn’t leave the rooms empty, would you? Consider the activities you plan to do outdoors, whether it’s cooking and dining, reading and relaxing, or more active activities that require a pool or golf course.

article content

The goal is to lengthen the short but sweet outdoor season; the trick is to use the outside in a way that not only mimics our inside, but connects the two.

If you’re renovating or building a home, work with a landscaper to create an even flow inside and out and view the space around your home as part of the project, not an afterthought.

Your exterior “floor plan” might already be outlined, if you’re working with an existing deck, pool, or other built-in feature. If you’re starting from scratch, consider factors like existing trees and plants, privacy, and where the sun and shade fall during the day.

Trendy features like cabanas, pools, or outdoor gourmet kitchens are niche items that are in high demand. Contemporary patio doors are often large in size and open up parts of the house to create a smooth transition between inside and outside.

article content

Now add style. What kind of “vibe” do you want your outdoor areas to have? Your interior should be a good guide to what appeals to you aesthetically, but your exterior area doesn’t have to be a mirror image. Have fun with color and accessories, but always in the context of your interior palette of colors and materials.

Tips

Give your exterior the same attention you would your interior rooms, and you’ll find yourself spending a lot more time outdoors, beyond the best months. Make the most of every season and every inch of the outdoors while you’re at it.

Trisha Isabey is the creative director and lead designer for the award-winning isabey interiorsa design company based in Kelowna.