How to Create Your Dream Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living spaces are an essential extension of our homes, especially when embracing the beauty and tranquility of nature. They provide a picturesque setting for meals, socializing, or simply relaxing with a book in the fresh air. Understandably, unpredictable weather can sometimes put a damper on these peaceful moments. Addressing this challenge, some thoughtful planning can ensure that a covered area is available – a haven where you can enjoy the splendor of nature while staying comfortably sheltered from the elements. Let’s explore how to create such a space where the best parts of summer can be savored, regardless of the weather forecast.

Repurpose Underutilized Outbuildings

We have a small campsite in the gorgeous hills of Tennessee. It’s surrounded by idyllic horse pastures and natural beauty. Part of the reason we come to Tennessee for vacation is to beat the Florida heat. Our little camp consists of a 186 square foot cottage, a barn, and a weather-beaten wood shed.

Our cottage is a shed conversion with little insulation and afternoons get steamy. When the weather is hot we find the cottage to be uncomfortable. We planted some bushes and trees around the cottage hoping to create some shade. To our dismay, these attempts at a solution did little. So we decided to create an outdoor living space overlooking the surrounding wildlife gardens.

Instead of investing upwards of $2,500 on a pergola, we decided to work with what we already have. Wait a minute, I thought, do we really need a wood shed? The only thing we use wood for is campfires. Plus, look at this thing, it’s unsightly. An idea was born.

Clear out Clutter

First, we had to move all of the wood. A wheelbarrow left by the previous owners was helpful for that task. We reclaimed a large metal box to store the remaining wood. Load by load, we moved the wood to its new home. Step one complete!

Next, we power washed the wood shed. It took all afternoon but look at the difference. Our lovely outdoor living space was taking shape.

Install Welcoming Features

We installed a mirror and some comfy hanging chairs to create a homey feel. A chandelier with candles made the outdoor living space feel glamorous. Habitat for Humanity’s resale shop is a great place to find chandeliers to upcycle. We’ve found them as low as four dollars on sale. When you find one you like, make sure to cut the wiring out and remove the globes and bulbs. Following that you will wrap the base of taper candles with plastic wrap before fitting them in the bulb socket to secure. Alternately, you could hot glue them in place.

Consider Upcycled and Natural Materials

We wondered what to do for the floor of the outdoor living space. Mud would seep in during heavy summer rains, consequently we had to come up with a solution. Laying stones or concrete could be expensive, time consuming, and labor intensive. One resource we had an abundance of was moss. Don’t you just love the velvety texture and whimsical look of moss? It is nature’s carpet. Soft on our feet thereupon perfect for grounding.

My concern with moss was how easily it can be damaged by repetitive traffic. At that point we decided to use the other abundant resource around the camp, river rock. High traffic areas were inlaid with river rock having a border of moss. In effect the river rock proved a little unstable for walking so we added pea gravel to the area instead.

Budget Friendly Purchases

We bought ten bags of pea gravel which was very inexpensive. The bags were easily moveable in contrast to having a load of stone delivered. Each bag was positioned and dumped in place.

Using a leaf rake we gently smoothed the gravel to an even consistency. After all this was the area where our feet would rest and we wanted it to be level.

Use a Combination of Eco-Friendly Materials

To hold the pea gravel in place and complete the outdoor living space project, we placed moss around the sides and back of the circle of gravel. First, we wet the dirt to help the moss acclimate. Remember moss loves moisture!

Basically, when collecting moss you can use a shovel or a sharp knife to carefully cut patches. Additionally try to remove any weeds that you don’t want in your new moss patch.

We pieced the moss patches together like a puzzle. The moss carpet created a coziness in our outdoor living space. The front edge was secured with river rock all across the front.

Create Softness With Curtains

We added curtains for a cozy effect and to reduce sun exposure. An old sheet worked well for this purpose. We cut the sheet down the middle facing the cut edge toward the inside. Each curtain was affixed where the wall meets the ceiling. To create pleats like a curtain would have, make folds and staple in place.

Other Ways to Create Outdoor Living Space

You can create an outdoor living space using things you already have. It doesn’t even have to be a structure. For instance you could plant bushes or shrubby trees to create the walls — like this cozy nook.

You could even hang old windows or mirrors to mimic the look of windows. Add a crystal chandelier for a touch of romance.

If you prefer a more exotic look, try planting several bamboo plants of a clumping variety so they don’t take over the yard. Bamboo is surprisingly simple to propagate from cuttings and grows lightning fast. You could create an entire living wall or living fence from one single plant.

In conclusion, crafting your outdoor living space is an opportunity to express yourself freely and design an area that reflects your personal style and creativity. It is a unique project where budget constraints can take a backseat to ingenuity and the natural environment becomes your canvas. So step outside, let your imagination guide you, and watch as your yard transforms into a delightful extension of your home, without the need for an extravagant budget. Embrace this chance to create, enjoy, and revel in the process of personalizing your outdoor sanctuary.

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