Outdoor living is part of today's lifestyle, and many homeowners are turning their outdoor areas into attractive and relaxing extensions of their homes during the warmer months of the year. People are trying to get as much enjoyment from their outdoor living spaces as their indoor. Thus, there are many new products and services available today, than ever before.



When beginning to plan a design for your outdoor living area, there are three basic components which are easily transferable between your indoor space and your outdoor space. As with indoor spaces, the ideas of the basic building blocks of design are reflected in outdoor living.

These are the basics:

- Floors: in outdoor living the floors can be grass, straw, mulch, a concrete patio or deck. Remember to keep in mind the upkeep and maintenance of the area; this should help you to make your decision.

- Walls: In outdoor design, walls can be created from hedges, lattices, fences, and screens. You can define different outdoor living spaces with raised planting beds or container plants to create vertical elements that may be more attractive and comfortable than fencing.

- Ceilings: Can be created from arbors and pergolas, shade trees, canvas canopies, awnings and umbrellas. Ceilings are optional for outdoor living. Their necessity is only to create a cool, dry area. However, you may find that you crave the added sense of enclosure a ceiling can give.

These are merely suggestions for the basic building blocks. If you have a particular style or design idea you can use something more personal to you, and your surroundings.

If you have particular physical or budgetary needs then this can be where you can get creative and make it work for you.

Also, why limit your outdoor space time to summer. Even for us in the northern climate areas, there are accessories which are available that can extend your enjoyment of your outdoor area at other times of the year. For example, outdoor fireplaces and electric and gas heaters will keep you warm throughout the fall and early spring. Outdoor lighting is also very important in extending your outdoor living use.

If you are planning to install a patio or deck as your ‘flooring' it is best to hire a professional landscape designer or renovator who can offer valuable advice to help you get the most out of your property and your budget. A deck or patio can be as simple as a sitting area for you and your family, or be as complex as including a combination of walkways, gazebos, gardens, pools, ponds and fountains.

For the beginner outdoor garden designer, it is best to develop an overall plan, or map of the area you are transforming especially if the work is not done all at the same time. Consider fencing for privacy, safety and of course looks. Think about plants, shrubs and trees for the long term, how will they grow, and develop over the years and how will that affect space and sun exposure.