An outdoors living room: ideas for setting up the perfect relaxation area for the summertime
Any outdoor space that your home offers should be used to its fullest for entertainment and relaxation. Gardens, balconies and terraces - no matter how small - can be set up and equipped as, for example, a kitchenette or a relaxing outdoors lounge. It all depends on your needs and the actual space available. Take a look at some of the great ideas below:
1. Concrete planters in a relaxation area
Perfect for small courtyards and even for slightly larger terraces and balconies, concrete planters that run around the perimeter can be constructed in such a way as to also provide seating (which can then be furnished with cushions). And by adding a table, you're ready for your outdoor soirées!
2. Customized wooden structures
You can do the same thing (see above) using wood, which, of course, will need to be treated to resist the elements. And wood always helps to set a warm, welcoming ambience.
3. High garden walls? No problem
Some houses are surrounded by high fences or walls that create spaces that looks too narrow to be converted in a comfortable outdoor living room. But with simple and minimalist decor - shown here - it can be done!
4. Boho inspiration
A single wooden bench placed up against the outside wall of the house, covered with colorful cushions and surrounded by an "explosion" of lush, green vegetation (where they also provide privacy!). As you can see, this boho-type style takes very little to set up outdoors.
5. Limited space, a lot of class
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Here's an example of vertical planters that also provide seating. Add a matching coffee table and now you have an outdoor space where you can, for example, have breakfast or relax while reading a book.
6. Classic, with timeless charm
A wooden bench with a matching armchair and table. A beach umbrella provides shade (but it could also be a tree) and a thick "walls" of lush greenry provide privacy, shade, color, pleasant scents and even soundproofing. What could be better?
7. The sinuous lines of rattan
Those who live in warmer climates have the luxury of being able to use garden furniture made from rattan (sinews made from solid timber vines): sofas, armchairs and coffee tables with sinuous lines and woven textures, create a great impression, and even more so set against the backdrop of a garden or balcony full of plants.
8. A touch of the Orient
A terrace or a paved corner of the garden is the ideal place to equip with a rug and comfortable cushions or poufs, replicating the oriental style. This styling takes very few resources and, with the right lighting, your evenings spent outdoors can feel magical.
9. Swinging gently
When we were young, it was swings that entertained us for hours; as adults, its rocking chairs that help us relax and doze off. So why not continue this gently swinging/rocking theme by installing suspended seating in your garden (aka "love seats")?
10. A flexible living room
What if your outdoor relaxation area was basically another living room? With a glass roof and walls, you can have it opened up when the weather is good, but can just as easily close it up when the weather turns. With sufficient space and funds, this structure could be a valuable asset-addition to your home.
11. Eating and lounging
Consuming a delicous lunch or dinner and then lounging around relaxing while you digest your meal: this is what you get with outdoor kitchens (like this brick one shown here).
Which of these ideas appeal to you for your outdoor spaces?
