How To Visualize, Plan and Execute Your Ultimate Outdoor Space

As we roll into summer 2020 and continue to navigate the best ways to safely operate our day to day lives, the great outdoors is proving to be a place of solace and (seemingly) the safest place to do anything.  

Do you hit a wall with how to achieve an outdoor space that is truly an oasis for you and your family? Planning for your exterior is no different than your interior; think of it as an extension of your living space.  It may be tempting to purchase on a whim or haphazardly throw together pieces, but with a little forethought, you can achieve the space of your dreams.

Here are some questions to get you started:

1. what will I/we be doing in the space? lounging, dining, play space or a combination?

2. how many people will I need to accommodate?

3. what budget am I comfortable allocating? 

4. what style am I drawn to?

5. Is lighting needed? (hint: lighting is ALWAYS needed) 

6. can the updates be phased out?

7. what restrictions do I need to work around? 

8. do I want a low or high maintenance area - this can help determine plant types/ground coverings/decking material/furniture material etc?

Once you’ve had a chance to work through the above questions, you can start to piece together your favourite elements, build your budget and moodboard.  We recommend starting a Pinterest board to help to streamline your vision and Canva is a great tool for building your own moodboard (it’s free to use!)

Here’s a link to my Back Garden page on Pinterest for reference  https://www.pinterest.ca/AlanaFletcher/af-at-home/back-garden/ and moodboards below.

To walk you through my personal process: 

My focus is on overall landscaping right now, so I’m looking at images that connect with how I want to ‘feel’ when I am in my yard.  Privacy and comfort are high on my list along with low maintenance, pet-friendly and lush.  I currently have a blank slate so I am dreaming BIG!  Budget is limited for me right now because I am still working through updating the functional parts of my home (HVAC/Kitchen).  When I work through the design process with intention, I know I have clarity on how to proceed and what to purchase.  This means that I can utilize end of season sales and get a jump for next year while avoiding purchases I may regret.

Download our free design workbook to get started. 

Once you are able to think through your design decisions, the clarity that it affords you is priceless!  

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