Glickman Design Build Case Studies
13
Dec

Glickman’s Guideline for Designing an Outdoor Living Space You’ll Love Year-Round

Creating an outdoor living space that is not only beautiful but also functional year-round can transform your home and elevate your lifestyle. At Glickman Design Build, we believe that your outdoor area should be an extension of your indoor space, offering comfort, style, and usability no matter the season. 

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy winter gatherings by the fire, shaded summer relaxation, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by nature, Glickman Design Build is here to guide you through the key elements that make an outdoor space work all year.

Designing an Outdoor Living Space

1. Define Your Purpose: How Do You Want to Use the Space?

Before diving into design ideas, it’s essential to think about how you plan to use your outdoor space. Are you looking to create an area for entertaining guests, a private relaxation haven, a family-friendly spot for playing and dining, or maybe a bit of everything?

Once you have a clear vision, we can help you tailor the space to meet your specific needs:

Entertainment Focused: If you love hosting, a space with plenty of seating, a dining area, and perhaps an outdoor kitchen will work well.

Relaxation Zone: For unwinding, consider a comfortable lounge area, perhaps with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, where you can unwind in peace.

Family-Friendly: For families, a combination of dining and lounging areas with flexible seating, easy-clean surfaces, and safe play zones will help make the space fun and functional for all ages.

When the purpose is defined, we can ensure that each feature fits your lifestyle, so your outdoor space truly becomes a part of your daily routine.

2. Plan for All-Weather Comfort

To make the most of your outdoor space year-round, it’s essential to incorporate elements that provide comfort across all seasons. Here are some of our favorite tips for ensuring comfort in any weather:

Shade for Summer: Consider installing a pergola, retractable awning, or shade sails to block harsh sunlight during summer. This will keep your space cool and comfortable while also protecting outdoor furniture from sun damage.

Heating for Cooler Months: Adding an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or even strategically placed heat lamps can make chilly evenings cozier and keep your outdoor space usable through fall and winter.

Rain Protection: A covered patio or gazebo is ideal for rainy days, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is less than perfect. You might also consider roll-down curtains or screens to block wind and rain when needed.

By including versatile elements, your outdoor space will be equipped for comfort all year, ensuring it’s always an enjoyable place to gather and relax.

3. Create a Seamless Transition from Indoors to Outdoors

Your outdoor living space should feel like a natural extension of your indoor areas, with smooth flow and complementary design. This can be achieved through various design choices, including matching color palettes, similar flooring, or even large sliding or folding glass doors.

Flooring Continuity: Using similar flooring materials or colors in both indoor and outdoor spaces can create visual harmony. For instance, if you have hardwood or tile indoors, consider a complementary outdoor material like wood decking or stone tiles that echo the style.

Open Entrances: Sliding or folding glass doors are an excellent way to blur the boundary between inside and out, allowing you to fully open up the space during warmer months.

Consistent Decor and Colors: Bringing some of your indoor decor elements outside, like throw pillows, rugs, and color accents, can help tie the spaces together for a cohesive look and feel.

A seamless transition will make the outdoor space feel like an integrated part of your home rather than an afterthought, enhancing your experience in both areas.

4. Incorporate Outdoor-Friendly Furniture and Materials

Choosing the right materials for your outdoor furniture and decor is crucial to creating a space that lasts. Since outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, it’s essential to select materials that are weather-resistant and durable. Glickman’s design team helps til the last detail! Here’s a few suggestions for the areas that are often overlooked:

Weather-Resistant Furniture: Look for furniture made from materials like teak, metal, resin wicker, and Sunbrella fabric cushions that can withstand sun, rain, and humidity without fading or deteriorating.

Natural Stone and Tile: For countertops, seating areas, and flooring, stone and tile are excellent options that add elegance and are built to last. Materials like granite, slate, and porcelain tile are ideal for outdoor use.

Easy-Care Plants: Adding plants is a fantastic way to liven up your space, but choose low-maintenance options like succulents, ornamental grasses, and evergreens to keep the area looking fresh with minimal upkeep.

With quality, weatherproof furniture and decor, your outdoor living area will remain beautiful and comfortable no matter what the forecast holds.

5. Add Lighting for Ambiance and Safety

Lighting can make all the difference in creating an inviting outdoor atmosphere. Not only does lighting enhance ambiance, but it also improves safety and usability when the sun goes down.

String Lights and Lanterns: String lights create a warm, cozy glow perfect for evening gatherings, while lanterns provide soft lighting that adds to the aesthetic.

Path Lighting: Line pathways and steps with soft, low lighting for safe movement and a welcoming look. Solar-powered lights are a low-energy option that also fits well with sustainable design goals.

Accent Lighting: Use accent lights to highlight landscaping features, trees, or architectural elements to add depth and interest to your outdoor space.

Strategic lighting can transform your outdoor area, making it just as enjoyable at night as it is during the day.

6. Incorporate Unique Features and Focal Points

An outdoor space should have elements that reflect your personal style and create focal points that draw the eye. Consider incorporating one or more standout features that make your space truly unique:

Water Feature: From small fountains to elaborate waterfalls, water features add a touch of tranquility and elegance.

Outdoor Kitchen or Bar: An outdoor kitchen or bar area is a fantastic addition if you enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors. It can range from a simple grill setup to a fully equipped kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, and plenty of prep space.

Fire Pit or Fireplace: A fire pit or fireplace serves as a beautiful gathering spot and adds warmth, making it an ideal centerpiece for cooler evenings.

Adding a focal point creates a gathering place within the space and gives your outdoor area a distinct personality.

Why Choose Glickman Design Build to Create Your Dream Outdoor Space?

At Glickman Design Build, we know that designing a space that’s both stunning and functional is all about the details. Our expert team will work with you to incorporate all the elements you need to make your outdoor area comfortable and inviting year-round. From initial concept to final touches, we’ll help you build an outdoor oasis that reflects your vision and lifestyle.

Our expertise in integrating smart designs with durable, stylish materials ensures that your outdoor space remains beautiful and usable across seasons. Let Glickman Design Build transform your backyard into an extension of your home—perfect for relaxation, entertaining, and everything in between.
Ready to create the outdoor living space of your dreams? Contact Glickman Design Build today to start planning your year-round outdoor oasis!