Residential Design+Build Blog

Design tips and information for renovations, additions and custom home building in West Chester and the Greater Philadelphia area.

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Space in West Chester PA

The sun is shining, and it is a beautiful day! There is only one problem – your home doesn’t have a space for you to sit back and enjoy the weather. Creating the perfect outdoor living space is a great way to enhance the comfort and beauty of your home while also creating a space for entertaining guests and relaxing with your family. Making your outdoor space your own is a great project, as it can be as simple or complex as you want. Here are some tips on how to create your ideal outdoor living space in West Chester, PA. 

Determining Your Outdoor Needs

Consider what it is you want to prioritize when creating this space. Many factors may contribute to your outdoor needs. If you have a large family or a big group of friends, you may want a lot of space for entertaining. If you love barbecuing and eating outside, you should prioritize outdoor appliances. If your group enjoys backyard games, you may want an open area with fresh grass. Once you have considered how to utilize your outdoor space, it is time to define it. 

Defining Your Outdoor Space

To create your ideal outdoor space, you must incorporate elements to achieve your demands. There are several ways to make your area visually appealing and agreeable to your interests.

Create a Welcoming Entrywayhazley builders custom home design and build

You know the saying, first impressions are everything! Create a memorable first impression by designing a beautiful entryway to your outdoor living space. Try adding a trellis or arbor. A trellis will allow sunlight and support plants, and an arbor will be the doorway that leads your guests into your beautiful garden. Simply adding potted or hanging plants, elegant statues, or an attractive water feature can make this space eye-catching. This is a great way to add decor that fits your personal preferences. Additionally, depending on how much space you have, you may be interested in creating a stone or brick walkway to lead toward your outdoor sanctuary.

Use Natural Materials

Utilize natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick. With these materials, you can define your space and create an area where decor and furniture can shine. This may be a deck or patio; to others, this may be a small porch or fire pit. Regardless of your preference, natural materials are essential for creating a solid foundation.

Invest in Outdoor Furniture 

Invest in high-quality furniture that can withstand the weather and provide comfort for your guests. Choose pieces that fit your style and needs, such as a dining table and chairs, lounge chairs, and a sofa. Consider adding cushions, pillows, and blankets for additional comfort. Investing in weather-resistant cushions or furniture covers is vital since harsh conditions can ruin or tarnish certain materials.

Include a Dining Areahazley builders custom home design and build

If your family enjoys grilling, eating outside, or hosting parties, an outdoor kitchen and dining area will be a great addition to your living space. Aside from a dining table and chairs, appliances such as a grill or refrigerator can elevate your outdoor experience. This way, your beverages are cold on a hot day, and your burgers are grilled to perfection!

Install Lighting

The party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Adding outdoor lighting to your space will not only create a beautiful ambiance but will also allow you to continue enjoying your area throughout the evening. We recommend adding low-volt landscape lighting to your backyard. Low-volt lighting is safe, cost-effective, easy to install, and creates a beautiful aesthetic for your property! There are many other creative ways to add light to your space, such as string lights, lanterns, floodlights, and more. Regardless, adding a light source will create a warm and inviting atmosphere and add that extra element of safety.

Add Shadehazley builders custom home design and build

Adding shade can make your outdoor space more comfortable on hot summer days. Consider installing a pergola or pavilions to cover a portion of your area. If you want to have the option of sun or shade, an umbrella or canopy may be an excellent choice for you. Better yet, most canopies, umbrellas, and pavilions protect your space from rain. You will never need to move the party inside when adding coverage to your space. 

Add Greenery

Adding greenery will create a natural and tranquil environment. You can lay some grass for outdoor activities if you have ample space. You can add floral and green touches such as potted plants, hanging baskets, or a garden. The options are endless for incorporating vegetation.

Add a Water Featurehazley builders custom home design and build

Lastly, adding a water feature, such as a pond, fountain, or waterfall, can add a calming touch to your outdoor environment. This can serve as a focal point and provide a unique sense of natural beauty. Water features also tend to be relatively peaceful!

Hazley Builders can help you create the perfect outdoor living space to enhance your lifestyle and provide a beautiful and comfortable space for entertaining and relaxing. Our design team will meet with you to identify the goals for your family based on your unique issues, wants, and needs for your new home. After extensive interviews to understand your taste, style, and inspiration, our Architect and Designer will create and present custom schematic designs for your review! You can learn more about our process, and contact us today to get started.