Nine Outdoor Living Space Ideas

Looking to make the most out of your garden, patio or balcony? With these outdoor living space ideas, you can turn any outdoor area into a cosy sanctuary that acts as an extension of your home.

Here’s how to build an outdoor living space that works all year round.

Outdoor Living Room Ideas and Tips to Transform Your Garden

Learn how to transform your outdoor living space into a beautiful oasis, from inspiring cosy atmospheres to elevating comfort.

1. Warm Up the Space With Heating Features

You’ll use your outdoor space much more if it’s warm. Our top tip is to invest in stylish heating solutions like firepits and outdoor fireplaces. This will help you make the most of your outdoor space, even on chilly evenings.

Or, if you have an outdoor power supply, consider looking into outdoor heaters. These are perfect for staying warm and cosy even during the colder months.

An outdoor bar table with woven rattan bar stools.

2. Choose Stylish and Durable Furniture

Upgrade your garden furniture with weather-resistant options that rival indoor versions for style and comfort.

Try synthetic weaves or timeless wood furniture which can be easily refreshed with a lick of paint. Metal pieces are also durable options that are perfect for year-round use.

For some added comfort, include plush seating and outdoor cushions made with weather-resistant fabrics.

Modular furniture can also be a great choice as it allows you to customise your seating arrangements, enabling you to accommodate visitors easily.

A modern but minimalist outdoor kitchen.

3. Add a Cooking Station

What’s not to love about cooking and eating outdoors? Cooking outdoors is one of themany joys of having a functional garden, patio or balcony.

Whether you choose to incorporate a built-in kitchen or simply opt for a regular barbecue setup, having a dedicated cooking area is guaranteed to help you spend more time outdoors.

For extra convenience, consider adding a countertop and storage space.

Blue glowing LED pebble lights on a deck.

4. Set the Mood With Lighting

Outdoor lighting will help you reap the benefits of an outdoor space even after the sun has set. The right lighting is a powerful tool that can add ambience to your space.

Solar lighting is a great solution for brightening up your garden without the hassle of installing outdoor power. It is also an eco-friendly choice that requires minimal effort.

To highlight specific areas, like seating areas and plants, consider adding accent lighting. Or, to indicate pathways, try ground-level lanterns.

To avoid disturbing insects and other wildlife, there are a few simple rules you should follow:

Light the ground rather than the sky
Use motion detectors or timers to switch lights off when not required
Focus light on specific plants, steps and seating areas, rather than the whole
garden

5. Add Decorative Features

Decorative features such as sculptures, outdoor art and mirrors can add a touch of personality to your garden.

Mirrors, in particular, are a crafty way of making small gardens look larger and dark spaces look brighter. But bear in mind that they need careful positioning.

A top tip for designing your outdoor living space is to position decorative pieces whether they can be enjoyed inside or outside your home.

An outdoor seating area with colourful patterned tiles, a sofa and patterned cushions.

6. Create a Cosy Atmosphere With Flooring, Rugs and Cushions

Porcelain tiles, patterned rugs and cushions are a simple way to add colour, texture and comfort to your outdoor living space, making it more inviting. They can also be used to
define specific areas like dining and lounging spaces.

Again, you’ll need to opt for weather-resistant materials and fabrics to ensure the solutions you choose will be long-lasting. We also recommend keeping furniture covered when you’re not using it to increase its lifespan.

An outdoor seating area under a modern metal pergola.

7. Protect Against Weather With Shelters

Don’t let rain (or sun) stop play. Transform your outdoor living space into a sanctuary that you can enjoy all year round using pergolas, gazebos and shade sails. These will offer protection from both sun and rain.

To make your outdoor living space more versatile, consider a shelter with adjustable options that allow you to control the amount of shade or light entering the space.

A cosy outdoor seating area with latticework panels and candles on the table.

8. Create Private Spaces With Screening

Need a little more privacy outdoors? One of the easiest ways to create a screen is with plants in large pots and planters.

Use tall plants, trellises or fences to block unwanted views or offer you some privacy from your neighbours.

Movable planters or lattice panels are a great choice as they can be easily moved to where they’re needed when they’re needed.

A small desk with plants, books and a lamp in a greenhouse.

9. Repurpose Your Greenhouse

Greenhouses are not only brilliant for growing your own herbs and vegetables; they can also be used as a yoga room, an office, an art studio, a garden bar or an all-weather outdoor dining room.

To keep them warmer in winter, try adding a layer of bubble wrap. Or, invest in a greenhouse heater.

With a few simple design touches, your greenhouse can quickly become a comfortable extension of your living room.

Create Enjoyable Spaces With Berkeley Group

From interior design planning to new build styling tips and advice for creating beautiful outdoor living spaces, Berkeley Group provides all the support you need to make the most of your home.

Search for your new home in a desirable UK location now, or visit Berkeley Inspiration for innovative ideas to elevate your space.