5 Tips to Help You Really Use Your Outdoor Space This Summer

Whether you have a rooftop or backyard the size of a postage stamp or a resort-sized estate, it takes creative design strategies to make the most of your space.

“In most homes, there are forgotten outdoor spaces or neglected corners or overlooked walls that hold untapped potential,” says Christiane Lemieux. designer and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.

Here are some tips from design experts and veteran DIYers on how to do just that.

Design like you are on a yacht

Yes, you read that right. To turn underused outdoor spaces into functional spaces, Lemieux recommends “thinking yacht.” This means designing upward rather than outward. Vertical elements “draw attention and maximize limited space,” she says.

Lemieux recommends installing “anything ‘Murphy,’” like flip-top tables and shelves. For greenery, look to trellises, climbing plants, or vertical gardens. These space-saving beauties “breathe life into walls, transforming them from blank canvases to vibrant components of your outdoor living space,” she says.

Liven up a dull entryway

““You may think a simple step-through entryway or small porch is something you have to live with, but consider creating an outdoor living space with a larger, more welcoming entrance to your home,” says Sara McDaniel, designer and home improvement expert at Simply Southern Cottage. Even a small front entrance can be something special, she says.

A garage, shed or other detached outbuilding on your property could be home to a new porch. For McDaniel, a small porch can add interest and even increase property value.

“Adding a small patio to a forgotten space in your yard can add so much charm and interest to your home,” she says. Here’s an example of what she did for one of her renovations:

Get creative with decor and lighting

You don’t have to decorate every square inch of your space with backyard decorations. But if you’ve been staring at an unused space for seasons, consider how it would look with some decorations and lighting. Then, if there’s room, add a place to sit, rock, or swing to breathe new life into it.

“By cleverly incorporating seating, lighting, and decorative elements, these once-forgotten small spaces become nooks for relaxation and enjoyment,” says Lemieux. “With a little creativity, every corner and square foot has a function waiting to be discovered.”

Build a deck and garden

Strict regulations in some areas can make building a deck a huge task for the do-it-yourselfer. But instead of a raised deck that connects to your house, consider a lower platform elsewhere on your property, says Al Ruggie, veteran do-it-yourselfer and marketing director of ASAP Restoration in Phoenix, AZ.

“Before I started this project, there was really nothing in this corner of the yard except sand and a few struggling weeds,” he says. “First, I installed an irrigation system and realized that I wanted more than just a garden there, but a place to sit and watch it grow. That’s when I started this crazy journey to create this circular deck.”

Using 10,000 rocks, more than seventy-five 80-pound bags of concrete, and more than $1,000 in supplies, Ruggie has no regrets about burning down his 14-foot wooden deck shou sugi ban style. And yes, it’s the perfect place to watch his garden flourish.

Create a place to gather Previous of your home

Often when discussing outdoor space, the default is the backyard. But we would be remiss if we left out homes that have usable space in the front yard.

McDaniels offers this challenge: “Imagine spaces beyond your eyes by creating an outdoor gathering spot in front of your home.”

She took on the challenge of a short-term rental property herself. To define the space, she installed beautiful tile, hung “quirky” string lights, and arranged colorful Adirondack chairs that simply invited visitors and residents to stop and take a break.