Your outdoor space has potential, but it no longer appeals to you as much as it should? You're not alone! Indeed, this problem often stems from a lack of structure: no well-defined zones, insufficient lighting, or surfaces that require too much maintenance…
If you want to better arrange your terrace or garden and rediscover the pleasure of spending time there, you will need to combine some practical aspects with your personal touch.
In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to achieve this, step by step. We'll start with the foundations and go all the way to the finishing touches, such as adding a PVC membrane to provide long-lasting protection for your terrace, for example.
To make the most of every square meter, we will layer surfaces, lighting, zones, furniture, strategic plantings, focal points and protections, in order to establish a plan that will match your lifestyle and budget.
First, we'll look at how to choose the right surfaces, then we'll explore lighting, zones, outdoor furniture, decorative elements, planting, and finally, protection..
Choosing the right materials for your garden soil
You should start by thinking about a solid floor that you will like for as long as possible, and that you won't get tired of over the years.
Here are some concrete examples of trendy surfaces:
- You can use porcelain paving stones, for example, which will stay cool underfoot, even in full sun, and will not become slippery when wet.
- Natural stone is appealing because it adds depth with its patterns and colors that vary from stone to stone. It's a noble material that connects you to the earth.
- Stamped concrete can be adorned with decorative patterns and will remain solid and easy to maintain, without having too many joints to clean.
This list is not exhaustive, but you should (if possible) test with a sample and see how the material behaves and if it suits you, then determine if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
For example: how do these materials heat up in full sun at midday, for instance? Do I feel comfortable with this material, and would a certain type of dust bother me? Etc…
In all cases, your soil must be well compacted and slightly sloped to allow for proper drainage. This is crucial, as it will be difficult to reverse the process once it's done!
You will need to choose beautiful colors that you like and that will match the exterior walls of your house, opting for rather light but slightly matte shades so that your outdoor floor doesn't turn into either an oven or a mirror…
Quality landscaping is usually a very good investment: the National Association of Realtors notes that well-designed landscaping (so it starts with its structure) can increase the value of a property by 5 to 12%.
Install good lighting for your parties
Good lighting makes evenings longer and more enjoyable. Start with string lights to create a warm atmosphere.
Next, add lights near steps and fences for safety. You can also install discreet spotlights to highlight your trees or shrubs. Avoid harsh lights that hurt the eyes and opt for warm rather than cool light bulbs.
For outdoor use, LEDs are the best choice: they consume 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
Solar lighting is also a good option that is easy to install, while low-voltage systems last longer. Ideally, use moisture-resistant enclosures with an IP65 rating or higher, otherwise you will encounter operational problems very quickly!
Here are some other helpful ideas that will make your life easier:
- Use timers and dimmers to change the ambiance in the evening.
- Direct the lights downwards in the aisles to avoid being blinded.
- Respect the safety distances according to the electrical regulations of your region.
Organize different zones in your garden
Dividing your garden into zones makes it more practical and comfortable, especially when you have children.
You can place an outdoor rug under the dining table to define this space and install a large corner sofa there for the relaxation area.
You can also use planters, benches or low walls to separate spaces without completely blocking the view.
In small gardens, opt for folding tables and built-in benches. These outdoor living space ideas promote the flow of energy. The result gives the impression of having several rooms rather than one large plot of land.
Here are some possible configurations:
- A clear space around the dining table with 91 cm around the chairs to facilitate movement.
- The sun loungers are spaced approximately 61 cm apart between the frames for added comfort.
- A children's play area that remains visible from the dining and conversation areas.
For safety reasons, always keep the barbecue away from the seating and this children's play area, while leaving enough free space between the doors and stairs for people to move around easily.
In small gardens, choose folding tables and fixed benches to save space.
It should be noted that this trend responds to a frequent need to optimize space and that, according to statistics, 76% of owners who are landscaping their garden now want several functional areas rather than one large empty space.
Choose furniture that will stand the test of time
Furniture made with well-chosen outdoor materials will completely change the look of your garden as well as your daily comfort.
Painted aluminum resists rust and is easy to clean. It will be quite easy to reuse for other applications.
Teak, on the other hand, tends to turn silvery-grey over time and lasts for decades if properly cared for. Composite wood (HDPE) is highly resistant to moisture and intense sunlight, without rotting.
The price difference between cheap and quality furniture is justified by the duration: good outdoor furniture lasts 15 to 20 years with minimal maintenance, compared to only 3 to 5 years for low-end options.
For cushions, you should choose foam that dries quickly and fabric that will resist UV rays with a protection of at least 500 hours.
It is always interesting to mix different types of furniture – some in woven rattan, others with wooden slats, and some upholstered pieces.
You can add outdoor rugs for extra comfort underfoot, not forgetting small side tables for placing plates and glasses.
Add a fireplace or fountain
Fire and water will completely change the atmosphere of your garden and add character, inviting relaxation for you and your guests.
For example, a fire pit allows people to sit in a circle and warm up together on cooler evenings. An outdoor fireplace blocks the wind and also creates a gathering point in your outdoor space. However, always be sure to maintain safe distances and install a spark arrestor.
These devices are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, it's worth noting that nearly a third of homeowners who renovate their gardens now add a fire feature.
For water, a small fountain can drown out street noise and help you relax. The sound of running water measurably reduces stress levels.
Be careful of surfaces that become slippery when wet, and protect electrical outlets from splashes. Carefully consider the wind direction before deciding where to install these items, as otherwise you may encounter problems with projectiles
Add plants for privacy and natural
Plants transform your garden by adding color, privacy, and even refreshing the air.
Use evergreen shrubs like cedars or bay trees to create a natural screen that stays green year-round. Climbing plants on a trellis take up little ground space while providing plenty of privacy.
We also advise you to vary the flower pots with different heights to create visual levels and improve the appearance of the shapes.
Plants do much more than decorate: they can reduce the ambient temperature by 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, which will decrease your air conditioning costs by up to 25%, if they are well placed.
Choose plants suited to your hardiness zone and the amount of sunlight your land receives, while trying to group plants that have the same water requirements to facilitate maintenance.
If you can, add mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Protect your space with a sturdy shelter
A shelter allows you to use your garden more often and protects your furniture from the sun and rain.
Pergolas provide light, partial shade and retractable blinds let you control the amount of sun according to your needs, while polycarbonate panels will block rain without being too heavy.
In general, homeowners who add a covered area to their outdoor space use their garden 60% more often than before. Which makes perfect sense!
For complete protection of your deck or patio, a PVC membrane can cover the entire surface. This type of coating is UV resistant and lasts from 15 to 30 years depending on the product quality!
Check that your terrace has a minimum slope of 2% (approximately 2 cm per meter) so that the water drains properly, and that the edging is properly installed, then also make sure that the final surface is not slippery when it rains.
In summary: landscaping is done step by step
Designing a garden doesn't have to be super complicated! Start by choosing the right surfaces for your soil, then add lighting that creates a good atmosphere.
Next, organize different areas for eating, relaxing and playing, and choose comfortable furniture that will stand the test of time.
When all of this is in place, add a focal point such as a fireplace or fountain and plant vegetation for more privacy and coolness.
Finally, finish with a shelter or a PVC membrane to protect your investment (this step is sometimes a priority depending on the configuration for some).
You will need to decide what your priorities will be according to your budget, starting with the elements that matter most to you, while keeping in mind that without having prepared the ground (and sometimes covered for some), nothing will be possible afterwards…
By following these simple tips, your garden or patio will soon become the place where your whole family wants to spend time! So don't overdo it, or you'll end up being harassed! 🙂