Creating the perfect outdoor oasis: Tips for a better quality of life outdoors
Outdoor living has a very special quality. It extends our living space during the warmer months and simultaneously brings peace and balance to everyday life. A well-designed outdoor area – whether a balcony, terrace, or garden – can become a retreat where one can read, relax, or spend time with family and friends.
When outdoor spaces are designed to create a truly comfortable living environment, we automatically use them more often. And numerous studies show that spending time in nature has a positive impact on our well-being. But how do you design an outdoor area to be functional, inviting, and practical for everyday use?
1. Clearly define functional needs
The first step is to clarify how you intend to use your outdoor space. What do you actually want to do there? Will it be a place for eating – and if so, how many people? Is space for play and exercise important? Or is the focus on relaxing with a coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening?
Create a short list of your priorities. This will serve as the basis for all further decisions and help you to use the available space effectively.
2. Plan the floor plan consciously
Before choosing furniture, a simple sketch is helpful. Measure your space and realistically assess what will fit. For a dining table, allow approximately 60 cm of table length per person, plus about 90 cm of space around the table for comfortable movement.
For relaxed conversations, seating arrangements where people can face each other are ideal. Two armchairs with a small side table, or a sofa combined with two armchairs and a low table, create a relaxed atmosphere.
Multifunctional furniture is particularly practical. Comfortable upholstered dining chairs can be used for both eating and relaxing – ideal for smaller spaces.
3. Create atmosphere with accessories
It's the details that truly bring an outdoor space to life. Plants of varying heights, grouped together rather than scattered individually, enhance the feeling of nature and depth. Cushions and light blankets not only provide comfort but also extend the time the space can be used well into the cooler evening hours.
Lightweight, sheer outdoor curtains can be used for covered patios or verandas. They create an airy atmosphere, offer privacy, and soften direct sunlight without making the space feel heavy.
Lighting is a particularly important factor. Multiple light sources create a welcoming atmosphere in the evening. Weatherproof string lights, battery-operated lanterns, and small table lamps provide orientation and ambiance. Candles complement the lighting concept and lend the outdoor area a warm, homey touch.
As with any living space, textures and light bring outdoor areas to life. Start with functionality, choose suitable furniture, and complement it with carefully selected accessories. This creates an outdoor space that not only looks good but is also enjoyed – all summer long.