A Complete Guide To Outdoor Living Structure Design

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If you are wondering how to utilize your outdoor living space, you have come to the right place! Your outside area requires suitable outdoor structures to boost your home's entire look and feel. You can use this space to enjoy a private, cozy time with yourself or your family. You can even use it to host get-togethers or small intimate parties.

While it seems like a great idea to create an outdoor space, the tricky part has just begun! Numerous outdoor living structure designs need to be considered. You cannot simply select any design you see online; it has to vibe with your style and, most importantly, be compatible with your outdoor layout.

So let's take a look at the different types of outdoor designs you can choose from.

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TYPES OF OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS

Here are some outdoor living structure designs for your outdoor space :

Pergolas

Pergolas have gained immense popularity for their classic open-air design. These free-standing outdoor structures with columns or posts support an open roof and open sides.

Interestingly, you can also add retractable canopies to this structure to enjoy it during all weather conditions.

Now, if you want to give it a natural touch, we suggest you add vines or small plants to the columns and posts to add to its charm.

Trellis

Trellises are open lattice or outdoor framework structures adorned with climbing plants and vines. They are usually designed with metal, vinyl, or wood and can be free-standing or attached to your main house.

Trellis structures look perfect in garden areas. In short, if you wish to add a cozy sitting place to your garden to enjoy your plants, you should consider a trellis.

Arbor Landscaping Trends

Arbors are outdoor living structures that are smaller than trellises or pergolas. These are used to divide various outdoor rooms, focus on a focal point in a garden, or can be used to define a particular point of entry. You can also get arbors with gates attached, and these are a perfect way to add beauty to walkways and entrances into outdoor areas like gardens.

So, given that arbors are designed from lattice or rustic metal, they can be adorned with climbing plants, vines, and roses as well.

Patio Covers

Patio covers are a great option for all party lovers! Generally structured over the outer walls of the house, the entry, or the exit, these settings serve as an additional roof.

One of the best solutions to ensure proper airflow and view, these adorning outdoor shade structures are an excellent solution for people who like to enjoy their outdoor spaces all year round.

Gazebo

A gazebo is an octangular outdoor structure with open sides. That is to say, it’s more of a free-standing solid roof. It offers complete protection while maintaining a clear 360-degree view around your abode.

Usually found in French or English-style gardens, gazebos can be a great outdoor solution for people who like it one on one with nature.

Greenhouses

If you love gardening, adding a greenhouse to your outdoor living space might be the best option. These outdoor structures can be made of wood, galvanized steel, or aluminum.

You can customize their shape and size according to your space and demands. The walls are generally constructed of glass but can also be made of rigid or film plastic.

Greenhouses are perfect for those who wish to tend to their precious plants all year round without fearing extreme weather conditions.

Pavilion Backyard Trends

Pavilions are one of the most elegant outdoor living structure designs today. They come with a covered roof and have an open-air design for maximum air circulation.

While these are not suitable for extreme summer or rainy seasons, they work just fine for spring, autumn, winter, and light rain.

A pavilion is more substantial than a pergola or a gazebo. You can host get-togethers and dinner parties here for a lovely outdoor experience.

Screened Porches

Screened porches are an old classic when it comes to outdoor living.

They provide an enclosed, safe space for spending some quality time with your family and friends. But, can also be used as a dining space or a playing room for children.

You can access these extensions from the main house and through the back door.

Shade Sails

Shade sails are fashionable outdoor shade structures. These are mainly fabrics stretched over especially engineered poles to provide shade to a patio or a seating area.

They are incredibly trendy as their geometric shapes and straight lines add a sense of style to any outdoor space. So, if you like modern designs over classic ones, you would love to add shade sails to your outdoor living structure.

Sunroom Patio Trends

Sunroom or “four-season room” acts as an extension of the main house. Sunrooms are surrounded on every side by glass and can be cooled or heated as required.

These outdoor structures include dual-pane windows and are fully insulated. So, they work as a glasses-in living room space and can be accessed from inside the main house.

Cabanas

Cabanas are generally added to outdoor areas featuring a pool. For instance, they come with covered areas with outdoor drapes and can also include a changing room. Such design setups are mainly used for lounging and relaxing on the poolside.

However, many prefer using the cabana structure for adding an outdoor dining or kitchen area.

Canopies and Retractable Roofs

Retractable roofs and canopies have gained immense popularity in the last few years.

Retractable roofs, for instance, are extremely handy and can be added to almost every outdoor structure. They provide complete rain, wind, and rain protection, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather conditions. Some even come with a home automation system that helps you control the roof when needed.

Retractable canopies, on the other hand, are not so flexible. You can add them to structures like arbors, pergolas, or patio covers. These outdoor shade structures can be manual and motorized and are available in various fabric options for comfort, protection, and style.

Conclusion

In short, outdoor shade structures are handy for utilizing every square inch of outdoor living space your house has. This will create a separate cozy space for you and your family to kick back and enjoy all around the year.