25 Functional & Decorative Outdoor Design Ideas

Introduction

It’s no secret that the number of homeowners who are building their own outdoor spaces is on the rise. This is for good reason—outdoor space can make all the difference in your home’s livability, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or sunshine throughout the year. Outdoor design also helps increase resale value and can be used as a selling point when advertising your home on social media sites like Zillow or Craigslist. Just remember that designing an outdoor space isn’t just about building something new; it’s also important to maintain what you’ve built before it becomes overgrown with weeds or damaged by falling tree branches or other weather conditions.

Outdoor Lighting

• Lighting is an important part of outdoor design.
• Lighting can be functional or decorative.
• It can help you create an ambiance for your space, or it can help you see what you are doing (or both).

Planters & Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardens are a great way to grow herbs and vegetables in small spaces. They also help you save money on water, fertilizer and pesticides. Vertical gardening can be used to create privacy by growing vines along fences or walls. If you have a lot of sun exposure, consider using tall plants such as bamboo or grasses to block out the sun while still allowing light through the leaves at ground level.

Decking & Fencing

• Decking:

Decking is a great option for creating a boundary between your outdoor space and the rest of your property. It can also be used to create a walkway or path, which will help you get around easily and safely in your yard. If you’re looking for an area where you can sit and relax, decking is an excellent choice!

• Fencing:

Fencing is another way to divide up different areas of your backyard, but it also serves as protection from pets and children getting into trouble with dangerous tools or chemicals lying around on tables near them (or even worse–getting out!).

Patio Furniture

The patio furniture you choose should be functional and durable. It’s also important that your furniture is comfortable, easy to move, weather resistant and stylish. You want something that can withstand sun exposure without fading or cracking over time, so look for pieces made out of all-weather materials like teak or aluminum.

Finally, think about how often you’ll need to clean your outdoor space–if it’s only once in awhile then a fabric cushion might be fine but if it needs regular cleaning then leather may be better suited for this purpose.

Outdoor Entertainment Spaces

Outdoor entertainment spaces are a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. You can use these areas for entertaining friends and family, or they can be used as an area to relax and unwind when you’re feeling stressed out.

If you have an outdoor area that’s large enough, consider adding a garden table with chairs where people can sit down together while they enjoy their food or drinks. This will help create a more intimate environment than if everyone were sitting on their own chairs at separate tables or benches. You could also install some patio heaters so that people don’t get cold if it gets chilly outside!

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are a great way to entertain and enjoy the outdoors. They can also be used as an extension of your indoor kitchen, creating an opportunity for you to spend more time with friends and family while enjoying all that nature has to offer.

An outdoor kitchen can be a fantastic addition to any home, especially if you’re looking for a way to add value without having to spend much money or do any major renovations. By incorporating these functional designs into your existing layout, you’ll create an atmosphere that’s perfect for entertaining guests or just hanging out on warm summer evenings with loved ones

Water Features & Ponds

Water features can be used to create a relaxing atmosphere, control mosquitoes and more.

• Relaxing atmosphere: Water features are great for creating an ambiance that will make your outdoor space feel more like home. If you want to take advantage of the calming effects of water without breaking the bank on an expensive pool or spa installation, consider installing a small pond with koi fish in it! They’re easy to maintain and look beautiful too!
• Sound barrier: A pond or fountain can also act as a sound barrier between your house and neighbors–especially if they’re noisy ones! This way you get peace and quiet while still enjoying views of lush greenery from every window in your home (and maybe even some birdsong).

Lawn Care & Mowing Systems

Lawn mowing systems can be expensive, complicated to install and hard to maintain. But they’re also a great way to save time and money.

The best thing about lawn mowing systems is that they allow you to have a perfectly manicured lawn all year round without having to do the work yourself. You can even go on vacation while your yard gets its weekly trimming!

Some simple and thoughtful outdoor design can help you make more use out of your space.

Some simple and thoughtful outdoor design can help you make more use out of your space.

This is especially true if you’re trying to make your yard functional, but also want it to be stylish. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive!

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to add some extra functionality, or just want to make your outdoor space more enjoyable, there are plenty of ways to do so. The key is to think about what kind of experience you want from your backyard and then find ways that it can be enhanced by design. If you want more room for entertaining guests on warm nights–and who doesn’t?–then consider adding an outdoor kitchen where everyone can hang out and enjoy cocktails after dinner without having to go inside first (or at all!). If you want more privacy for reading in peace without being bothered by traffic noise from nearby streets, then consider planting some trees along those edges where they’ll block out some light but still let through enough sunlight so plants can grow strong roots underneath them all year long.”