Outdoor rooms are cool and they are becoming more and more a part of landscaping conversations.  I just had a conversation with a client the other day as a matter of fact.  It is true like a lot of other areas in landscaping and home improvement – you can spend a lot of money or you can do it on a budget. 

Certainly if you are considering an outdoor room – as you should be – because like I said they are cool then here are some considerations whether you are doing it yourself or just kicking around the idea to see how it fits. 

First thing to do:

Locate a spot in your property with some privacy of a special view or just feels right.  This space can be small, in fact they are easier to decorate but sometimes there might need to be something moved like a shrub or some rearranging to make the space happen.  Let your imagination take you.  You will more than likely add a screen of some kind to create the privacy and give the room effect so keep that in mind when looking.  That kind of leads us into the second thing to do.

Second thing to do:

There are a variety of things you can use to create the screen or wall. It can be created out of a row of planters, existing wood fences or walls, living plants in the garden, or a lattice panel supported by two posts. You are just creating the sense of a wall – it does not need to be solid by any means.  In fact that adds to the character and gives you a sense of security but still have some space.  Let your imagination go here, you can expand an existing wall or create a new one and if space is more in the open you can cement a couple of 4 x 4 posts in the ground with quickset cement (no mixing) and add some simple fencing.  This then becomes a great space for decorating.  My wife and I built a wooden fence in our back yard and we keep giving each other cool items to hand on it.

Third thing to do:

Add a floor and ceiling. There are some great choices for flooring and yes you can spend some money here but I think it is important.  It will impact how you use the space.  There are great stone choices available with a locking dry mortar that does a great job and is fairly easy.  You can just leave the floor dirt or grass or cypress mulch but having a more solid surface will add a great deal to your room.  You can also get the pre-fabbed stone and position them into some pea gravel.  I will add some pages of how-to’s shortly to give you some assistance or send me a message and I will be glad to help you out with some instructions. 

The ceiling can be as simple as the open sky which works great if you are in the shade or plan on using your space more at night but can get a little toasty if that is not the case.  Creating a pergola is something that takes a bit of know how but is certainly not difficult and there are a great many variations of what you could use to create a ceiling effect.  Again – use your imagination and check out some of the ideas other people have come up with.   You never know what you can find at garage sales and a little creativity.

Fouth thing to do:

Furnishing the space is part of the fun.   Consider what you will be doing in your space. Will you need a table for dining, will it just be your meditation space from the world, or will you be entertaining guests here?   Area garage sales are a great place to gather some furnishings.  Maybe you have some old furniture stored away – grab a paint can and freshen it up and put it to use.

And finally:

The best fun there is, accessorizing on a budget!!!  Let your imagination go wild or better yet – I’m sure by now you have seen some pictures of outside rooms and while you are garage shopping for the furniture and other furnishings you will certainly come across some treasures for this final piece.  Most of all have fun and enjoy. 

Follow Up Thoughts.

One of the best sounds to add to your landscape is water and now that you will be spending more time in your landscape , its a must.  You will find a do-it-yourself pond instruction here  but if that doesn’t seem to work for you at least add a small fountain.  You can pick one of those up for practically nothing.  You might even find one at the G-Sales.  Also candles are a great feature at night but be careful.  Fire and Water – WOW – You can’t help but relax now.  If you have any questions or insight please post a comment. 

Happy & Devoted Gardening.