One of the hottest trends in contemporary landscapes is the incorporation and design of outdoor rooms. Almost all of our creature comforts have moved outside, providing great alternatives for everyday relaxation. Your idea of getting away from it all may be as simple as a stylish garden bench, or you may have grand plans for an inclusive environment with features for cooking, entertaining, recreation, and every conceivable form of relaxation. In our fast-paced world, it makes sense to build outdoor spaces and elements that enhance our lifestyles and help us make the most of precious leisure time.

BRINGING THE INSIDE OUT
Outdoor rooms create a wonderful transition from the interior to exterior. They may be actual constructed rooms, semi-enclosed areas, implied spaces created for particular functions, or a balcony high above ground. Whatever their type, shape and size, outdoor rooms are ideally designed to capitalize on every opportunity to enjoy nature, create comfort, and take maximum advantage of the unique site and views.

Typically, outdoor rooms are located right outside the back door with the exterior wall serving as a backdrop. These may be decks or patios, perhaps with a structure above such as a roof, arbor or pergola. Overhead structures not only add a sense of enclosure, they help keep the area and interior cooler by providing important protection from the sun. They also create a framework on which climbing plants can grow, adding a naturalistic and sometimes nostalgic mood. Alternatively, installing a retractable awning for overhead protection offers flexibility for enjoying sun or shade as conditions change.

URBAN GARDENS
The urban garden presents unique challenges and requires the most careful planning of all gardens due to space limitations. Every square foot should count and have a purpose, ideally satisfying multiple functions. If you are incorporating a variety of functions such as an outdoor kitchen, hardscape, fireplace, a spa or water feature, plantings, etc., it’s often best to call in a professional to create a master plan. The project should ideally have an integrated, cohesive flow and complement the existing architecture. I have always felt that the back of a home should look as good as the front.

Plants and trees should be carefully selected for your specific space and conditions to insure they thrive over the long term and never outgrow their bounds. Otherwise, over time they may ultimately create hazards or become too large and have to be removed. There are sometimes many cultivars of a particular type of plant to choose from, so making the right selection is crucial for a sustainable landscape. The mature height of a crepe myrtle, for instance, may be as small as 3 feet or as large as 35 feet.

Container gardens of all shapes and sizes create an instant oasis for rooftops, balconies, and decks. Many small trees may be used successfully in containers; crepe myrtles again are a great example because they are relatively shallow rooted. Other deciduous trees for containers include Japanese maples and smaller cultivars of blossoming trees such as crabapples or Oriental cherries. Ornamental shrubs and the flowers of annuals add a splash of seasonal color. Regular and consistent watering is crucial to good performance. The calming effect of a water garden can be integrated with a traditional fountain, a bubbler container, or other custom designed feature. Let your imagination be your guide!

MAKE A PLAN
When planning the design for outdoor rooms, the most important consideration is how you would like to use the space. Reflect on how many people will likely be using the area at any one time, and the functions you need to incorporate. Special occasions can present challenges for accommodating extra seating, so consider areas that might serve as multi-functional zones. Be sure to allow plenty of clearance for circulation and to meet other practical needs. Imagine finishing a project only to discover that the just-purchased dining table and chairs don’t fit the space allowed!

If you like a more formal feeling and especially if your yard is rectangular, consider borrowing principles from famous historic gardens of American and European tradition. For example, a sense of enclosure can be created with strategic placement of trees or shrubs, lush container plantings, statuary, or fences. Spacial definition can also be accomplished by installing stone or other material underfoot. Formal gardens have wonderful symmetry and methodical geometric layouts, parts of which can be borrowed to create a sense of order and precision.

WHAT’S your STYLE?
Great style doesn’t have to have a big price tag. The choices are endless, so keep an open mind when shopping unless you have decided on a specific look. To start your project, I always suggest creating an idea file by perusing magazines and books to gather images and designs you like, and perhaps those you don’t. What you don’t like can be as much a pointer to the final solution as what you do like. If you prefer a period look, perhaps mull over the “shabby chic” trend from a few years ago. Or contemporary style may suit your taste. Don’t forget that thrift stores, vintage shops and yard sales offer unique and ready sources for furniture, accessories, and fun surprises. Take care to evaluate the quality of each piece and whether it will stand up to weather conditions. Items that are lightweight might be tossed around in a brisk wind and actually pose a hazard.

If high style is in your sights and your budget allows, there is an abundance of resources and retailers available to outfit your outdoor rooms in grand fashion. Manufacturers are constantly updating and providing new products that are rated for exterior use and accommodate every possible need or function. As an advocate of sustainable design, I believe it is generally wise to purchase long-lasting items that are high quality, reducing “redos” that cost more in the long run, and create unnecessary waste. Generally, purchasing exactly what you want the first time ensures you won’t second guess choices and will be happy for a long time to come.