Inspiration from the trendiest terraces to the prettiest patios.
Now that the winter has gone into hibernation, Canadians across the nation can look forward to those precious sunny months of backyard BBQs and pool parties. And with the growing number of weather-proof fabrics and outdoor furniture options on the market, it’s easier than ever to transform your backyard, balcony, front porch or even rooftop into an open-air living and dining space. City-dwellers and suburbanites alike are finding savvy ways to create outdoor living spaces that mirror their interiors, blurring the lines between indoors and out.
So grab your sunnies and an ice cold cocktail! These 10 inspiring spaces will have you dreaming of ways to take your outdoor space from nothing more than ordinary to open-air oasis.
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10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Work with your natural surroundings
If your backyard is blessed with natural foliage, focus on working with the existing landscape instead of tearing it all up. This Vancouver homestead kept the canopy of cedars that lined the property and filled in with hostas and ferns to create a quiet jungle retreat in the city.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Work with your natural surroundings
If your backyard is blessed with natural foliage, focus on working with the existing landscape instead of tearing it all up. This Vancouver homestead kept the canopy of cedars that lined the property and filled in with hostas and ferns to create a quiet jungle retreat in the city.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Blur the lines between indoors and outdoors
Wish there wasn’t a division between your cooking space and outdoor dining area? Install a wall of folding doors that seamlessly join the kitchen with the back deck. Continue the colour palette from the house for a streamlined, open-concept entertaining space.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Or simply bring the kitchen outside
If your kitchen design won’t allow for an open concept look, create a cooking space outside so you can entertain guests whilst preparing the food. A built-in barbecue with cabinets, a wine fridge and work surface mean you never have to feel separate from guests.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Sit pretty on the front porch
The front porch is often overlooked as an outdoor living space because of its proximity to the street. Maintain privacy with curtains or tall shrubs and create a cozy lounge space with wicker furniture, rugs underfoot and candles for mood lighting– the perfect spot for a morning cup of joe or for a summer night cap under the stars.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Build an all-weather dining area
A well-designed outdoor living space means being able to enjoy it regardless of the season’s unpredictable weather changes. Install a retractable awning over your deck or terrace so that you can dine alfresco whether there’s blazing midday sun or a summer rain shower.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Build up with a rooftop terrace
City-dwellers know that being centrally located comes with a few sacrifices, one of which is giving up a large backyard space. But don’t despair – many urban buildings have flat roofs that can be converted to a party-perfect rooftop terrace. Build privacy with hedges around the perimeter and strap the floors with wood to add some warmth and texture like this modern Toronto terrace.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Make your space work around an epic view
There’s nothing worse than a poorly designed outdoor living space that blocks out an incredible landscape. The glass railing on this wrap-around deck in Bowen Island allows for an unobstructed view overlooking the ocean.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Turn your balcony into an urban retreat
Sprawling suburban homesteads aren’t the only ones with the opportunity to build an amazing outdoor space. This Toronto condo-owner took a teeny 104 sq. ft. balcony and turned it into an urban oasis with click-and-lock deck flooring, modular lounge seating and colourful throw cushions in weather-resistant fabric.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Bring the living room outside
Design an outdoor living space that reflects the style and personality of your home’s interior. This eclectic back patio uses more than just furniture to arrange a comfortable lounge space – a painted fence and vintage mirror give the feeling of surrounding walls whilst the Buddha head and drum stool add some character.
10 ways to create a beautiful outdoor living space
Build a luxury poolside escape in your own backyard
Look no further than your own backyard to create a luxurious poolside escape. Create privacy for your sanctuary in the sun with tall, lush trees in place of fencing, and for a true Palm Springs style, opt for minimalist design with primary colours that pop against the limestone foundation.
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