Imagine ending your day surrounded by soft lighting, cozy seating, and a gentle evening breeze. It’s amazing, right? Well, an inviting outdoor space can add peace and purpose to your daily routine.
Designing one doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s all about balance — creating a space that feels personal, comfortable, and connected to nature. With a few thoughtful touches, any patio, balcony, or backyard can become a sanctuary where you recharge and make lasting memories.
Having said that, here’s how to design the perfect outdoor space for everyday relaxation.
This is actually something we’ve been thinking about a lot lately, as we slowly start planning our brand-new outdoor spaces here at home. At the moment, we’re having our front entryway paved in beautiful Portuguese calçada — it’s honestly almost an art form! Our man has already done the back yard (the large space from the gate to the garage), and we absolutely love how it’s turned out. It took some time to decide on the colour, though. We originally wanted the lighter, creamy-white stone to match the rest of the walls, but we knew it would get filthy over time, so we chose grey instead — and I’m so glad we did. It looks stunning and hides the dirt perfectly! It should all be finished in just a few more days, and I can’t wait. Then it’ll be time to focus on the rest of the garden — especially the area outside the kitchen and utility, which we’ve got pegged as the future pizza oven spot (we’re not big BBQ people since going vegan, so pizza nights it is!). We’ll also need to plan the garden beds, decide on plants, and just bring it all together. It’s such an exciting stage!
1. Start with Purpose and Flow
Before you buy furniture or start landscaping, think about how you want to use your outdoor space. Is it a calm reading corner, a social hangout, or a dining area for weekend meals? Knowing the purpose helps guide every design choice.
Here are a few things to consider when planning the flow:
- Zoning: Divide the area into small sections — a dining zone, lounge corner, or garden path — so the space feels structured yet open.
- Accessibility: Keep pathways clear and wide enough to move around easily.
- Balance: Mix open and shaded areas for comfort throughout the day.
Ultimately, a thoughtful layout makes your outdoor space not just beautiful but functional — somewhere you’ll actually want to spend time every day.
Pro Tip: Use outdoor rugs or planters to visually separate zones without adding permanent structures.
We’ve been doing this exact thing with our plans, trying to visualise how we’ll move through the space once it’s all done. I want it to feel natural — like one area just flows gently into the next. Somewhere I can sit with a cup of coffee in the morning, Luna by my feet, and then later, have friends over for homemade vegan pizza as the sun sets. It’s all about creating a space that fits your life, not the other way around.
2. Build a Strong Foundation
Every great outdoor space starts with the right foundation — literally. Your flooring and hardscaping choices set the tone for the entire area. Whether you prefer stone pathways, a paved patio, or decorative walkways, the materials you choose should combine durability with beauty.
High-quality pavers, for instance, can completely transform your backyard’s look and feel. However, there comes the role of the right professionals. Trusted companies like Viking Pavers specialise in designing and installing custom patios, driveways, and walkways that blend style with practicality.
These pavers not only enhance aesthetics but also improve drainage, reduce maintenance, and add long-term value to your home.
When choosing materials, think about:
- Texture: Smooth finishes for lounging areas, non-slip surfaces near pools.
- Colour: Neutral tones for a timeless look, or bold shades for a modern twist.
- Pattern: Geometric designs can add visual interest without cluttering the space.
And yes — take it from someone who’s been knee-deep in stone samples! Choosing colours is trickier than it sounds. I thought the lighter calçada would be perfect, but then I imagined muddy paw prints (thanks, Luna!) and realised grey would be far more forgiving. Practicality wins every time, and it still looks elegant and classic.
Design Tip: Use contrasting paver tones to frame your seating or dining areas — it adds subtle definition and sophistication.
3. Create Comfort Through Furniture and Fabrics
The right furniture can turn a bare patio into an inviting retreat. Comfort should always come first — especially if you want your space to be used daily.
Here’s how to design for relaxation:
- Invest in weather-resistant pieces: Materials like rattan, teak, or aluminium hold up beautifully outdoors.
- Add cushions and throws: They soften the look and make lounging irresistible.
- Mix seating styles: Combine sofas, benches, and chairs for flexibility.
Don’t forget fabrics — they bring warmth and personality. Outdoor textiles in earthy colours or soft pastels can set the mood instantly. For smaller spaces, foldable furniture or corner seating works wonders.
I’ve been eyeing up some comfy chairs and soft cushions for our little pizza area — something simple but inviting. I want it to feel like an outdoor extension of our living space, full of texture and warmth but still easy to care for. And of course, a few cosy throws for those slightly chillier Portuguese evenings are a must!
Fun Fact: Studies show that even spending 20 minutes in a comfortable outdoor setting can lower stress levels and boost overall happiness.
4. Add Ambience with Lighting and Greenery
Once the essentials are set, it’s time to elevate the atmosphere. Lighting and greenery are the soul of outdoor design. They bring life, energy, and tranquillity to the space.
For lighting:
- Layering: Use a mix of string lights, lanterns, and solar path lights.
- Warm over bright: Choose soft white or amber tones for a cosy glow.
- Highlight features: Direct subtle lighting toward plants or textured walls for a serene effect.
For greenery:
- Mix plant heights: Combine tall trees, shrubs, and small potted plants to create depth.
- Use planters creatively: Add colour and shape variety.
- Go for low-maintenance: Choose native plants or evergreens that thrive year-round.
If space allows, a small water feature or fire pit can also enhance the sense of calm. The gentle sound of water or a flickering flame creates a natural rhythm that makes every evening outdoors feel special.
For us, plants will be the finishing touch once all the paving is done. I’m picturing maybe olive trees in big terracotta pots, lavender for scent, and maybe a few herbs near the kitchen door for easy pizza toppings! I want to keep it fairly low-maintenance but still full of that Mediterranean charm. As for lighting — you can’t go wrong with fairy lights and lanterns. There’s something so magical about soft lighting under the stars.
Quick Tip: Fragrant plants like lavender, jasmine, or rosemary add both beauty and relaxation. It is perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Wrapping It Up!
Designing the perfect outdoor space isn’t about size or luxury — it’s about intention. When your backyard, patio, or garden feels like an extension of your home, it becomes part of your daily rhythm — a peaceful place to breathe, connect, and slow down.
So, as 2025 unfolds, take the time to reimagine your outdoors — not just as an open area, but as a personal retreat designed for everyday joy and relaxation.
I honestly can’t wait to see our own space come together — from the freshly laid calçada to the first pizza night under the fairy lights. Creating an outdoor area that reflects who you are and how you live is one of life’s simplest but most satisfying pleasures. Here’s to beautiful evenings ahead!
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