Designing Functional and Aesthetic Outdoor Spaces with Storage Solutions

Outdoor spaces are essential. Focusing on visual appeal and atmosphere is fun. For example, current trends focus on extending living spaces into the backyard, creating a smooth transition, which is an exciting task for any designer or homeowner. 

However, just like with interior spaces, it’s important to maintain functionality, especially when it comes to preventing clutter. This is where storage solutions come in.

In this article, we’ll show you how to incorporate modern storage solutions into your design.

Review the layout and the size of the space so you know what you’re working with, as the dimensions and the features determine the storage you need. Whether it’s a small patio or a spacious garden, consider what the residents need to spend their time in there comfortably. This will point you to the right storage solutions for each space. 

According to the National Association of Realtors, most homeowners remodel their outdoor spaces to add features and improve livability, so the way they use the space should guide the design. Here’s what most homes need storage for:

And here are some of the top storage choices. 

Not all furniture needs to be multi-functional, but the right amount can prevent the space from appearing congested. Popular choices include tables with hidden storage, ottomans with lift-up tops, storage benches, or garden sofas. 

These items don’t have to appear bulky or boxy, especially if they’re made of light materials such as wicker, which is excellent if you’re looking for more organic shapes.

While looking for multi-functional furniture, you also need to be looking for pieces like weather-resistant patio furniture to ensure that you’ve covered all of your bases. So, remember, the more functions it has, the better, but it also needs to be practical.

While a rustic wooden shed responds beautifully to the zeitgeist and provides much-needed relaxation and escapism, contemporary sheds can also be made from shipping containers, brick, and other materials. 

Sheds are ideal for larger storage needs as well as people who may enjoy the added privacy, or another space to enjoy a hobby. Depending on the budget, you can find a complete storage shed for sale or create a custom project.

Cabinets are also excellent for larger storage needs, as the way they can be organized lets you keep a significant number of items in a relatively small space. Cabinets come in as many aesthetics as you need, which will make them easy to incorporate into patios, outdoor kitchens, garden houses, and sheds.

Also, as the cabinets are made from weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel, concrete, and waterproofed wood, they will keep grilling and entertainment accessories clean and safe.

Incorporating aesthetic elements into the design is pretty enjoyable once you know you’ve got the functionality taken care of. Here are some tips for a contemporary backyard.

Purchasing matching sets of furniture may be simple, but it’s neither fun nor does it show personality, Instead, aim to bring out your personal taste (or your client’s) with bold pieces, patterns, and designs. This also applies to decorative elements, from cushions to sculptures. 

The indoor-outdoor look focuses on creating livable spaces outdoors and transferring the aesthetic of the interior to the exterior. Also, elements such as patios, decks, pergolas, arbors, and pathways let you create a transition between the indoor world, and the natural space outside. When designing outdoor spaces, make sure to connect them through themes and colors to the interior.

Plants can soften the look of bulkier storage solutions and blend them into the garden. For example, vertical gardens work beautifully with storage sheds, vines can soften an arbor over a storage bench, while planters attached to your cabinets remind the viewer that the outdoor kitchen is part of a natural space.

Finally, your storage solutions need to be as functional as possible. You’ll achieve that by ensuring they are easily accessible, weather-resistant, and adaptable:

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