Why Your Outdoor Space Just Feels “Meh”

Do you sometimes look at your outdoor space and think that it feels a bit “meh”? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have the same sensation. They want their external spaces to feel as good as they do at their friends’ houses, but they can’t make them work for them for some reason. 

If that sounds like you, this guide could help. It looks at some of the fundamental reasons why outdoor space doesn’t feel as good as you want it to and some of the fixes you can put in place to resolve it. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

One problem that might be giving you a feeling that your outdoor spaces are mediocre is the fact that they seem disconnected from your interior spaces. There isn’t a seamless transition from one to the next. 

The fix is to use complementary colors and textures for continuity. Adding sliding doors and large windows could also work. 

Perhaps most importantly, making the floor level between the inside and outside and getting rid of any threshold could unite the space more seamlessly. That approach is something that a lot of high-end properties do to complete the aesthetic. 

Another problem you sometimes see with outdoor spaces is poor lighting. It’s fine during the day when the sun is shining, but things turn for the worse in the evening when it eventually goes down below the horizon. 

The main problem is simply not enough light at night. People need to be able to see what they’re doing. There could also be lighting issues due to the presence of nearby buildings. 

The fix is to use layered lighting that feels welcoming and natural while also providing practical illumination. That’s why many homeowners use string lights, lanterns, recessed lighting, and so on. 

Another problem with outdoor space is the lack of defined areas. Without specific zones for lounging, eating, cooking, and playing, it can feel out of sync. 

The fix is to create distinct zones for different things. For example, you might cordon off one part for above-ground pools and use another for sitting and dining. You might also dedicate some areas to quiet reading while you could use others for loud talking with friends and family. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you how you define these areas. All you need to do is ensure they work. 

Another problem you might encounter is a lack of personality. You might find that your outdoor spaces and patio areas just feel gray, dry, and boring. 

This problem usually occurs when there isn’t enough natural light or your choice of materials is wrong. For example, using too much concrete can have the opposite effect of the effect you want. 

You can change this situation by ensuring that the space has a narrative. It should tell a story immediately, the moment people walk into it, changing their atmospheres and appreciation of it. 

Failing to engage the senses is another reason your garden might feel “meh.” You might discover that it just doesn’t have the wow factor you need to make it feel special. 

Failing to engage the senses is a surprisingly common problem, especially with today’s modern landscaping. Professionals don’t always know how to approach properties and get them to look their best, leaving homeowners feeling robbed. 

Again, though, you can change this situation. Simple additions can help any outdoor space delight the senses. 

For example, you could add herbs to produce beautiful scents throughout the year, like rosemary or lavender. You could also introduce more interesting lighting or even wind chimes for sounds. 

Candles are a good addition, too, as long as you have shelter from the wind. These give outdoor spaces a quaint feel that makes them more likely indoor areas. 

Not being cozy is another reason your outdoor space feels “meh.” If it isn’t comfortable, you won’t want to spend much time in it. 

Fortunately, these days, you can make outdoor spaces comfortable with relative ease. The number of modern outdoor furniture manufacturers is growing every year, and these professionals are becoming proficient at making their products soft and cozy. The market is growing fast, so there are plenty of options, including full-scale loungers. 

So there you have it: some of the reasons why your outdoor space feels “meh.” Putting fixes in place is usually pretty easy and doesn’t take too much investment.

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