subject: How To Create A Comfortable Outdoor Space [print this page] Regardless of how large your family is and whether it continues to grow, you may find your home feeling cramped and uncomfortable. Many families choose to move to a larger home when things begin to feel tight. Others clean out their spaces, putting items in storage or selling or donating items they no longer need. Both of these solutions work, but they are not your only option. Regardless of the region in which you live, there is no reason why you cannot spend time outdoors at least three-quarters of the year. If you make the proper modifications, you can create an outdoor room that is comfortable even in chilly temperatures and even when it is blisteringly hot. Your first step in creating a great outdoor space is to call an exterminator for mosquito control to make your space safe and comfortable. This ensures that no matter what you do in your outdoor space, you will not be worried about bugs and pests.
There are other things to be done to make the space safe. If you have a swimming pool and you have young children, you need to block the pool for when they are not supervised. The same is true for traffic. Those who live near a busy street need to do things to prevent children from facing the risk of traffic. Usually a fence is the easiest way to eliminate problems with both children and pets. If fencing is not an option, be sure younger children and pets are supervised when playing and spending time outdoors.
One of the best ways to keep things comfortable in an outdoor space is to add heating or cooling elements to a space. You can bring a fire pit or chimenea into the space for chilly fall evenings. In the summer when things get hot, put an awning over the space to cut down the sun's hot rays or build a swimming pool so you can jump in and enjoy a cool dip. If there is no space for a pool, add a sprinkler or fan to the area. People are often surprised at how much outdoor ceiling fans cool down an outdoor space.
Make sure the area is well-lit for both comfort and safety reasons. If you will be spending time in the space doing many of the things you usually do indoors you will need adequate lighting. Game nights or evenings enjoying a good book can happen in your outdoor space as long as there is lighting. It is also important to keep the area well-lit so you can see what is happening around you. This is especially true if your outdoor living space is near an entryway, which is often the case.
Your final step to creating a great outdoor room is choosing furnishings that suit your needs. Determine if you will be dining or entertaining in the space and design it accordingly. Also be sure you have plenty of comfortable seating for your family and guests when entertaining.
