From Yard to Sanctuary: Applying 5 Design Principles for Perfect Outdoor Living

There are many reasons to love living in a home with ample outdoor living space. Whether to accommodate a four-legged companion or entertain guests, the right outdoor environment lets you extend your indoor living space outdoors. But what if your outdoor space feels more like a yard with a fence than an extension of your carefully curated interior?

It’s understandable to put your outdoor areas on hold while you’re busy designing the areas inside the walls of your home. Eventually, though, you may start peeking through the curtains and wondering what it would be like to bask in the morning sunlight with coffee in hand *wink*. 

With warmer temperatures + the faint aroma of barbecue in the air, now is the perfect time to focus on an outdoor transformation. Intentional outdoor design can turn your backyard into a luxurious sanctuary you’ll enjoy every day, no matter the season. Elegant Simplicity Interiors is here to guide you through the process with a few simple design principles, ranging from purposeful zoning to ambient lighting.

Ready to design the outdoor living space of your dreams, friend? Let’s do this!

The Evolution from "Yard" to Outdoor "Sanctuary"

Consider the difference between the words “property” and “home.” The former is simply a structure; the latter is a thoughtfully designed space intended for living, loving, and making memories. 

The same is true of “yard” versus “sanctuary” set up for calm and tranquility. A yard is just a slab of land until you curate it for relaxation, family time, and joyful connections. That’s a concept that lots of folks are catching on to — one report found that coherent indoor-outdoor design leads the way as the top outdoor living trend. And 70% of professionals agree that usable outdoor living space has a mega impact on home value.

It’s not just luxury outdoor kitchens + covered patios that people love — although those are in high demand *wink*! It’s the feeling of being surrounded by nature in serene outdoor spaces that has so many people seeking an outdoor transformation. 

Another study found that spending just 120 minutes outdoors positively impacts feelings of good health and well-being. Now imagine you have the opportunity to spend not just 120 minutes but the better part of your day in an outdoor oasis designed just for you and your family. It’s like getting a dose of dopamine every time you step outdoors, zapping stress, anxiety + fatigue and increasing focus. Because #mentalhealthmatters.

The 5 Design Principles for Perfect Outdoor Living

Put on your flip-flops *wink*, and get ready to envision your yard with new eyes. Let’s explore five design principles to take your outdoor space from ho-hum to swoon.

1. Purposeful Zoning (Functionality):

You might have an open concept floor plan in your home (although we’re also seeing a return to more defined living spaces in many homes). But when it comes to your outdoor living area, consider ways to partition your space into distinct “rooms” — for dining, lounging, cooking, reading, entertaining, and playing with kids + pets. This kind of thoughtful zoning makes your outdoor space more functional + luxurious, just as it does in certain areas of your home.

For example, rather than just plopping a table and chairs outside, you can set up a specific dining area with comfy seating. And suddenly, your usual Tuesday tuna casserole turns into an upscale, al fresco dining event, just because you can *wink*! 

2. Seamless Flow (Connection):

Let’s go with the flow, bestie. To create a cohesive space that’s effortlessly luxurious and built for meaningful connections, look for ways to smooth out the transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

For example, consider using the same flooring, accent colors, and material palette — your textures, finishes, and material types — from inside to outside. Large windows and sliding doors can also open up the space and make it feel like one continuous area, separated only by boundaries like area rugs and furniture arrangements. With proper flow and careful design choices, you also encourage mindful communication — yes, your outdoor space really can be that inviting *wink*!

3. Layered Lighting (Ambience):

When the sun dips down for the day and you’re ready to enjoy the evening outside, you need more than moonlight to illuminate your outdoor spaces *wink*. Depending on your space, you’ll want to layer different types of outdoor lighting for specific purposes: 

• Task lighting in the kitchen + grilling areas lets the chef focus on creating scrumptious meals without nipping a finger on a knife or under- or over-cooking food. 

• Stylish overhead market lights make your yard feel like a quaint bistro, perfect for after-dinner drinks or mocktails. 

• Ambient lighting, from wall-mounted fixtures to graceful pendants, gives your space an overall magical glow.

• Accent lighting lets you highlight key areas, such as architectural and landscaping features, including pathways, plants, steps, and various corners of the home.

Great lighting sets the tone for outdoor parties, quiet reflection, and family gatherings. It also ensures everyone can move about safely without tripping, slipping, or falling. #safetyfirst

4. Strategic Privacy (Sanctuary):

You may want a little privacy outside, whether stealing quiet moments to yourself or ducking out of the neighbors’ line of sight *wink*. Adding lattice screens, pergolas with retractable canopies, or outdoor drapery can all help keep your outdoor spaces tucked out of sight. Added bonus: Strategically placed shade will shield you from the summer sun *wink*!

There are plenty of landscaping tricks you can use to create privacy, too. Think tall hedges, climbing vines, evergreen shrubs + bamboo or ornamental grasses — with layered planting, your greenery can help you achieve secluded, visually interesting spaces and even noise reduction. Don’t forget to carve out a cozy nook for morning coffee — your morning self will thank you *wink*.

5. Curated Comfort & Materials (Durability & Beauty):

You want your outdoor haven to last, and that means investing in high-quality furnishings + materials that will stand the test of time. Opt for a variety of textures, patterns + colors that vibe with your interior style — in weather-resistant finishes that will last for many outdoor celebrations to come. 

Oh, and it doesn’t need to be scratchy or uncomfortable to withstand the elements (and maybe a spilled cup of coffee or two *wink*). Many modern designs feature durable yet soft upholstery + rich, natural woods that age as beautifully as the fine wine you’re saving for a special occasion.

Bringing Your Outdoor Sanctuary to Life

Now that you’ve got the five design principles down, get inspired to breathe life into your outdoor hideaway! Check out a few creative ways to put these principles into action:

• Purposeful zoning: If your budget allows, construct a gourmet outdoor kitchen with defined boundaries. Even a bartop with an under-counter outdoor fridge and some barstools can create an instant gathering spot.

• Seamless flow: Let your outdoor kitchen flow from your indoor kitchen — for example, large glass windows between your main kitchen island and your outdoor dining area.

• Layered lighting: Set up a fire pit with lounge chairs, bathed in soft, indirect lighting or market lights. Add warmth with solar lanterns in different sizes — some tall enough to sit by chairs and some small enough to sit on end tables. 

• Strategic privacy: Design a peaceful reading nook surrounded by elegant privacy screens with string lights, hanging + potted plants, an area rug, and accessories.

• Curated comfort + materials: Invest in high-end outdoor furniture, including plush cushions, outdoor throw blankets and pillows, and touches of luxury like candles in your favorite scent.

If you can dream it, you can make it happen when you commit to your outdoor transformation. So dream big, and enjoy the process — the end result is worth it *wink*! 

Your Partner in Outdoor Transformation

While designing your outdoor retreat might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re starting from scratch, remember: You don’t need to do it alone. At Elegant Simplicity Interiors, we’ve designed many outdoor environments, from small patios to expansive yards, and we’d be delighted to help apply these design principles to create your unique space. Stunning, deeply personal, and perfectly matched with your style — that’s always our goal. From the first consultation to the finishing touches, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Well, that’s our riff for today, friend. Thanks for tuning in! Time to pour a glass of lemonade, kick back, and breathe in the great outdoors.

Ready for an outdoor transformation that turns your yard into a sanctuary and has you living la dolce vita — al fresco style? Let’s chat. 

4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home