Dream to Reality: Backyard Sanctuaries

Many homeowners do not spend nearly enough time considering the outdoor space around their homes. For those that do however, creating the perfect peaceful retreat can amount to time well-spent in the planning process and a quiet spot that continues to reward the homeowner for their investment as they enjoy quiet mornings, playful afternoon and quiet evenings spent enjoying serene sunsets in their custom designed backyard living space.

First Steps

For those homeowners who personally selected the land on which their home was built, there obviously existed some attraction to the surroundings. Carefully reviewing the surrounding landscape and natural entities will give the homeowner a great start in the process of planning their backyard escape. Taking notice of a favorite tree, a natural stream or even an eye catching building in the distance will enable the homeowner to get a better idea of the type and style to choose for their new outdoor living space.

Location for Outdoor Living

Many homeowners restrict the location of their backyard living spaces to traditionally defined spaces such as a patio connected directly to the back of their home or maybe a corner where two fences meet. Modern designers are telling homeowners to look past traditional – that it is perfectly acceptable and fashionable to design a backyard retreat right in the middle of their lawn!

The Location is Perfect, Now What?

Once the homeowner picks that perfect spot, and decides on the theme of their new backyard design, it is important to take into consideration the multi-purpose nature of the area. It is important to consider the types of activities that will occur in this space, and the seating and furniture requirements. For instance, a writer might plan to bring their office out of doors. This would require a surface that could double as a desk. The same person might plan to entertain a weekly Bridge game, and thus a dual purpose table and seating for several guests would be required. If this writer were also a parent of young children who like to frolic in the backyard, a clear view of the activity area would be a necessity. Taking into consideration the types of activities to occur in the backyard will enable the homeowner to develop the perfect retreat.

Landscaping

Landscaping is one way in which a backyard retreat can be separated from the rest of the living space in the backyard. Trees, Shrubs and large plants, placed correctly will afford the homeowner privacy when placed in close proximity to the seating area. A homeowner, when choosing their backyard landscaping materials, will want to become familiar with the level of maintenance required when caring for the plants of their choice. Woody plants and trees also provide shelter from wind and sun. Other ideas to consider when determining landscape plants for a backyard include the fragrances, height, growth and multiplication potential of the chosen plants.

In Closing

A homeowner who is willing to put a little thought and consideration into the natural spaces of their backyard will have the advantage of being able to design a great outdoor living space in the form of their own backyard retreat.

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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