timber frame pavilion and adirondack chairs at pool

How to Create an Outdoor Living Space for Your Home

There’s nothing like a good outdoor space to add a bit of charm to your home. Long summer days stretch into the evening and slow weekend mornings start with coffee in the fresh air. And sometimes, a few simple additions are all it takes to turn an empty space into somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time – alone or with family and friends.

In this guide, we’ll go through a few simple ways to create an outdoor living space that’s ideal for your home and the way you like to spend time outside.

Options for creating an outdoor living space you love

There are plenty of ways to make an outdoor space your own and the right choice really depends on what you have in mind for your lifestyle.

Here are a few of the best options available:

timber frame pavilion at night with furniture

A gazebo for an open, relaxed setup

A gazebo brings timeless charm and character to any outdoor space. With its inviting design and open-air feel, it creates the perfect spot to relax, gather with a few family and friends, or simply enjoy the view.

Whether tucked into a quiet garden corner for morning coffee or positioned as a centerpiece in your landscape, a gazebo adds beauty, shade, and a welcoming place to spend time outdoors.

shed with porch and furniture

A timber-frame pavilion for a defined outdoor space

If you’re looking to add a little more structure to your backyard, a timber-frame pavilion is a wonderful way to create a cozy outdoor room.

It naturally anchors your space and provides a reliable shelter, so you can enjoy the fresh air even when that afternoon rain pops up in the summer.

Pavilions can be used in so many different ways. They create the perfect spot for outdoor dining, a comfortable nook for morning coffee, or a spacious sheltered space where you can entertain in style while still feeling connected to nature.

Classic Gazebo

A backyard shed that extends your outdoor living space

A shed might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of outdoor living, but there are so many ways it can be used beyond just storing a lawnmower.

When custom-designed with care, a shed becomes a natural extension of your home, and a space that changes how you use your backyard everyday.

For instance, you can make it a quiet retreat for your hobbies, a workshop, she-shed/man cave, or a handy pool house. Add in some beautiful Patiova furniture and you have the perfect outdoor space. There are endless ways these spaces can be customized so you enjoy your backyard.

Amish-Crafted furniture by Patiova for everyday comfort

A great backyard is best enjoyed when you have a comfortable place to settle down. Outdoor furniture should be something you enjoy, not another item on your maintenance checklist. Poly lumber furniture provides the timeless appearance of wood while resisting many of the issues that come with outdoor exposure, including fading, cracking, mildew, moisture, and UV damage.

Amish-made outdoor furniture by Patiova is built with that in mind – these are simple, sturdy pieces designed to make your outdoor space an extended part of your home. The collection includes:

  • Outdoor dining sets
  • Adirondack chairs - a popular choice for around the firepit
  • Pool furniture 
  • Wooden swings - perfect for the front porch!
  • Benches and picnic tables
  • …and more

This is the kind of furniture that stands up to everyday life: low-maintenance with a high-impact style. Patiova’s poly furniture creates the perfect spot to sit with your coffee in the morning or gather around for a relaxed family meal. 

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ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCH TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Once your main structure is set, it’s the smaller, personal details that help tie everything together.  By factoring in these extra touches, you create a relaxing part of your home where you can kick back and unwind – night or day!

Layer in lighting for evening time

Once the sun goes down, a few well-placed lights are all it takes to keep your space inviting. You could add string lights to the beams, small solar lights along the paths, or a few soft fixtures overhead.

Whatever you choose, good lighting creates a cozy atmosphere long into the evening. You can stay outside and enjoy the air instead of heading indoors the moment it gets dark.

Make it feel lived-in

If you truly want your backyard to become one of the go-to areas in your home, it’s usually the small touches that shape how much you use it.

Why not turn it into your own little safe haven with a colourful outdoor rug, a few plush cushions on the furniture, or some candle lanterns that give off a soft glow?

A fire pit is another great way to keep things comfortable once the sun goes down. And even something as simple as a small speaker playing your favorite music can completely change the mood.

Bring it to life with greenery

Adding some greenery is really the best way to make your outdoor area feel like a part of nature rather than just a structure sitting in the yard. Whether it’s a few flower beds or just some pots near the entrance, it softens everything up and makes the space feel more complete. 

You really don’t need to do a full landscaping job to make an impact.  It’s amazing how much a few plants can brighten the whole place up.

timber frame pavilion by a pond with dining set and Adirondack chairs, plants, and flowers
Outdoor furniture from Patiova

Outdoor living options from Westwood Sheds

At Westwood, we believe that life should be enjoyed and celebrated, that homes and families need space for life, and that every backyard should be enjoyed.That’s why we offer everything you need to shape your outdoor space. From gazebos and pavilions to Amish-crafted Patiova furniture, we’ve got options for relaxing, dining, and everyday outdoor living. We also offer backyard sheds that give you extra space and flexibility right in your backyard.

You can browse the full range online or get in touch with the team to talk through what would work best for your space.