Architecture & Design // 2 min Read

Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Retreat

Written by Palmetto Bluff

May 19, 2020

Brought to you by 501 South Studio – the interior Designers of Court Atkins Group. Photos by J. Savage Gibson Photography.

Now more than ever outdoor spaces are important extensions of the living and dining areas of a home. Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new outdoor living space or eager to revamp a tired patio, planning ahead is key to creating outdoor living that is both beautiful and functional.

There are a lot of things to consider when planning your perfect outdoor living space. The first step is thinking about how you intend to use your outdoor retreat. Are you envisioning large parties outside? Or do you foresee it as a family gathering space that lets everyone lounge and dine together? Perhaps you dream of a personal retreat with a quiet, private setting? Think about the type of space you desire and then decide if it favors more of a gathering place or a getaway space. This is a great first step that will help you plan for the type of furniture needed and its placement to ensure spaces are inviting and comfortable.

Once you’ve decided on the functionality of your outdoor space, choosing the location is the next important step in designing a successful outdoor retreat. While most outdoor living spaces are adjacent to the house, they do not have to be. If you plan to use your space for dining, the kitchen should be easily accessible. However, a getaway spot, in addition to an entertaining space, can be located in a more secluded location on your property. Check out vantage points to determine location and orientation for the best furniture placement.

The way you choose to decorate your home is a reflection of your personal style. While incorporating your individual tastes in outdoor spaces, remember to also consider the exterior of your house. Choose fabrics and finishes that complement the color and style of your house. It is also good to keep in mind that you will see your outdoor living spaces from inside the house and out in the yard as well.

Bring some life to your outdoor oasis with plants. Yes, you are outdoors, surrounded by plants, but adding trees, flowers, and other greenery, whether simple or complex, will enhance the time you spend outdoors, and also provide dimension, color, and texture to your retreat. Not big on landscaping? Go the low-maintenance route by grouping pots and containers with different heights and types of greenery that are easy to care for.

Finally, think about the extras. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit provides evening appeal. A water feature adds ambiance and helps block street noise. Landscape lighting is lovely after the sun goes down, and a well placed trellis or market umbrella offers a shield from the hot summer sun.

As you plan, don’t get caught up on the details too early. Decide on the type of outdoor space you want and then go from there. And remember, even though it is outdoors, this space is part of your home so have fun with the design and make it yours!

%GALLERY%

Food & Wine / Fall Recipes From Buffalos

Your Pine-ness Cocktail Recipe Before delving into the ingredients and recipe for Buffalos’ delectable Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce, it is imperative that the chef has an excellent cocktail for cooking. Pairing the sweetness of pineapple with the woody flavo...

Sep 2023
palmetto bluff neighborhoods

Real Estate / Waterfront Neighborhoods in Palmetto Bluff

Coastal Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods Palmetto Bluff, a private community nestled along the South Carolina coastline, presents a harmonious blend of luxurious living, recreational spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. The meticulously designed Palmetto Bluff neigh...

Sep 2023
wilson landing

Waterways / Behind the Bluff with Marina Captain: Thomas Shanahan

Meet Captain Tom of Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Landing  In the tranquil embrace of Bluffton's Lowcountry, where rivers wind their way through nature's masterpiece, an extraordinary tale unfolds at Wilson Landing of Palmetto Bluff. The story belongs to Captain Th...

Sep 2023
luxury kitchen design

Architecture & Design / Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...

Sep 2023
summer bucket list

Culture / Summer Activities to Check Off Your List Before the Fall

10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...

Sep 2023

Conservation / Water Way

Palmetto Bluff is an ecological wonderland, with its maritime forest and tidal rivers, its salt marsh and abundant wildlife. But perhaps one of the most unique features of this wedge of Lowcountry is the impressive inland waterway that wends through the landsc...

Aug 2023

Artist in Residence / Places Around Palmetto Bluff to Paint Plein Air

Plein Air Painting and Our August Artist in Residence Palmetto Bluff is a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere. With that being said, the Bluff is the perfect canvas f...

Aug 2023
coastal living

Waterways / Experience Health and Happiness By Living on the Coast

5 Health Benefits of Coastal Living Did you know that life by the coast is not only the most idyllic way to live, but it also improves your health? All in all, coastal living is a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. From the cool, salty bree...

Aug 2023
south carolina lowcountry

Culture / 9 Enticing Facts About the Lowcountry

Discover the Charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry Where history and nature intertwine with effortless grace, the South Carolina Lowcountry is a region that allures visitors and residents alike with its timeless beauty, enchanting landscapes, and diverse cul...

Aug 2023

Conservation / Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri

Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy   In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...

Aug 2023
LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us