Part of the beauty behind the concept of separate "rooms" in a house is that each unit is unique unto itself. Consequently, you can install a component in the kitchen that looks great there, without worrying that it would look out of place if viewed from the bedroom. The same is true for outdoor living spaces.
Having separate outdoor living spaces allows you to create mini-landscape designs (each somewhat different from the rest) for each of them. Not that you shouldn't still strive for unity across your landscape design, as a whole. But the more successful you are in physically separating one outdoor living space from another, the more flexibility you have to diversify without creating a hodgepodge.
Think of the structural components of outdoor living spaces in terms of their counterparts in indoor rooms: floor, walls and ceiling. Only for outdoor living spaces, the term, “structural” is used metaphorically. So much the better for you, as the “builder,” since it means there's a lot less to worry about. Taking out a “wall” because you don't like your initial choice, won't cause the “ceiling” to come crashing down on your head!
Furthermore, think of the materials you need to assemble the floor, wall or ceiling of an outdoor living space as the “building blocks.”
| Floors | Walls |
|---|---|
| Grass, Ground cover (such as Thyme), Mulch, Patios, Decks | Hedges, Lattice screens, Fences, Informal Hedges |
| Ceilings | |
| Arbors and pergolas, The canopies of shade trees, Decorative canvas canopies | |
You have a lot of leeway in your use of these building blocks. For example, the building blocks for a "wall" (hedges, fences, etc.) are interchangeable parts that you can mix and match with, depending on your needs, budget and personality. Hedges may form two of your four walls, fencing the other two. If complete screening isn't required, you can also define outdoor living spaces with lower vertical elements that may be more attractive and functional. For instance raised beds, container gardens and furniture. Creating outdoor living spaces isn't a one-size-fits-all project.
A "ceiling" is optional for many outdoor living spaces, although it does create an added sense of enclosure that you may crave. Ceilings are necessary only for areas where staying dry/cool is a must.
By default, all projected outdoor living spaces already have ”floors.” The only question will be, “Does the current floor do the best job of meeting my needs?” For example, maintenance is always a consideration and you may decide, upon further reflection, that a grassy area you've been treading upon for years isn't worth the upkeep (mowing). Many of your questions regarding which "building blocks" to use in assembling your outdoor living spaces will be answered if you determine the true function of the “room” in question.
You need only look to the intended function of outdoor rooms to determine the “building blocks” needed to compose them. Keep both aesthetics and function in mind when constructing outdoor rooms. In areas dedicated to physical activity, if you have to choose between the two, focus on function. Never compromise on safety. You can make up for compromises in aesthetics later, when you accessorize your outdoor rooms.
Some examples of outdoor rooms:
Pools, Meditation, Play, Kitchens, Dinning Areas
Water shouldn't be banned entirely from contemplative outdoor rooms. If there's any place in our yards for accessories such as garden fountains and waterfalls, surely it's here! There's nothing like the soothing sound of bubbling water to put us into a reflective mood.
