Good design is easy to recognize. But did you know that good design has just as much to do with how something works as it does with how it looks? One of the basic principles of design is that form follows function. It’s extremely important to address the function of an outdoor living space before creating the form. Let’s face it, if the space doesn’t function properly for its users, then it will be underutilized and mostly useless no matter how beautiful it looks. At J Squared, we break function down into three core pieces: purpose, size, and flow.
Purpose - First, we ask our clients how they intend to use the space. Do they want a place to entertain, cook, or relax? Or a mix of all three? Knowing how a space will be used tells us what kind of elements we will need to include in a design – a fire pit/fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, a seat wall or a pergola. Our goal is to organize these uses and seamlessly integrate them to create a functional outdoor living area.
Liberty Twp
Centerville
Size - Next, we address size. The space needs to be big enough to comfortably hold all the client’s furniture as well as the number of people expected to use the space. Questions to keep in mind are:
How often and typically how many people do you entertain?
Do you plan to cook and/or dine on the patio?
Do you plan to have relaxation areas for small groups or large groups?
What type of furniture do you plan to use (a formal table and chairs, a bistro set, an assortment of lounging furniture, etc)?
Flow - Next, we look at the flow. How are people going to enter and exit the space and how are they going to move within the space? Do we need paths? What is the proximity to the kitchen? Is there a need to provide access for mowing or other maintenance?
Front Walk & Seating Area Plan
Once we’ve consulted with our clients about the space’s function, we can start to lay out the form of the patio space. The form may also be influenced by other constraints such as elevation changes or drainage issues. A good design will successfully address function and site constraints. A stunning design will do it beautifully.