An outdoor space should reflect your personal tastes, styles and preferences. Whether you decide on a space suited for relaxation or one built to host weekend gatherings, it is imperative that you create a focal point in your outdoor space. Here are some stunning features you should consider when choosing a focal point to reflect your own personality and taste.

Decks and Patios

Adeck or patio can be designed as an extension of your interior living space. Whichever you choose depends on personal preference, but either one offers unlimited possibilities as a place to relax under the sun, sip coffee, gather with friends and family, or dine alfresco.

Pergolas or Other Outdoor Living Structure

If you want to add architectural flair and filtered shade, a pergola is a great option. Multi-functional, these structures help define outdoor rooms and can offer a lovely outdoor setting for dining and seating. Add curtains and a retractable canopy for a feeling of luxury and tranquility. Other shade structures you may want to consider include gazebos, trellises, arbors, and cabanas.

Swimming Pools

Every kid knows, swimming pools are the best solution for cooling off on a hot scorching summer day, but these neighborhood watering holes also serve as a stunning focal point. Pools provide families with hours of fun, a place to entertain friends, and a way to improve your health with exercise. Add a waterfall for a natural, serene look and soothing sounds. Swimming pools and spas come in a wide variety of sizes for different budgets and range from affordable to extravagant.

Gardens

The serenity of a garden allows you to embrace the local nature while literally bearing the fruit of your labor.  When planning your space delegate areas for a vegetable garden, flower beds, or an herb garden. Depending on your preferences, you can have a manicured formal garden or a more natural meadow-like design utilizing native plants.

Entertainment Areas

When planning an open-air entertainment area, you probably want to include a dining area, a space for guests to mingle over cocktails with some festive lighting. An outdoor kitchen, fireplace, bar, and an outdoor television are other fun additions if your budget allows. The category of outdoor living spaces, defined as kitchens and entertainment spaces, received a 94.5 percent rating as somewhat or very popular, according to the 2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey.

Outdoor Kitchens

Take your outdoor living space to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. You don’t need alot of space or a huge budget for a kitchen to be functional and stylish. You can install a basic setup with a standard stainless steel barbeque or purchase a pre-made outdoor grill island. If you have more space and a larger budget, the sky is the limit. Some options are, but not limited to outdoor refrigerators, wine coolers, icemakers, sinks, pizza ovens, custom cabinetry, and granite counters.

Sheds

If you are a DIY’er, a shed is the most practical outdoor structure you can have. It will give you a space to store your new tools and if made big enough, room to work on future projects. However, with a few architectural details such as window boxes, scalloped fascia, and clapboard siding, a humble potting shed can resemble a charming English country cottage. Add ambience with vine-covered walls and surrounding flowering plants and you’ll have the perfect place to relax with a cup of tea and chat with friends.

When you invest in some of the outdoor features listed above, you’ll create a comfortable, beautiful space customized to your own personal needs and desires. A focal point can serve as a gathering spot for parties, an extra dining room or exercise. Analyze your lifestyle and the type of activities you enjoy, then decide on your focal point.