As an exterior designer it would be up to you not only design the required outdoor spaces, but also furnish them. As far as furniture goes, perhaps you know exactly what to go for; but do you know the upholstery you should pick out? 

First of all, whenever we talk of outdoor spaces, the things to take into considerations are:

1. Harsh environmental conditions including dust and humidity.

Kids have a lot of energy in them; they are dynamic, hyper active and can get quite messy and reckless. These are just but a couple of things to take into consideration when designing an outdoor space for their use. The big test comes in where you have to create a space for use by kids; and make sure the space is functioning and usable. So how do you go into this type of design and décor?

1. Safety

This is always the first thing you should think about. The playing zone should not have sharp edges or structures such as sculptures stranding in the way. Kids can very easily get hurt by such things. Consider safety not only in terms of hardscape but also when deciding on the plants to use. Using poisonous plants is out of the question; considering a kid can easily fall on the plants while playing and get “poisoned”. 

Forgetting to obtain the right permits

Prior to commencing on any project, it would be up to you – the designer, to obtain the required building permits from the relevant authorities. Yes, this applies even for something as simple as a deck. Failure to do this will get your client on the wrong side of the law and they may even be forced to pull down the structure after having poured quite a substantial amount of money into the construction of the deck.

Having a sagging ceiling

Yards are fun places of self-expression and introspection, and are full of endless options for personalization and adding character in fun, easy ways that don’t have to break the bank. With these ideas as well as your own creativity, you can bring unique touches to your yard that will help set the mood and create and ambiance that is strictly “you”!

1. An old wooden chair as a bird feeder or bird bath

This one is relatively easy and will only cost a few dollars and a trip to a thrift store and the hardware store. First, find a nice, sturdy wooden or metal chair that catches your fancy and matches the look you want to achieve at the thrift store.  At the local hardware store, pick up a large, decorative plant saucer, and set a top your chair. Then, fill with bird seed or water, and watch the birds come have lunch on their little seat. It’s a cute little decoration that will fit into a rustic garden or a chic, manicured lawn, depending on the chosen chair. It also brings new feathered friends, which are fun to watch and enjoy.

The exterior of your house is the first thing that visitors notice. Therefore, it is advisable to make it inviting enough for people who happen to knock upon your door. The best way to do this is to try and impart a good feeling to guests as they walk along your entry way to the door of your house. Usually, the pathway that leads to a person’s door may be laden with chippings or paved. An ingenious way to spruce up your walkway is by using stepping stones. They are a very rare sight and usually give the impression that the person staying in the house pays much attention to detail and takes good care of his exteriors. They are a welcome surprise for guests and will most certainly make them feel special.
   
Stepping stones are used to establish a pathway through a person’s garden. Concrete stones can be readily purchased from a masonry or stone yard. They are available in different sizes and thicknesses. A person can choose square or round ones, among the various geometric shapes, depending on his preference. On the other hand, you can also buy crack-resistant concrete mix and make your own stepping stones by using an appropriate mold and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure drying time. In this way, you will be able to create unique stepping stones for your walkway.

Moreover, the stones should be adequately spaced in order to ensure stable surfaces to walk on. Many people only lay down the stone without properly fixing them into the ground. They also leave big spaces between successive stones, which lead to difficulty in walking in a fluid way. Thus, taking those steps becomes uncomfortable and even dangerous, in case people were to miss a step, fall down and sustain injuries. Thus, only small spaces should be left between consecutive stones and the concrete slabs should be properly embedded into the soil. This can be achieved by digging the soil to a depth corresponding to the thickness of the stone. The stone is then placed into the hole so that it is level to the ground. This ascertains that the steeping stones forming part of the pathway are not unsteady to walk on.

Furthermore, you can place unique designs on your stones. They can be a means of expressing yourself as well as displaying your character and personality. You can try to draw specific patterns on the stones by using a foam brush. In addition to that, you can also paint the stones in vibrant colors to liven the surroundings and providing a unique touch to your exteriors. Some people may even choose to write specific words on the stones in order to express something personal including their inspirations. Several types of stamps are widely available from local art supply stores and they consist of specific designs or patterns. For example, in relation to the autumn season, you may choose to buy leaf stamps to depict fall leaves and create an interesting imagery for your stones, blending into the landscape.