Whether your outside space is a balcony, a large garden, or a small courtyard, you need to stop thinking of it as something that’s separate to your living area, and instead as an extension of your home. Too often our outside space gets neglected and forgotten, where plants soon become overgrown and it’s not somewhere that you want to be. 

Or it could be that you simply don’t enjoy being out there as it just doesn’t feel right. No matter what it is, if it’s not working for you, chances are it’s not about the size of it, but how you’re using it. Here is why your outside space might not be doing the job it’s supposed to, and how you can fix it in no time. 

Photo by Mike Bird

It doesn’t have a purpose

One of the clearest reasons your outside space doesn’t work is that it doesn’t have a function. Are you looking for a spot where you can sit and relax with a book and take in your surroundings? Do you want somewhere to plant fruit and vegetables? Do you want somewhere you can cook and host for friends and family? You could add a gravel path with paving blocks, little fences, bushes, and then add furniture and storage solutions depending on what you’re after. 

Without a clear idea of what you want to space for, it can feel cluttered, uninspiring and quite frankly a bit of a mess! The easiest way to fix it is to decide what you want from it. You can then tidy up and design the space around this. You’ll notice a real difference straight away, as soon as you tailor it to what you actually want. 

The layout doesn’t flow

Poor layout can make even the largest outdoor area feel cramped or impractical. Furniture placed without thought, blocked walkways or awkward proportions can disrupt the natural flow and make the space uncomfortable to use. You might not be able to get to areas you want, or you could find that you’re trying to relax, but have your children racing around you with their toys so you can’t. 

To sort this, create clear pathways and zones, just as you would indoors. Position seating where it feels natural to gather, ensure there’s enough room to move around comfortably, and scale furniture to suit the size of the space. You could use things like fences or different flooring to help zone the space as mentioned above. This can really help create visible identifiers to show where different spots in your outside space are.

It’s not comfortable

If your outdoor area isn’t comfortable, you’re unlikely to spend time there. Hard seating, lack of shade, cold surfaces or exposure to wind can all make the space feel uninviting. You wouldn’t compromise on the furniture that goes inside your home, with a solid sofa, rickety old table and armchair that you hate to sit on, so why do this just because it’s outside? To fix this, invest in comfortable, weather-appropriate furniture and layer in soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and throws designed for outdoor use. 

Add shade with parasols, pergolas or sails, and consider wind protection with screens or planting. You can also think about year-round usability. Heating options like fire pits or patio heaters can extend use into cooler months, while covered areas provide shelter from rain. If you have a hot tub, consider adding a retractable shelter over the top, or a pergola to keep you protected. Good drainage and weather-resistant materials also make a big difference in having a space that is comfortable to use and that you really enjoy spending your time in.

There is poor lighting

Without proper lighting, your outside space can become unusable after sunset. Harsh lighting or a complete lack of it can make the area feel unwelcoming and impractical. To fix this, layer your lighting with a mix of functional and ambient options. Path lights improve safety, while fairy lights, lanterns or wall lights add warmth and atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting helps the space feel inviting well into the evening.

These are just three common mistakes that many people make when they are struggling with their outside space. It’s usually down to the purpose, layout or the fact it’s simply not comfortable enough. By sorting out these issues, you’ll soon have a spot you can’t wait to spend time in, whether it’s the summer or if you’re sitting with a cup of coffee on a crisp winter morning. What are some top tips you have for sorting an outside space? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you and get inspired.