Creating Outdoor Spaces & Focal Points

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When creating outdoor spaces, consider incorporating focal points into your design. This breaks up the landscape and draws the eye all around your space.

Having a water fountain or birdbath, for example, will attract wildlife. Birds are attracted to running water. Also, you want different element heights to draw the eye up and down.

The dogs look pretty comfy. Abi is her regular diva self. And Charlie is looking around for cats or squirrels that might be hiding in the trees. He is not accustomed to cats.

Creating my Outdoor Space on My Patio:

When I begin to develop my outdoor space, I first locate a seating area. A place to sit is a simple focal point that is easy to establish, and it is an important element to an outdoor living space.

How did I establish this one? There are two reasons I chose this particular spot for my seating area. It is in the shade part of the day. And I can see it through the patio doors, which gives me so much pleasure.

Galvanized Container Gardens:

I built this garden area by first setting up a series of galvanized tubs. Then I overlapped the old washer tub three or four inches on each side to prevent it from falling.

In the photo below, you can see how I layered the galvanized tubs.

I have placed a few plates on the inside edges of the tubs for a touch of whimsy and color, as a backdrop for the plants in front of them.

I put another tub in front. It looks more balanced with three galvanized tubs on the bottom and the square washtub on top.

I planted most of these plants yesterday in the containers, so it isn’t looking great yet. This is the time of day when my patio gets shade. Here, the containers will get six hours of sun, which is suggested. 

I brought many plants from the other house, and I also bought some. Home Depot had a big sale on perennials and herbs this week. I could not find rosemary, which I always like to have in my garden. Apparently, the harsh winter here killed the rosemary plant I had at the little blue house.

Birdfeeders as a Focal Point:

Toward the far end of the patio, where the two trees are, I hung a bird feeder with black oil sunflower seeds. It’s been a week or so, and I have had no takers! I have two bird baths, but no birds are visiting yet.

The Importance of Focal Points in Outdoor Spaces:

People ask me how to create settings outside. Just use your gut. Believe me, I do a lot of moving things and shifting them around. I will continue to do so as I add more furniture and decor to my patio. 

You can have color-themed gardens or a blast of many colors. In some of the containers against the fence, I have a white-themed and a purple-themed container of flowers. Occasionally, a breeze brings the scent of the white and purple alyssum drifting in the air. Oh, how I love that scent!

Your aim in your garden/outdoor space should be to utilize all your senses: sight, scent, and sound. This way, you take advantage of everything nature has to offer.

Stick Solar Lights In Containers:

You need some form of lighting in an outdoor space. What I like to do is stick solar lights in my containers. They look beautiful at night, lighting up the plants.

You can buy or order affordable solar lights. These lights illuminate the patio, making it easier for me to see when I’m outdoors with the dogs at night. Plus, the lights bring attention to the plants they are near.

Symbolism In The Garden:

Each plant or decorative object you bring to your garden could have symbolism attached.

I have a house-shaped metal sign that Garden Deva created for me after I lost my friend in 2006. And she also made the Pepper dog sign for the dog I lost just six weeks before my friend’s death. Garden Deva happens to be right here in Tulsa. The owner shipped them to Texas for me.

When you have lost a loved one, it is cathartic to create a garden—something alive and growing to remember them by. You can look up Victorian meanings of flowers and herbs and create a garden around the feelings they evoked in you. For instance, choosing rosemary for remembrance.

I find that this gives me a measure of peace as well as a place to remember my loved ones by. It’s kind of like having a grave site for mourning. But instead, it’s in your own garden space where you can visit any time of day.

Planning Fairy Gardens:

Next, I plan to start tackling a few fairy gardens. I have all the little miniatures from other fairy gardens I’ve made in the past. But I have to carve out the time to work on them. 

Transform Your Yard Into a Retreat:

When it comes to enhancing your home, your outdoor spaces deserve just as much attention as your interiors. A well-designed backyard or garden isn’t just about planting flowers—it’s about creating a functional, inviting environment with focal points that draw the eye and add personality.

Whether you have a sprawling lawn, a cozy patio, or a small balcony, thoughtful design can make all the difference.

Why Outdoor Focal Points Matter

Focal points are visual anchors in your outdoor space that create structure, balance, and interest. Without them, your yard may look unfinished or scattered. By introducing intentional focal areas, you give the eye a place to rest while elevating the overall design.

Common examples of outdoor focal points include:

• Water features like fountains, ponds, or birdbaths
• Garden structures such as pergolas, arbors, or trellises
• Fire pits or fireplaces for warmth and ambiance
• Outdoor furniture arrangements that encourage gathering
• Statement planters or sculptures that add character

Designing with Purpose

When creating outdoor spaces, think about how you want to use the area. Do you want a quiet retreat for reading? A lively entertainment hub for guests? Or perhaps a family-friendly play area? Your focal points should reflect these goals.

Tips for Outdoor Focal Point Design:

1. Choose the correct scale – A small yard may benefit from a single bold planter, while an ample space can support multiple features.
2. Work with symmetry – Balanced layouts, such as matching urns on either side of a pathway, create a polished look.
3. Blend nature and structure – A climbing rose on a trellis or a stone bench under a tree, softens hard edges.
4. Add layers of lighting – String lights, lanterns, or spotlights enhance your focal points at night.
5. Consider seasonal appeal – Plant perennials, add cozy blankets in fall, or switch décor for summer gatherings.

Outdoor Living Beyond the Basics

An outdoor space isn’t just an extension of your home. It’s a lifestyle. Adding focal points not only makes your yard visually appealing but also improves functionality. Imagine sipping morning coffee by a bubbling fountain or hosting friends around a glowing fire pit.

With a bit of design planning, your outdoor area can become an extension of your living space.

Thoughts on Creating Outdoor Spaces & Focal Points

Creating outdoor spaces and focal points doesn’t require a complete renovation—just thoughtful design choices. By incorporating elements that reflect your style and enhance usability, you can transform even the smallest outdoor area into a sanctuary.

Start with one key focal point, then build around it to create a cohesive and welcoming space.