Summer will be here before we know it, so that means NOW is the time to get the wheels in motion to enhance your outdoor living area. Here are 3 simple steps if you already have an outdoor space that could be improved or you would like to create a space to relax with friends and family.
Step One:
Purpose - Determine how you will use your space. Do you love to cook and want a big outdoor table with plenty of seating to host friends for dinner? Can you envision relaxing on a comfortable outdoor couch? Once you decide the purpose of your outdoor space, measure the space to find out the ideal dimensions of furniture and sketch a layout.
Step Two:
Aesthetic - Create a mood board! Check out Pinterest, Instagram and magazines to get an idea of styles and colors that speak to you. Let that look guide you in your shopping choices. If you can’t decide on what color scheme to use, the Pantone colors of 2021 are “illuminating” (vibrant bright yellow) and “ultimate gray.” These colors look great paired together, or on their own, and we’ll be seeing a lot of these shades this year.
Step Three:
Accessorize - Once you have your furniture in place you’ll want to personalize the space with accessories.
Pots/plants – Of course, we would suggest this! Adding living elements to your space is a must to bring additional life and color to your outdoor space. We’d recommend at least two large planters and a tabletop arrangement. The planters don’t have to match, but make sure they coordinate. For example, Julie has all white planters in all shapes and sizes on her back deck. Elizabeth has different colored planters (blue, black and rattan) on her back patio but she brings them all together by only using only one color of flower in all the pots.
Lighting – We love string lights that you can find inexpensively everywhere. So festive! Also, candles and lanterns, the more the merrier.
Pillows / blankets – Pillows and blankets are an easy way to add a pop of color to an outdoor living area and can be changed out seasonally.
Rug – An outdoor rug is a great way to bring a furniture grouping together and provides cozy vibes.
Wall space – You wouldn’t leave a wall blank in your home, so why would you in your new outdoor living area? We love any and all of these touches: a beautiful mirror, wall planters, vertical garden, fountain and art.
Fire pit – A relaxed seating area with a fire pit is an inviting place to linger outdoors on cool evenings and don’t forget about s’mores!
Fountain – The sound of trickling water is so soothing and perfect to create a zen environment in your outdoor living area.
Pop over to our curated “outdoor living and decor” storefront to see our top picks to help you get started on creating or adding to your own outdoor living room.