Outdoor Spaces

Sunsets in the backyard are one of the best things about Summer. Cotton-candy skies and warm weather invite us all to go outdoors. Outdoor spaces are a great place to entertain, spend time with your family, and relax on your own. There might be nothing better than having an ice cold drink, sitting down with your favorite book, and soaking in the sun.

You don't need a ton of space to get your backyard ready for entertaining-- just some creative thinking with implementation!

The best place to start building an inviting outdoor space would be an open deck or porch. A cozy seating area with sitting options facing each other is a great way to entertain. Guests can see one another and have warm conversations.

“L” shaped lounging options can be easily moved around for the perfect fit. Add in a table or ottoman in-between---or better yet, a fire pit! If you need shade, place an outdoor umbrella close by. This added layer of functional décor also allows you to “build up” your inviting space with layers while providing functionality. Be thoughtful about where the sun will shine at different points during the day so you can plan for your umbrella use! For a pop of color try some outdoor throw pillows which come in a variety of styles. This is a great way to provide contrast with your furniture.

Adding another layer of texture, find an outdoor rug that can withstand the elements. Use your outdoor rug to provide some contrast. If you choose light airy furniture, find a more rustic rug or one with some dark, rich patterns. If you choose dark furniture, find a more natural rug or a lighter one with fringe! The pattern on the ottoman in this veranda styled by Aubrey (below), is fun and contemporary. The bold and gold hexagon side table is chic and classy. Don’t be afraid to pull some of your favorite indoor furniture outside. If your porch is covered and the piece is durable, try it outdoors—sometimes it’s the right portion of “unexpected” that creates a really beautiful space.

Lastly, add in some plants. Potted plant varieties that like lots of sunlight will thrive much better outdoors. Perennials like succulents, aloe, or potted pampas grass will live throughout the season and help give dimension to your space. You can even bring trees to your deck! Olive trees, lemon trees, and fig trees are great options.

But what if you don't have a deck?

That's ok! Think about hardscaping it. Find the place in your yard that has great attributes for outdoor lounge space. Think flat, open, and easily accessible. If you want your own canopy, find a spot next to a tall tree that can provide you with natural shade. If you want a solid platform, think about creating a patio out of concrete or stone pavers.

Helpful tip: Plan ahead and layout the shape you want in the grass with place markers. Then, you can visualize exactly where your bricks, pavers, or concrete will go. This will allow you to think out the size of your furniture.

If you need to be conservative on furniture size, four chairs or two chairs and a bench, can be a good option in a small space. Creating a private area with chairs facing one another like the corners of a square is nearly fool-proof for a seating area. Angle each of the chairs towards the center respectively in their corners. For a little extra magic: lights! Lighting has always drawn me into a space. Hanging lights can really elevate the experience for guests. Solar lights are a good option if you don't have electricity access, I have found them in both hanging styles and ground styles.

Here are some examples of cozy small spaces with a few chairs and a bench. The top photo is from our Beaver Lake renovation project. The other is a space designed by Aubrey, our founding designer.

Outdoor spaces can also include fun dining spaces. Don’t be afraid to think about using a full-size dining table outdoors! Setting an outdoor dining table with glasses, napkins, dishes, and even a centerpiece can honor the guests’ experience and bring a reflection of your home’s style—outside. This dining area was part of the total home renovation project on Beaver Lake. We also paired it with a cozy seating area to fully maximize the use of this lake-front deck, which we shared above!

We hope you enjoy your Summer! We would love to see your outdoor spaces so feel free to tag us on Instagram! Check out our other blog posts for the full renovation project on this beautiful home pictured above.

Autumn Rose Interiors