How to Design Your Ideal Outdoor Space

Whether you live in an apartment, townhouse, or family home in the suburbs, having easy access to an entertaining outdoor space is a luxury you should not take for granted. If you’re like me, who consistently has friends coming over to stay the weekend or family members dropping in for weekly dinners, a functional, fresh outdoor space is a must-have! My outdoor patio is essential for entertaining and relaxing purposes.

So, read on for a few designing tips and tricks you can use to create an outdoor extension of your home or a private oasis. Fresh style and fresh air ahead!

Tip:

Select individual furniture pieces from different outdoor collections to mix and match your overall design theme. I’m trying not to order a complete outside lounge set, which typically includes the matching sofa, table, and chairs. This “matchy matchy ideal” is overrated and outdated!

Trick:

Try finding items that complement each other or incorporate a similar element that looks good together. For example, a lounge chair made of natural rattan with a black metal base finds a complimenting table with only one detail. This design tip creates a much more dynamic space that not only looks well put together but is trendy and chic. Make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home using the same color palette you have inside your home on your outdoor patio space.

Tip:

Keep your summer entertaining outdoor space cool by adding in plants and a ceiling or wall fan. If you live in a hot, humid climate like me here in Florida, this tip is crucial in keeping everyone from overheating.

Trick:

There are easy-to-care-for plants that physically help lower the room temperature. Two of my favorites are aloe Vera plants, which come in handy for sunburns, and the all-natural humidifier, the areca palm tree. Installing a ceiling fan can be a significant and difficult task in its self. Try using an easy alternative like a free-standing fan you can easily store and take out as needed. On the other hand, if you feel like spurlging, many online retailers have some chic antique stands fans you could keep out and use as décor elements.

Tip:

Make your outdoor space an extension of your actual home. Incorporate outdoor rugs to ground your area and try adding something to make it, even more inviting or entertaining, like a bar cart.

Trick:

Outdoor rugs help ground your outdoor space and can be used as a tool to tie all of your design pieces together. They are also super easy to clean! I have a large rug on my outdoor patio and easily clean it by just spraying it down with the water hose every once in a while when it starts to look messy. Another fun way to make your outdoor space entertaining is to add an outdoor bar cart. Having drinks easily accessible will reduce stress when you’re entertaining family and stress. Plus, you can use it to quickly and easily prepare food as well. For easy entertaining and outdoor enjoyment, add amenities and conveniences found in indoor spaces.

Incorporating one of these tips and tricks into your outdoor space will keep your summer gatherings fresh, fun, and inviting!

If you have questions or would like to talk to me about your own home design project, please contact me at kelly@kellymarieinteriordesign.com.