How to Design Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space this Summer
We spend most of our time at home indoors, so it's common to overlook the outdoor space. But creating a beautiful backyard space increases your home's useable square footage and allows you to tap into the beauty and tranquility that comes from being outside.
There's no place better to be on a warm summer evening than outside, relaxing with family and friends. Here’s a simple step-by-step to designing a dreamy outdoor space…
1. Decide on the Purpose of Your Outdoor Space
The first step in creating your outdoor oasis is determining exactly how you envision using the space. For example, are you looking for an outdoor space for entertaining? Do you want to take advantage of the warmer months for coffee with your significant other al fresco?
Figuring out exactly how you wish to use an outdoor space will make it easier to design with purpose rather than on a whim.
2. Get Inspired & Shop for Quality
Durability is the one factor that becomes far more important for outdoor patio furniture than it would for your living room. Unfortunately, with the outdoors comes the risk of mildew, rust, and sun fading. Cheaper options are easier on the wallet but can quickly fall victim to the elements.
The best materials for outdoor furniture are:
Hardwoods (particularly teak) as they are resistant to insects, cracking, and warping.
Aluminum as it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
Rattan is excellent for weather resistance and sun damage.
Resin wicker is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wicker but with added durability and weather resistance.
As for cushions and pillows, I suggest sticking with well-known companies like Sunbrella. If you aren’t sure about your design style, check out these 3 Steps to Discover Your Interior Design Style for Inspiration.
3. Create a Cohesive Space
Once you've found the furniture you will lounge in while drinking margaritas, it's time to make the outdoor space as special as your interiors. Create layers of furniture, accessories, and décor to create a cohesive look. For example, a rug will always ground the furniture on it, so consider adding one to your seating area. And remember lighting! The outdoors is the perfect space to create layered mood lighting that can keep you enjoying the weather long into the evening.
Living in the Northeast, we get such a short window of great outdoor weather. As soon as the cold breaks, the sweltering summer humidity takes over, and before we know it, it's Labor Day.
If you live in a similar environment, you might not see the value in investing in a gorgeous patio or deck furniture that will only get used four months out of the year. But if you’re like me, I cherish my time enjoying my backyard, with quality design and furnishings. Also, there's just something about a morning cup of coffee surrounded by singing birds!
Ready for an outdoor space that leaves you speechless (in the best way)? Contact us, and we'd be delighted to help!
Until next time,
Donna
