With the warm weather behind us, it’s time to really step up my game when it comes to our outdoor living space. The lounging condition that we had over the summer was really enjoyable but one of the big key ideas is making it cozy, affordable, and versatile year-round. One of my favorite things to do is to add function and find some great deals along the way. As we are building our first home, I am reminded that outdoor space helps create memories that will last a long time. Below are a few steps to help you create your own outdoor living space, and it won’t break the bank either!
Choose a Design - You’ll want to think of the design and layout of your space. Choose a design that is functional and also allows you enough space for you and your guests (Covid will be behind us one day and we can get back to entertaining - phew!) to move freely about the area. This design can be a fun independent theme or can match to the exterior of your home. Pick a color scheme. That's not saying that if you pick teal, you have to paint the whole thing teal, but you can add pops of that color with outdoor rugs, pillows, planters (planters that add a pop of color are perfect!), etc. I do love how the below porch ties in the exterior of the home, though. At the same time, I'm also a huge fan of a minimal design with pops of color here and there.
Have Multiple Areas - If you have a large backyard, you can choose an outdoor area to set up your living space. It doesn’t need to be near the house or if you have a big enough yard, you can offer multiple seating areas. Some can be away from the shade of trees, a wide-open area, or near the pool for your space. The choice should be based on how you want to use the area and how you will use the space. Don’t forget an area for a fire-pit, a safe area for kids to play, and a comfortable seating area for guests to enjoy talking to one another.
Add Cozy Furniture - The furniture you select should be long-lasting, resistant to water, and most of all, comfortable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen in love with a great set and when it came time to actually try it out, it was so uncomfortable. You can choose to have a big group seating such as a sectional or individual seating depending on your space. Make sure that it’s high quality so you can enjoy it for a few years without needing to replace it. This is key to keeping everyone happy, cozy, and enjoying the space with you, plus while it may seem like a lot of money upfront (I know, I know, we are focusing on a budget, but this step doesn't count), it’s better to pay more for quality pieces rather than having to repurchase everything year after year.
TIP: keep several blankets near your door that you can easily grab and take outside with you!
Update for a Wow Appeal - One of the big things you can do to create a cozy space is updating your patio or deck for a wow factor. Recently, I realized that we need a quality deck at the new house and found Brazilian Wood Depot to help bring that vision to life. They not only offer a variety of hardwood deck but the colors, grain, and longevity of this wood are incredible. I couldn’t pass up how gorgeous the purpleheart decking was with its cool purple tones! That’s sure to be a wow factor we’ll enjoy seeing day after day too!
Add Fun Decor - Having an outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t add any fun decor! It actually is the best part about having a space because it makes it stand out. Think of purchasing some great plush pillows, rugs, and some cute bistro lights. When it comes to lighting, also think about small paths your guests will use and use some lights to help them so they don’t trip and get hurt. The other lights such as string lights or lanterns also give your space the comfort and cozy feel we are all gravitating towards.
Creating an outdoor living space can be a very engaging and fun experience! Have your family along for the design process so everyone feels as if they have something to include such as adding a swanky grill or coming up with a unique color scheme. Remember, the space needs to meet your needs, be functional and create an area you want to keep enjoying year after year.
Enjoy this season, friends!
xoxo,
