Three Steps To Creating A Functional & Beautiful Outdoor Living Space
As a southern California native, I think of the outdoor area as another room of a home. We have the good fortune of being able to use this space throughout a good part of the year. If you live in other areas of the country, though, where access to your outdoor space is limited to only a few months, I think it is almost MORE important to make sure that this area of your home is not only beautiful, but functional as well. This area should be ready for impromptu gatherings with friends, a perfect place for weekday dining, or simply a tranquil and quiet place for you to relax after a long day. Here are a few tips that will help you create the perfect outdoor area to use however you see fit.
1. Intentionally Plan Your Outdoor Space
First consider how you would like to utilize the space: barbecuing with friends and family, a quiet evening at home with someone you love, or enjoying the sunshine on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Understanding how the space will be used is critical to knowing how to furnish it.
If you think you will be enjoying meals outdoors regularly, then having a beautiful outdoor table made of natural teak wood with plenty of comfortable seating is key. If cozying up with loved ones is how you image using the space, then a comfortable sofa and chairs made of all-weather material and cushions in a sturdy performance fabric would be essential for your outdoor family room. Or, if you see yourself relaxing in the summer sun, then comfortable lounge chairs and large umbrella are a must. Thanks to so many great products, the options are endless when it comes to designing an outdoor space.
2. Furnish Your Outdoor Space in Layers
When furnishing an outdoor area, I like to approach it the same way I approach an interior space. I start with how the space is going to be used and then think of the pieces that are necessary to make it feel comfortable and inviting yet functional. I like to use an outdoor rug to help define and anchor the space. There are so many beautiful options available for outdoor rugs--- sometimes it is hard to believe that these beauties can be left outside.
Just as I would for an interior family room, I like to mix and match pillows with different patterns and textures to give the area some interest and personality. Thanks to products from Sunbrella and Crypton, both performance fabrics that resist stains, moisture and are very durable, a variety of colors and patterns are available and make it very easy to create a beautifully pulled together look.
I love to drape throws over the sofas or backs of dining chairs for my guests to use in case they get chilly. And to add ambiance, I like to string lights above either sitting or dining areas and place candles in glass hurricanes throughout the space.
3. Opt for Outdoor-Friendly Materials
When considering outdoor furniture options, I tend choose frames made of powder coated aluminum, all-weather wicker, or synthetic material to make sure that the pieces last while left outdoors and completely exposed to the elements. I love to use natural teak pieces. They are timeless and I just love how the teak patinas over time.
Take Advantage of Your Beautiful Outdoor Space
For me, no outdoor space is complete without a fire pit, fireplace or fire table. If a natural gas fire pit or fireplace isn’t an option, I like to use a propane powered fire table to create ambiance. Look for one that is the proper scale for the surrounding furniture and pay attention to the BTUs to make sure that it will give off enough heat.
The great advice doesn't stop here! Get more beautiful and impactful tips sent to your inbox monthly by signing up for our newsletter. If you are feeling overwhelmed with a project in your home, or just don’t know quite what to do with a space and don’t feel like you can do it alone, I would love for you to reach out and schedule a Discovery Call with me here. Together we can create a gorgeous space in your home!
Until next time,
Julie