The warm weather is upon us! And with that, we are all looking to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. We often do that right outside of our own homes, on our decks, patios, and porches. But are you doing it in style? In comfort and peace? Does your outdoor area feel inviting and look beautiful? Well it should! It’s an extension of your home and should be just as welcoming as your living room. Whether you use it for family time, entertaining, or a personal peaceful place to sneak away to, you want your outdoor space to be stylish and appealing, and here’s how to do it!
To start, the basics - outdoor furniture, which you may already have. But, if you do not, the same rules apply for outdoor furniture as indoor. Choose pieces that fit the space appropriately and fit the needs of how you’ll use the space. BHI has worked with clients for years choosing outdoor furniture and will be happy to choose yours! Be sure to do a thorough seasonal cleaning of your patio, deck or porch. Cleaning all leaves, debris, a good scrub down of surfaces, some new paint or stain if needed, checking that all your cushions are still in good shape. A polished outdoor space will make using it all the more enjoyable.
Now onto the fun part, styling! Before you begin styling, decide on a design direction by choosing a color scheme and design style. Once you’ve done that, there’s so many ways to bring even more life to your outdoor area. Check out these great ideas:
Outdoor Rugs - adding an outdoor rug has a handful of benefits, bringing in color and patterns, designating the area more clearly, helping to keep the area cleaner, and providing some coziness. When choosing a rug, there’s a few things to consider such as resistance to mold and mildew, resistance to water, rain and heavy foot traffic and sun exposure effects. For a deeper dive into choosing the right outdoor rug, click here.
Throw Pillows and Blankets - just the same as you would want indoors, pillows and blankets outdoors are necessary. As with a rug, they give the opportunity for added color, patterns and comfort. When choosing pillows, you should look out for materials such as 100% Sunbrella acrylic fabric or other weather-resistant fabrics and make sure they’re machine washable to keep them free and clear of dirt and pollen build up. As for throw blankets, keeping them stored away in something like West Elm’s Portside Outdoor Storage Trunk while not in use will protect them.
Lighting - the right lighting features will elevate any space, especially the deck or patio! Some great options are string lights, lanterns, or even built-in lighting in your deck or railing. The soft glow of your chosen lighting not only increases the cozy atmosphere of your space, but provides visibility for safety after sunset.
Plant Life - you’re already outdoors and surrounded by trees, grass and plants, however, thoughtful and intentional plantlife added to and around the deck will serve as a lovely transition from living space to the actual outdoors. Use a mix of large and small planters with various types of plants, hanging planters and box planters along the railings. Using a variety of plant life will add privacy, texture, color and a smell to the space. A few of the best options to consider include:
Caladium
Begonia
Lavender
Croton
Ornamental Grass
Coleus
Boxwood
Herbs
Creeping Jenny
Bamboo
Angelonia
To learn more about these options and why they’re beneficial, click here
Water Features - did you know that the sound of running or falling water has profound effects on the brain? Anxiety and stress relief, increased concentration, reduced heart rate, induced relaxation and tranquility, just to name a few! Including a water feature to your outdoor area is good for the soul and looks beautiful! There’s so many different types of fountains to choose from with recirculating pumps, you can add a water wall, a bird bath, or a tabletop water feature. Whatever you choose will bring style and peace to the space.
Fire Pits - there is nothing cozier than being snuggled up next to a warm fire! This will not only add ambiance, but will become a focal point for socializing. It will allow you to enjoy the space even on chillier nights and provides a chance for fun activities like roasting marshmallows for smores. With so many to choose from, decide first if you want to go with a wood, natural gas or propane fire pit (check out the pros and cons of each here). From there, decide on a style, price point and size, before you know it, that’s everyone’s favorite spot to be on the deck.
We’ve covered a lot of key ways to add style to your space, but here’s a list of a few more fun ideas:
Place artificial grass between large pavers
Hang sheer panels or wooden lattice for extra privacy
Add decorative elements or sculptural pieces
Add a pergola or canvas cover
Put up wall art
Play with textures
Your deck or patio doesn’t have to be dull just because it’s outdoors. It should be given the same consideration and care as the rest of your home and enjoyed as much. Bella Home Interiors designs your outdoor spaces too and is ready to help you Deck Out Your Deck! Call or go to our website to schedule your consultation today. www.bellahomeinteriors.com
856-468-4400
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