5 Tips For Creating A Great Outdoor Space
I’m assuming since you are reading this, you’re actually concerned about the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space.
Success starts by closing your eyes and pretending you are… INDOORS!
Seriously, there are certainly additional things to consider when arranging an outdoor space, but the biggest mistake made is often to forget all of our indoor design tools – balance, proportion, lighting, etc.
Think about cohesiveness with your indoor style and color scheme and don’t be afraid to do something unique. Repeat after me: “I am not defined by Home Depot’s Garden section!”
Lucky for us, there are a lot of super fabulous retailers getting into the outdoor game. But that good fortune aside, the same creative willpower we use in our indoor spaces can be applied to our outdoor spaces as well. When designing your outdoor space, kindly consider the following…
Outdoor Area Rug
You would never go rugless inside your house, right? RIGHT?!?
Don’t go rugless outside.
This rug from West Elm, makes the space!
Area rugs can both define your outdoor space and give it personality and depth. Not to mention adding comfort and cleanliness.
Use the same sizing rules as you would with indoor area rugs: go bigger than your gut (and wallet) tells you, all front furniture legs should overlap the rug by at least 4 inches.
What material should your rug be made of?
If your outdoor space is under a permanent roof, you have a lot of options. Pretty much anything with a loose enough weave and no backing should work. Even if the rug won’t get directly rained on, it will be exposed to more moisture than an indoor rug and needs to have decent air circulation to prevent mold.
Yes, your conclusion is correct, no shag rugs outdoors. Sorry.
If your ourdoor space is en plein air, there are a few more restrictions. Seriously consider something made out of a synthetic material. I know it doesn’t appeal to the naturalist in you, but neither will throwing out your moldy jute rug.
Outdoor Plants
This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by how many outdoor spaces are completely lacking any greenery. There are loads of options here. Understand that potted trees are just as fantastic outdoors as they are indoors.
Find a big cool planter and, um, plant things in it.
Put a small pot of succulents on the coffee table.
Hang a basket with trailing ivy.
Cut a border around the patio and drop in a row of annuals.
But, for heaven’s sake, please read the flag in the plant and follow the instructions for sun/shade conditions.
If you’re space is totally in the shade, let me introduce you to my friend coleus.
Outdoor Lighting
OK, friends, this is important. Your space should not only be available for use during the full daylight hours of mid-summer. We all know the best parties and most compelling books find their reluctant end sometime around 1am.
Don’t prematurely end the evening’s enjoyment because you neglected to equip your outdoor space with the proper lighting.
Brooklyn Limestone made this firepit area a place no one wants to leave!
As you would indoors, think about layering your lighting. Overhead string lights or lanterns hung from tree branches provide “whole room” illumination. Floor and table lamps or candle in hurricanes give more specific lighting and ambiance.
Climate
I know you were hoping to avoid the giant umbrella look. But, if you live somewhere South of the Mason-Dixon line, you’ll never use your outdoor space in the summer if there is no shade.
Check out how our friend Studio Plumb transformed her backyard- she’s got it all!
Be realistic about the limitations of the climate you live in. And think beyond the umbrella. Pergolas are all the rage and with good reason. They can be customized for your space and shade needs and also provide definition to your space. But, they’ll run you approximately 10x the cost of your run of the mill umbrella and possibly require a contractor to install.
Consider sails, which can be with anything from a $100 trip to the hardware store to much more elaborate designer looks (and price tags).
This particular shade is from Cabelas, but the options are endless
Remember the power of air circulation. Give Mother Nature some help with a ceiling fan in a covered porch or floor fan outdoors. If your problem is not the heat, but the chilly spring/fall days, COVID has brought outdoor heaters and portable firepits to the masses.
Join the club.
Vertical Space
Yes, you have vertical space outdoors. And you can use it! Yes, lights and plants work for you. But, so does art! Clear lacquer + your sweet flea market find = durable outdoor art. Or choose weather-resistent wood or metal as the medium. Just don’t feel like a blank wall is doomed just because it happens to be outside!
This space from CoolGardens.co.uk is great!
And that my friends is one way to create a pretty cool outdoor space. If you want to see this kind of transformation in action…stay tuned for our Spring One Room Challenge.