Now that spring has officially arrived and temperatures are (finally!) starting to warm up, it’s time to start fully enjoying the outside areas of your home. However, after the harsh winter across most of the country, your porch and patio (or other outdoor living space) may have taken quite a beating from the harsh and relentless elements. Before you host an outdoor dinner party or spend the day lounging in the sun with your favorite read, first spend a bit of time giving your outdoor space some TLC. With just a few key elements, you can make the perfect outdoor oasis no matter where you live or how much space you have!
To create a well-styled, resort-like patio, aim to incorporate a consistent color palette. The outdoors is the perfect place to have a little fun, perhaps using colors, textures and patterns you wouldn’t normally use inside. Nautical, floral, stripe and leaf motifs are popular outdoor styles. Many outdoor fabrics and accessories come in all sorts of bright hues, so find a scheme you love and shop for furniture, accents and accessories to create a cozy place for lounging, dining and entertaining.
Outdoor items tend to get damaged and worn out, even in warmer temperatures, thanks to abundant rain, wind, dirt, moisture and strong sunlight. Furniture, especially seating, is necessary in almost any outdoor setting. Invest in items that are made for outdoors and will stand the test of time. These chairs, made of recycled milk cartons, are super sturdy and completely sun- and waterproof. While they were a substantial investment, they won’t need to be replaced season after season due to their exceptional quality. Choose colors that can work with a variety of décor schemes so you can easily swap the look throughout the year as the surroundings and temperatures change.
Another essential element to include in your outdoor space is textiles! Outdoor-specific rugs, pillows and curtains bring a softness and design element to the outdoors and provide nice contrast to the hard furniture and ground surfaces. If you plan to keep your fabric pieces in the elements (both sun and rain) all season long, be sure to invest in ones that are crafted from outdoor fabrics. Outdoor fabrics often have a plastic-like coating that wicks away moisture and repels sunlight, increasing their ability to last and look good all season long.
Outdoor curtains are not only useful to block the sunlight at certain times of day but can also help frame your outdoor area. Again, be sure to use outdoor fabric on your curtains. Simply add grommets to a length of outdoor fabric and hem it to length with a sewing machine or hem tape (for a no-sew option!). Hang them on a tension rod for easy installation and removal when bad weather rolls in. Outdoor curtains work wonders for making a bland patio or porch feel colorful and luxurious!
Small tables, stools and plant stands tucked in and around chairs, lounges and chaises not only provide places for drinks, snacks and reading materials but can also fill in empty spaces, block poor sightlines and provide landing zones for outdoor-friendly accessories.
Plants are one of the best, easiest and most cost-friendly ways to accessorize your outdoor space. Buy pretty garden pots that function as both planters and décor accents. On urban patios and porches, choose large, leafy plants and trees to help your space feel more like a garden escape.
To really create an outdoor sanctuary, fill in the spaces between functional furniture and plants with other outdoor-friendly accents. Lanterns, candles, strings of lights, statues, garden stones, bar carts, trays, porcelain stools, mirrors and metal artwork can all help your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home!
No matter what all you bring into your outdoor space, be sure you regularly clean and maintain items to keep them looking sharp and tidy. Even with outdoor-specific items, mold, mildew, wood rot, dust, dirt and pests can build up easily. Regularly wipe down furniture, water and rotate plants, shake out rugs and curtains, and wash pillow covers. This will ensure outdoor pieces will be functional, clean and usable year after year!
Creating an outdoor sanctuary doesn’t require acres of private land, tons of expensive furniture or a garden full of exotic plants. With just a few functional furniture pieces, potted plants and colorful accessories all tied together in a cohesive and fun palette, you can easily own a show-stopping space to wine, dine and relax! And if you are in need of more outdoor ideas, check out these tips for sprucing up an apartment-style patio, these outdoor lighting ideas and this adorable garden pot idea!