She was speaking of coffee at the time. Coffee and summer nights... basically the same thing, right?The best way to begin is just like you were designing any other room of your home. First consider the use of the space. Are you going to be hosting weekly dinners, where you can show off your cooking skills and entertain your friends? Or are you looking for a total r&r space that has plenty of lounging furniture and a place to park your favorite cocktail? Those factors will decide the type of seating you'll need. Begin by sketching out your floor plan. This might go through several revisions and that's ok. The revisions will send your mind working in the right direction. Next, decide on a color scheme and a style that compliments the interior of your home. This way the outdoor space will feel like an extension of the indoors.
[Image @puresaltinteriors]
Tips & must haves for getting that perfect outdoor space:
No. 1: Seating. Good seating. Consider where you're placing the seating. Does it get sun all day? Then wood is probably not gonna be your friend here. In this case you're going to want to find something with a metal frame. If sun isn't a factor, then feel free to browse your heart out. When it comes to saving a dollar, seating is not really where you want to skimp. In other words, you get what you pay for.
[Image @puresaltinteriors]
No. 2: Make your space versatile. Choose pieces that will look good when shared across different areas of your outdoor space. For example, choose a complimenting dining chair that could be used as extra seating next to a sectional.
[Image @Eathancharlesdesign]
No. 3: Choose smaller. It's a good idea when looking for outdoor dining sets to choose smaller. A couple of four person dining sets are easier to store when the warmer months are over versus a large eight person dining set. They can also be easily moved to enjoy a fireside meal, should the opportunity present itself. (And in that case, call me. I'll be right over.)
[Image @threebirdsrenovations]
No. 4: COVER YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE when not in use. It will prolong the life of the furniture ten-fold. I've purchased mine in the past from Target but I know other stores like Home Depot and Lowes carry them on their website as well. You do not necessarily have to order their outdoor furniture for their covers to work. Just check the measurements and you should be good to go!
No. 5: Rugs. Rugs are the anchor to the space, and nowadays we can purchase rugs that are made to get rained on and withstand the sun's harsh rays. If your space already has pattern going on in the furniture, go for a neutral. On the flip side, if everything seems to be solidly colored opt for a pattern rug to add a little visual interest.
[Image @Addisonswonderland]
No. 5: Go green. As in put plants everywhere!! (Don't come at me exclamation point police. I know I put two exclamation points there. I meant too because I'm that passionate about it.) I like to purchase the basic terracotta pots and fill them with sweet potatoes vines, pathos, coral bells, persian shield, or even put your herbs in them for a little fragrance. I have found the terracotta pots at a local store without that top band that they are so synonymously know for. It gave them more of a modern feel. Sit the pots around in various places, an end table, the coffee table, on the floor next to the end table. Using the same colored pots will help create repetition therefore bringing a sense of unification to the space.
[Image Courtney Giles Interiors]
No. 6: Lighting. So what is the ultimate draw to outdoor life in the summer time... hands down it's the twinkle. There's just something about the sunsetting and the glow of lanterns or string lights lighting the faces around you. It creates an instant calm and ups the overall visual value.
[Image @beyond_gray]
Additional Inspiration Photos
[Image @Mroydesign]
[Image @thesisterstuidoig]
Leave a comment