Designing Beyond The Walls: Your Guide To Outdoor Living
In this month's Design Dive, we take a look at shopping for patio furniture, design considerations, and getting the most out of your outdoor space.
We’ve all heard of the phrase “bringing the outside in” when decorating our interior living space but rarely “bringing the inside out” when taking a look at the exterior. Outdoor living spaces offer a sense of openness, freedom, and connection to nature that interior spaces often can’t.
Why not unlock the full potential of your outdoor living space and let it become a true extension of your home? Let's explore a few ways you can get the most out of your outdoor living space while seamlessly blending comfort, functionality, and style into its design.
Before You Start
There are countless ways to transform your outdoor living space– the key is being aware of how you plan to utilize the space. First, create distinct zones within your outdoor area, each with a specific purpose or intended function such as dining, lounging, gardening, and the like. Secondly, set a budget to make informed decisions and ensure your expectations align with your finances. Finally, consider the overall aesthetic and style you want to achieve. Break barriers, get creative, and design in a way that truly resonates with you.
Setting The Stage with Furniture
Like many outdoor spaces, furniture is a must. It not only provides comfort and functionality to your space but also serves as they component in defining the style and purpose of your outdoor living retreat. The options are endless– dining sets, sofas, loungers, accent tables, benches, swing chairs, bar stools, and more!
Start by considering durable and weather-resistant furniture. Materials like wicker, teak, rattan, and aluminum are all resistant to moisture, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures. Ensuring that your furniture is weatherproof will help retain its beauty and help keep your space looking cohesive for years to come.
Enhancing Your Space with Colors and Patterns
The natural world’s color palette can oftentimes appear bland and meek. Infuse your outdoor space with colors, patterns, and hues that add to the space’s surrounding environment. Break boundaries with unique visual cues to keep you and your guests enthralled. Remember– balance is key!
Some may prefer earthy tones like greens, browns, and blues help to create a calming and serene atmosphere, perfect for serene getaways that might boast a pool, hot tub, or yoga setup. Others might look to add splashes of vibrant colors into their space through more decorative elements, such as planters, cushions, or rugs. If you’re aiming for a more lively atmosphere, try implementing stripes, floral patterns, or geometric shapes into your design.
Incorporating Natural Elements
Decorating your outdoor living space with greenery is one of the best ways to connect with nature and enhance its ambiance. Create a lush, inviting aura with potted plants, hanging baskets, vertical gardens, or large floor pots. Choose from a mix of flowering plants, evergreens, and ornamental grasses to help bring diversity and elegance to your space.
Try incorporating stone, wood, and bamboo in furniture or decorative pieces to improve the blend. Consider adding water features like a fountain or trickling stream provide soothing sounds and create a sense of relaxation for guests.
Set The Mood with Lighting and Ambiance
Create a magical atmosphere and extend the usability of your space with calculated lighting choices. String lights, lanterns, and even solar-powered path lights can help add a warm, inviting glow to your arrangement.
Adding lighting options can help establish intimacy and enchantment in your space, perfect for gatherings and dinner parties. Even something as small as a strategically placed candle or LED strip can create a sense of coziness that will help keep everyone lingering.
The Final Touch: Personalization
The most important part of any outdoor space is adding YOUR desired extensions. If you want to create a reading corner with comfortable outdoor lounging chairs, do it! If you want to host large gatherings with a fire pit and outdoor space to roam, do it! If you want to entertain guests with music, movies, or a show under the stars, do it!
Personal touches help make your space unique and reinforce your personal style. By curating a space that reflects your personality and preferences, you're giving yourself a daily escape to unwind, connect with loved ones, and make lasting memories.
Hudson Blau Designs wants to help you design your dream outdoor space! There’s no better time than the present. Seize the opportunity to design your outdoor space with help from an experienced professional. Schedule a discovery call with us today: https://www.hudsonblau.com/contact-us
Image Credits:
Hudson Blau Designs, Architectural Digest, BHG, Love Your Landscape, HGTV