Your guide to creating a comfy, inviting and stylish outdoor space
How is it December already? Seriously, I don’t know what happened to this year, but one thing I do know is that with December comes the start of summer, and that means the holiday period is just around the corner. Yay!!
Its also the perfect time to think about your outdoor living spaces and how you can get the most out of them!
Whether you are planning on holidaying at home this summer, or finally getting together with friends and family at home, extending your living footprint outdoors is a sure way to enhance your lifestyle. And the good news is that no matter the size of your outdoor area, creating a space that’s as comfy, stylish and inviting as your living room can be fun and quite easy to do.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your outdoor spaces this summer…
Blur the lines between indoors and outdoors
Blurring the lines between our indoor and outdoor spaces does wonders for helping us feel connected to nature and helps to draw us outside more. Consider how you can create a better flow between your indoor and outdoor areas.
After what seems like a year stuck inside, our homes may feel a bit inward focussed right now, so it might be a case of moving some furniture around to create a better flow and access to the outdoors, or re-positioning armchairs so your eye is drawn to the garden or sky beyond.
Another trick to visually link your interiors with the outdoors is to place indoor plants by the windows and near doorways and use complementary pots inside and out so there is a seamless transition with the areas.
Consider how you want to use your outdoor space
Determine how you’d like to spend your time outdoors this summer. Do you plan to be entertaining friends and family, or are you looking for some quiet time to relax? Maybe a bit of both?
Depending on the size of your space you might want to consider creating some distinct zones. Think about space for socialising and entertaining, plus a quiet spot to relax and unwind in……
For outdoor dining and entertaining, keep in mind the orientation of your space and where the sun falls. Do you have a covered area that can protect you from the hot summer sun? If so, position your outdoor dining table in the shade so you can enjoy long, lazy summer lunches. If you love the sun, then pop a sun lounger in a sunny spot, or a fire-pit might be just the thing to gather around once the sun goes down.
If you want to create a relaxation zone but are limited on space, carving out a little area is all you need to create some zen vibes. Somewhere to put a slouchy outdoor chair for cups of tea (or a G&T) or somewhere to place a yoga mat for meditation, it doesn’t have to be grand to create the atmosphere you want.
Create a comfy, cosy and inviting outdoor space
Whether you’ve got a balcony, courtyard or garden, creating an outdoor living space that’s as comfy, stylish and inviting as your living room is achievable.
Lets start with furniture. There are so many fabulous outdoor furniture options available these days, but just be sure to choose quality pieces that have been designed for the outdoors so your space can stand the test of time. Choose comfy outdoor seating to really extend your home’s living space. Ensure you have a good balance of seating and open space so it doesn’t feel over-crowded.
Accessories. Outdoor cushions will help bring some colour, warmth and style to your space. Add an outdoor rug and sun umbrellas to also help zone your space.
Fresh plants and beautiful pots. A sure way to help your space feel fresh and inviting, so it might be time to update and freshen-up your pots with some new plants.
Think about keeping your space cosy and inviting once the sun goes down. Consider heaters or a basket of blankets for the cooler evenings. Hanging some festoon lighting will also add atmosphere and warmth to your space too.
Oh, and sitting outside in the Aussie evenings (if you’re anything like me and a magnet for mosquitos) invest in some citronella candles and mossie spray. It will help to keep your evenings relaxed and enjoyable for you and your guests.
So whether you plan to entertain friends and family at home, or just take some time out to relax and unwind this summer, there is no doubt that having outdoor spaces that are comfy, inviting and stylish will maximise your living space and enhance your lifestyle.
Go on then, clean off that outdoor furniture, get the sun umbrellas out, crank up the BBQ and get ready for some laid-back vibes this summer!
If you're wanting to make your home-dreams come true, I’d love to support you. You can book a complimentary 20min Discovery Call by simply clicking here. Or enquire about working together here and we will be in touch.
Anna x