How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Space

Many of us on the east coast have been gearing up for summer. Whether you’re bringing the outdoor furniture out of your garage, or dusting off your throw pillows and decor, you may feel like it’s time to update your outdoor space. With so many different ways to customize your patio, it may seem overwhelming and difficult to know where to start.

Outdoor Furniture

Is this the year to completely change the look of your patio? If so, you can start with new furniture.

Quality outdoor furniture is definitely an investment, but, as with any investment, take your time in researching good quality, so you can ensure they will last for years to come. Today, there are so many options to choose, which now depend mostly on your style preference, whether it be modern, coastal, classic, or, the newest style we’re seeing, bohemian. Outdoor furniture is no longer just some wicker chairs or iron tables, they range from hanging chairs and built-in benches using beautiful outdoor fabrics for color and texture.

Sources L-R: amzn.to, Becki Owens, Beth Mullins

Cushions

If you’re not looking to replace your furniture this year, but you’re still craving a different look for your outdoor space? New cushions and re-upholstery are a great way to refresh your look. Choosing a durable indoor/outdoor fabric will ensure that it will hold up for years to come. Whether it be the weather, the harsh sun, or the kid’s messes, many indoor/outdoor fabrics are made to be durable and are made to resist fading from the sun. Just keep in mind that not all outdoor fabrics are created equal, depending on what materials they are made from.

Some fabrics tend to be more delicate than others and may require dry cleaning, whereas others can be spot cleaned, while others can be washed with soap and water. Nowadays almost all fabrics can also be treated to be stain proof entirely. In order to ensure longevity for your outdoor textiles, pay close attention to the care instructions, which will always display a clean-ability code.

Sources L-R: Style Curator, Brooke Wagner Design, GreekLuxuryVillas

Elle Decor

Throw Pillows & Accessories

Okay, so what if you’re not looking to make a major change, but still want to refresh your outdoor space? Throw pillows and accessories! If you have a neutral color scheme in your furniture or cushions, brighten up your patio by adding throw pillows and accessories in fun and playful colors. For outdoor pillows, the same rules will apply as outdoor cushions and textiles. In order to prevent fading or damage from the elements, consider bringing them inside when the forecast predicts rain.

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Kravet

Another way to change the look of your outdoor space in an outdoor-friendly rug. Just like when you add one to your home, it can warm up a space and ground the furniture, so it doesn’t look like it is floating in your area. Also, a rug feels so much better to walk on then concrete or a wood deck.

Sources L-R: Dot & Bo, PureWow, ZevyJoy.com

A fun way to think of your outdoor space is to imagine it as an extension of your home. You wouldn’t leave your room completely bare, and the same should go for your patio. A good way to not be overwhelmed if you have a large space, is to think of the perimeter of your your yard the walls. If you have a backyard, flowering annuals, perennials, or hedges are a great way to add color and dimension along your property line. If your space is limited, adding potted plants or hanging planters is an easy way to enhance your outdoor space.  There are so many ways to incorporate greenery to your “room without walls.”

Sources L-R: betterdecoratingbible, bungalowaz.com, roomzaar.com

Proper Care

If you want to fully maximize the duration of your outdoor fabrics, invest in a water-proof cover. An outdoor cover will help protect your furniture from the elements, or fading from constantly being in direct sunlight. I always recommend to bring your cushions and pillows inside or covering them when not in use. Proper care and storage will ensure that your outdoor textiles and furniture will last for a long time, and will definitely be worth the investment.