OUTDOOR SPACES
A Touch of Design: Outdoor Spaces Designing Your Setup Before purchasing furniture or diving head first, think about how you want to use your outside space. Will you be hosting friends and family? If so, how many place settings do you need? Will you be using this as an alternate place to work or primarily just leisure? Imagine ideally how you want to use this space and choose furniture that supports the activities you will be enjoying there. This will help you figure out what you need in your outdoor haven whether that is entertaining guests, serving up cocktails, or writing on a laptop. I use my front porch mainly for morning emails and savoring a hot cup of coffee. I’ve picked comfortable, ergonomic seating and several small tables that are easy to move for my computer and a drink. Pro tip: Scotch guard your furniture immediately to protect your new digs. If you have problems with birds hanging out on your furniture, string gold metallic ribbon or wrapping paper in the area where they like to hang out. Your feathery friends should keep away without any harm. Add a citronella plant or candle to help keep insects at bay. 70 HOME RIVER VALLEY
Ambiance & Theme Think about the mood or the kind of vibe you want in your space. Choosing a central theme helps steer decisions and guide your visual aesthetic. Pick a color palette that fits your concept but keep it flexible. Choose items that spark joy and bring you happiness. A few pieces of inspiration can help you build a collection. I personally tend to mix and match palettes. My backyard area is a warm cedar wood, a light tan fabric, dark gray rod iron, and striped navy and white patterns. My front porch is black galvanized steel, acacia wood
