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. 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

and an off-white fabric. Lighting can completely change how a space feels and allows you to utilize these locations for longer amounts of time long after the sun goes down. Consider what kind of light you will need to support your activities. Do you have any fixtures on your house that will help shed light on your space? String lights are a great way to bring soft ambient light and style to your space. I’ve got a few solar powered sets hanging on my fence that automatically come on at dusk which I absolutely love. They are very low maintenance and durable.

Keep Shade in Mind There are a variety of methods to bring comfort and shade alfresco. These options extend your living space and allow you to spend more time outside while enjoying extended seasons. Depending on your budget, a pergola is a great option. You can purchase at a number of stores or DIY from scratch. Sun shades come in many different sizes and colors. These can attach directly to the side of your house, a fence, or trees using strong rope or twine. An umbrella provides another accessible option with lively patterns and shapes to boot. Market umbrellas are very popular and work well between a few chairs or at the center of a table. Some umbrellas have built in lights but be sure to look for an extra heavy base if you live in a windy area.

Think About Privacy A little privacy can transform a typical yard into a hidden sanctuary. But solitude comes at a price. A full fence is brilliant but consider alternatives if that’s out of the budget. A partial fence even ten to fifteen feet long can offer a lot of privacy without making you feel boxed inside your backyard or exposed to your neighbors. Privacy can also be achieved using shrubbery. Pick fast growing greenery like a burning bush, a leyland cypress, a green giant arborvitae or an emerald green tree. Plant several of these in a row to serve as a privacy screen.

Upgrade Your Space with Layers If you’re looking for a way to elevate your present area, add dimension to your space by incorporating elements that boost your current arrangement. These are simple upgrades that can offer a major glow up. Outdoor rugs are an excellent way to integrate color, texture, and patterns. Avoid materials that will mold or mildew. If you’re using a rug underneath a dining table, be sure to pick a rug large enough to pull out all the chairs comfortably. Side tables can bring charm and functionality. I like to infuse multiple styles to curate my look. Planters are another way I like to bring personality and texture into my spaces. They can change with the seasons, are a nice pop of color, and a beautiful element to any space. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and play around a bit! There are no strict rules, give yourself permission to play. This is your space and you have the opportunity to create whatever atmosphere you desire. No need to rush, you can slowly collect inspiring pieces and develop your own oasis over time.

Jacklyn Nicole