After a long gloomy and white winter (speaking of my current hometown Chicago of course!!), I know we've waited too long for this time of the year. This is when we begin to look 'out' rather than 'in'. Yes it is the right time to give your backyard / garden a little revamp. It doesn't necessarily need to be a major one but with little decor gestures, you can turn your existing outdoor space (patio or deck) into a glamorous new and great looking one!
1- The first gest you will need to make is to 'Guide the way' - establish traffic and direct people the way you would like them to experience your outdoor area. This can be done by creating a walkway using separate concrete step tiles or continuous interlock walkway like the ones shown below. This will surely help create visual interest.
2- For the cold nights and for creating a focal point in your space, a fireplace will surely be the answer - as a fire source will always tend to draw people around it. If you have the space and budget, go for a full-sized one. If not, you can consider fire pits.
3- Use outdoor furniture as an opportunity to add color and interest. Bright colors look very appealing outside whether used with plastic, wood, wicker / rattan or iron furniture. I personally prefer a wicker look. But obviously you can mix and match i.e. using wicker chairs with a wooden table!
4- Zone your space by smartly arranging your furniture. You may want to zone your dining area closer to a wall or corner and place your seating area closer to your home entrance or by the fire source. Outdoor rugs are a great tool to help further zone your areas and can be used for creating visual appeal through the rug patterns and colors.
5 - Lighting is one of the things that draws me most in an outdoor space (or any space!). Use outdoor lights to create an ambience and an attractive mood that will draw people and create a memory.
I love using lanterns!
I love using lanterns!
6- If you have a neighboring scene that you would like to shield away or want a specific space to be more private than the other, using shrubs and trees is a great way to achieve this. Planting trees / shrubs or using plant containers can also add visual interest against a blank wall.
7- If your porch or outdoor space has no roof, you will need some source of shade. I prefer pergolas if you have the space for one, they create a cozy atmosphere and you can hang lights and outdoor drapes for a more glamorous look. Otherwise, umbrellas will work just as well and are much easier to put together.
Love these poufs!!
8- Last but not least, create an interesting and well-decorated tabletop. Vases, candles and plant pots are only some of the ways to create and wrap the great outdoor scene!
Love how the tables below are decorated!
#ladecoristatips #ladecorista #thegreatoutdoors
