Daydream, then Decide on the Outdoor Space's Dedicated Purpose
I am so ready for outdoor living, so I thought this would be a good time to start planning our fun outdoor spaces for all of us . Outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for creative and imaginative use beyond dining or lounging. Set up a cozy outdoor office space with a comfortable chair, a desk or table, and some shade. It's a great way to work or study while enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. Set up a serene outdoor space for meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices. Add comfortable seating, soft lighting, and natural elements like plants or water features to create a peaceful and calming environment. Because I love to read, I recommend making a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair or hammock, a side table for books and beverages, and some soft lighting. It's a perfect spot to curl up with a good book and enjoy the outdoor ambiance.
Get Inspired, then Go Shopping for Quality Outdoor Furniture
When selecting outdoor furniture and fabrics, it's essential to choose durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance materials. When selecting a wood product, teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its natural durability and resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. It requires minimal maintenance and develops a beautiful patina over time.
Regarding outdoor fabrics, look for options made from solution-dyed acrylic, polyester, or other synthetic materials resistant to fading, mold, and mildew. These fabrics are designed to withstand exposure to sunlight and moisture without losing color or shape. Sunbrella is a fantastic brand I typically recommend to clients for outdoor fabric. The patterns and colors are endless.
Plan it Out, then Purposefully Layer Furniture, Accessories & Decor
If you think about it decorating outdoor spaces shares similarities with decorating indoor spaces, as both involve considerations of aesthetics, functionality, and personal style. Like indoor spaces, outdoor spaces can benefit from applying design principles such as balance, proportion, rhythm, and focal points. These principles help create visually appealing and harmonious outdoor spaces that feel well-designed and cohesive. Similar to indoor spaces, color, and pattern can be used to create visual interest and evoke a certain mood or style in outdoor areas. Adding flair just like you would do with your interiors, you can use colorful cushions, rugs, or accessories to add pops of color or choose patterned fabrics for outdoor furniture to add texture and bring your design together.
Other things to consider when putting your outdoor space together are furniture arrangement and lighting. Consider the flow of traffic, seating arrangements, and focal points when arranging the furniture, just as you would with indoor furniture. Lighting plays a crucial role in both indoor and outdoor spaces. There are many types of lighting, such as string lights, lanterns, and spotlights, to create ambiance, highlight focal points, and ensure safety. You can really get creative with your lighting and set the mood.
Lastly, have fun with it, and remember to add your style and personality. While decorating outdoor spaces has unique considerations due to exposure to the elements, many similarities exist with decorating indoor spaces. By considering design principles, color and pattern, furniture arrangement, lighting, personal style, functionality, weather considerations, and maintenance, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
Ready for an outdoor space that leaves you speechless (in the best way)? Contact me, and I'd be delighted to help! You can email me directly at amanda@newenglandhomeandinteriors.com or book time here for a 15-minute chat.
Until next time,
Amanda
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