Creating an Outdoor Space
Creating an outdoor space you’re excited to show off is all about the little things—plus a few bigger ones too. Whether you're building a space from the ground up or just adding those final touches, we think your outdoor haven should feel just as inviting as the inside of your home.
Late winter and early spring are the perfect times to start dreaming up your outdoor setup and getting ready to bring it to life. There are so many fun ways to level up your outdoor living, and we’ve rounded up a bunch of our favorite ideas to help get you inspired.
Scroll on for some easy (and a few more involved) ways to make your outdoor space feel extra special—no matter how big or small your project is.
A lot of people don’t treat their outdoor space the same way they do their indoor space—but honestly, you can! These days, pretty much anything you’d use inside has a version made for the outdoors. By adding comfy, functional furniture made for the elements, you can turn your outdoor area into a true extension of your home.
While we usually skip matching furniture sets indoors, using pieces with similar shapes and styles outdoors can actually help everything feel more pulled together and natural in the space. To cozy things up even more, lay down an indoor-outdoor rug—it’s a simple way to bring that “living room” vibe outside. Plus, it helps anchor your furniture and defines the space.
A quick tip on rug size: Just like inside, aim for a rug that’s big enough so that the front legs of your chairs and sofas sit on it—usually about 6 inches of rug under each front leg does the trick.
Next, grab some indoor-outdoor pillows to add softness and a pop of personality. Style them just like you would on your indoor couch—mixing sizes, textures, and colors to keep things interesting. Don’t be afraid to play with patterns or pull in colors from your surroundings. And for those cooler nights? Toss in a weather-friendly throw blanket for extra comfort.
Sure, you might have to do a little upkeep to keep everything looking great, but outdoor textiles are made to be tough—and trust us, the cozy factor is totally worth it.
Add Some Greenery (Yes, Even Outside!)
We know—you’re already outside, so it might feel like extra plants aren’t really necessary. But trust us, adding a few intentionally placed plants or flowers can totally level up your space and make it feel more styled and pulled together.
The best part? Outdoor plants are way less needy than indoor ones. They get sunlight, they get rain—it’s like they’re doing half the work for you.
Try lining your table with a few small vases filled with greenery, or go bold with one big centerpiece. Want to make your seating area feel extra cozy and put-together? Add a couple of large planters on either side, or tuck smaller potted plants on side tables or along a path.
If you’ve got a green thumb, even better—work in a mini herb garden with a cute planting bench or a vertical garden wall. Not only does it look great, but you can actually use the herbs too. Double win.
In the end, it’s all about making your space feel fresh, inviting, and a little more “you.” Nature’s already doing the heavy lifting—why not make the most of it?
Style Your Tabletop
Want to make your outdoor meals feel a little more special? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few thoughtful touches can take your outdoor setup from basic to “wow, this is cute.”
Start with the essentials—melamine plates (so you’re not worried about anything breaking), woven placemats, and some printed napkins or table linens to add a little color. We’re big fans of using real cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Not only do they look way nicer, but they’re also heavier, so they don’t blow away with the first breeze.
To finish it off, mix in a few fun extras like candles, pretty glassware, or even some string lights for a little evening glow.
And don’t forget—you can totally bring a few indoor pieces outside. Use a tray to keep things like utensils or condiments in one spot, or pop some greenery into a vase for an easy centerpiece. These little details add charm without a ton of effort.
Set the Scene with Lighting
Let’s be real—porch lights and harsh overheads just don’t cut it when you’re trying to create a cozy outdoor vibe. If you want your backyard hangouts to feel more like a dreamy dinner party and less like a parking lot, lighting is key.
Start by swapping in some outdoor-friendly sconces by the door if you can, then sprinkle in the fun stuff—like string lights draped over a pergola or across your patio. Path lights are great for guiding the way (and they look super cute), and lanterns? Always a win. You can stick them on stakes around your seating area or just plop them right on the table for an easy glow-up.
And don’t forget about candles. Nothing sets the mood quite like a little flickering flame. Go with real ones if you’re feeling fancy, or use LED candles for that no-mess magic.
There are so many ways to light up your space, so just go with what works for your setup. No matter what you choose, the right lighting turns your outdoor dinner into a whole vibe.
As always, if you need any ideas or help executing them to make your outdoor spaces exciting and fun, contact me here. I would be delighted to help you!
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