Expand your living space with outdoor design
One of the things I love about April is knowing that we are at the beginning of a long stretch of beautiful weather!!! This is the perfect time of year, especially now while you are stuck at home, to come up with a plan to make the most of your outdoor space.
So this month I am sharing the design tips I use with my Fairfield and Westchester clients for luxurious and comfortable outdoor design. You can use these ideas for any size space whether it’s a large patio or a small terrace.
Start today
If you want to start hanging outside now, create a relaxed seating area around a fire pit. There are so many beautiful styles to choose from, two of which you will see in the design board below. Another way to extend your days and the season is to bring in a heat lamp. On the flip side, a ceiling fan will extend your time outdoors when it gets hot and humid.
Go multifunctional
Choose outdoor seating that is both comfortable and pretty. Think of it as another living room and create groupings of couches and chairs or a sectional surrounding a coffee table. Make sure your furniture, upholstery and rug is made of durable materials that will withstand the elements. There are so many materials that have been developed to help outdoor furniture stand thru the test of time. Some of which are: Resin, Resin wicker, Sand cast Aluminum and Sustainable teak. The indoor/outdoor rugs are mostly polypropylene which prevents them from getting destroyed by the elements. And I know I have mentioned Sunbrella before, this fabric prevents sun fade on your cushions. Some of the Sunbrella fabrics are actually coated now to withstand too much water and the foam inserts can be a mold resistant foam.
Consider dining tables that can be dressed up for a formal dinner or kept casual for a simple happy hour gathering or family meal. Get creative to maximize your space. For example, bistro sets are perfect for small nooks and terraces. They are high on function- suitable for morning coffee, a mini desk and zoom calls with co workers and friends.
Choosing colors
When it comes to selecting a color scheme try blending in with your landscape and environment. Greens and tans compliment a country-like setting and blues and whites are a natural for the beach. If your window or doors overlook your patio or yard, it can be nice to extend the color theme from indoor to outdoors.
This, of course, is not a steadfast rule. If you like brights what better place to go bold than the outdoors. If you have southern exposure, where the sun is beating down, light colors will serve you well as they will keep the space cooler, as darker colors absorb more heat.
Accessorize
Personalize your living spaces by adding decorative items. Choose pillows and throws to add style and make lounging more comfortable. Don’t stop there…. add plants and trays and anything that will make your space more beautiful and functional. Look for wall space to hang outdoor friendly artwork and objects.
Remember this is your living space...hang a television if you prefer, add outdoor speakers for music and make sure there is enough reading light. For the perfect finishing touch hang a chandelier or pendant lights for a sophisticated look.
Whatever you do, create an outdoor space that allows you to take full advantage of the warm weather. Let it inspire and relax you. We all need that now more than ever and remember I am here to help you with some or all of your wish list with my E-Design services.
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