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When you think about a place for entertaining and relaxation in your home, your first thoughts may gravitate to a den or basement-level gameroom. There is one area that your mind may not immediately consider: The great outdoors. Think outdoor areas that offer extra square footage for more relaxing and more entertaining.
Is your patio or attached porch region currently an untapped space? Maybe you're struggling to find a suitable space in your home for gatherings and downtime? If you’re lucky enough to have a bonus space—it doesn’t need to be a massive region—as part of your home there is the option to add a touch of year-round appeal. And from there, your design choices and furnishing can be a place to express your creativity and take inspiration from nature.
It’s often simpler to think of the space as an extension of the inside of your home, when considering design. Create separate areas in a larger open outdoor space by adding specific areas for seating. Further, add elements like a dining room table (flanked by seating), so you can easily transition an outdoor bar or grilling area into an eat-in kitchen.
If you’re looking for a more connected look between interior and exterior rooms, get creative with furniture. By choosing pieces that reflect the same color scheme as your living room or predominant hangout space, you can craft a feeling of visual continuity. The joint theme will create a beautiful space from everything from a petite balcony to a soccer-field-sized backyard.
Unsure how to start? You’re in the right place. The Quality Edit team’s guidance can help you turn an underused backyard or porch into a multi-functional oasis that transcends seasons. Read on for ways to create a stylish outdoor space.
Commit to Colour
Color is the name of the game in 2024. This spring and summer, it’s time to say good-bye to neutrals and embrace vibrant furniture and accessories.
If you’re interested in experimenting with a more exuberant color scheme, designing for an outdoor space is a great way to try—without overhauling the complete aesthetic of your home. By giving smart accessories, like tropical-hued pillow covers or patterned blankets a try, you could unlock a new design love for yourself. Take a chance on more adventurous design, within the free-spirited area of your patio or balcony.
Try adding seating like Outer’s oversized ottoman (the “arctic sky” turquoise is a vibrant choice). Accessorize with The Inside’s Tropical Oasis pillow set and Mustard Made’s wire baskets, available in cheerful hues like berry or yellow.
Fire Up a Fire Pit
The rising popularity of fire pits means many home designers are embracing this trend that is perfect for snuggling up around. From ultra-sleek options to stone-flanked designs, fire pits provide warmth and central space to gather. The stylish look of many modern outdoor fireplaces makes it easy to accenture with statement touches and lighting choices.
Consider Living Spaces outdoor fire pits, Tiki’s propane options, and hybrid table-fire pits from Neighbor. Embellish the surrounding areas with a large, ellipse-shaped jute rug and a pair of swivel loungers—both from Castlelery.
Max Out Florals
Florals for outdoor design are “in” (we know, not exactly “groundbreaking”). Flood your patio with some overt signs of “softscaping.” So, alongside your backyard or patio’s hard elements (think stone surfaces and clay tiling), go big with your choices in live and growing decor.
This all ladders up into a major theme for the season: Organic. Think unfettered growth that lets plants spread and bloom naturally, while bringing into view the look of an untended and uncurated landscape.
Moreover, this raw and natural look can translate to different outdoor design preferences. For instance, if you prefer a more tropical look, your lush greenery will be right at home; same goes for a more traditional and minimal, fire-pit-centered backyard.
Some of the best way to craft visual interest is to layer shrubs, small trees, and flower bunches to build a space with depth and lushness. Insert plants around the borders of your sitting area, add plants around flower beds, and don’t be afraid to plant a few in pots. Turn to The Sill and Lively Root for your plant options.
Make it Natural
It’s no mystery why we always want a hint of nature in our home designs. Our outdoor spaces should be no different!
Natural finishes—think rattan loungers and jute rugs—will continue their popularity in 2024. Chalk it up to the fact that many of these surfaces blend seamlessly into any design scheme, with their malleable appearance and neutral color. The natural surface fits in, well, naturally whether you gravitate more to a nautical or bohemian-chic style.
Try the Field Rug from Sabai in cypress—or charcoal, for a more stain-friendly shade. The Scalloped Jute Rug from Serena & Lily imparts a look of fitting indoors, while being made of outdoor-friendly materials.
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Day to Night
After almost two years cooped up inside, many people have been embracing spending their days outdoors—followed by transitioning to their evenings outdoors, too. With the rise of additions like pizza ovens, grills, and sizeable tables for group meals—the outdoor trend is extending its reign.
To take your day in the shade to your night surrounded by nature, add homey touches to your outdoor space to create an atmosphere for entertaining. Try stringing up twinkling lights to illuminate the entire board-game crew. Or install fire pits to create a campfire feel, perfect for group s’mores. Experiment with small and big touches to create that perfect day-to-night oasis. And don’t neglect to add some cozy pillows and blankets for those cooler nights!
Try the woven mesa rug in indigo from Neighbor. Further, add the brand’s “rook” fire table in blank, as well as McGee & Co.’s cozy handwoven throw blanket for chilly nights.
Add a Bar
Enjoy the balmy summer nights with relaxing sipper, ice cubes clinking about, with the addition of an outdoor bar. There is no sweeter combination than a hot day and a cool drink at the end—especially when you’re not expected to leave the house!
For the construction, go with a DIY approach by using cement blocks and wooden planks for structure. Using makeshift materials like this will help you save money (in case you want to splurge on a matching set of loungers or fancy glassware later). Then, equip the setup with chairs and a spacious umbrella to ensure you can stay out all day.
Add your favorite serving accessories and find items in your preferred aesthetic to make the bar feel like yours. Try the Captiva outdoor bar cart from Serena & Lily, made from resin that mimics ratan; the Rio teak bar stools from Castlelery; and Neighbor’s terra side table in olive to place beside lounge chairs. Don’t forget the marbled cork coasters from Nordic Nest, to rest all your summer cocktails upon.
Indoor but Outdoor
Outdoor furniture has evolved dramatically since it first became popular with home design die-hards. The ability to bring furniture outside of four walls created a trend of outdoor living rooms with the same style, comfort, and amenities as the indoors. The trend has only expanded with the option to curate an outdoor room with pendant lights, sectional couches, and rugs fit for walking on in bare feet.
Two great options are Nordic Nest’s block table trolley—for a movable serving island or makeshift bar cart—and the Haviland wicker side table from McGee & Co.
Owning Outdoor Decor
With the spring season upon, is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. And if you have backyard or patio space, you can utilize the space to host a dinner at golden hour or garden party on a balmy night. Further, you can also tailor the space to turn it into a comfy, private area for you to chill out in. Shop for more inspiration and home product by visiting the Quality Edit for recommendations.
