Can you say, summer heat!? Why does it already feel like summer when we’re still in the early stages of Spring? Well at least here in Texas, it’s heating up outside and I am so ecstatic that we’ll be able to do more outdoor things (minus the excessive sweating that will be occurring but you get the point). You may be spending more time than ever on your patio or deck now and you’re thinking you might want to fix things up a bit….

Something I really wanted to share with you as we roll into the month of May, is how to tie in your outdoor space with your indoor space, so that everything is stylish but feels cohesive, comfy and fun! And so you can have less stress and more fun during the design process.

1. Make it a seamless transition

It’s important that everything feels cohesive from the inside of your home out. This will help things to flow nicely and to feel energetically pleasing. This doesn’t only feel good for you but it will feel good for any guests you have over!

To do that, focus on using similar colors in your outdoor space that you have used for your indoor. If you focus on more neutrals inside, then it’s a good idea to use that same aesthetic outside, or at the very least, keep a similar vibe or style.

2. Create zones

When working with any space, creating zones can be very helpful. For example, when designing a patio space with a kitchen, your 3 zones could be cooking, dining, and lounging.

This really gives you the most functional space possible. You don’t want to be walking through the lounging area in order to get to the kitchen and then have to walk through the kitchen to get to dining. See what I mean? You’re doing too much. The more intuitive the floor plan, the better you’ll feel. It’s important to make a plan, map out exactly what you want things to look like and then proceed from there. It doesn’t have to be overly technical or difficult. Keep it simple.

3. Use comfy furniture

To make your space extra cozy, use comfy furniture options! If you’re going to be spending more time outside, you want to feel comfortable just like you would on your living room sofa! Add a variety of seating options to give you and your guests plenty of options for seating.

If you like to work outside on your laptop, comfortability can increase productivity! I suggest visiting stores and actually sitting and trying out the items you like the look of, just to make sure that you like before you buy. Also make sure you’re measuring your outdoor space so you don’t run into the issue of getting your items delivered and they are too big or small for the space. And as always, if you need help, reach out! Check out our services here to see how we can help.

4. Don’t be afraid to use color

I. love. color. I always say, don’t be basic. Be bold. Be unique. Color really livens up a space and is a great way to showcase your personality. This is the outdoor space and you should decorate according to the vibe you want to evoke. If you want it to be a lively space full of personality and charm, add some colors like red and orange! Add blue or green for a more calm environment and yellow for a sunshiny and happy space. If you have kids, yellow would be a great choice. Want some boldness? You can never go wrong with black and white while popping an accent color. Yassss!

5. Use different textures

Texture dictates the feel of a room at first glance! It also really spices things up and makes it fun. Fun textures to use outdoors are metal, iron, teakwood, grasscloth and wicker. But feel free to experiment and see what feels best and is most comfortable for you.

Just like the color of a space impacts if a space feels warm or cool, texture influences the heaviness of a room.

6. Outdoor décor and accessories

The finishing touch to every space and my favorite part! Decor and accessories. What makes a space truly unique are the accessories that you add. Accessories are also a fantastic way to add color without adding much to your investment level. If you keep your larger furniture items neutral and buy colorful accessories, you can always change out the decor when you get tired of it or it goes out of style. Because you chose larger items in neutral, those should be able to stay and you can create a new look with the decor alone.

And of course, never forget to add greenery! Plants are already part of nature, so why not infuse them into your design just like you’ve done inside your home?

7. Add lighting

Lighting is all the things and a must to your outdoor space! It’s not just for inside your home. Lighting should never be an afterthought. It needs to be part of your initial planning of your outdoor space. This is a great way to not only set the vibe but to make it...well….easy to see! Lighting sets the tone and mood for hanging out, dining, and working. There are so many outdoor lighting ideas so make sure to find some inspirational photos first to see what styles you’re drawn to and what will ensure cohesiveness in your space.

Need help getting your outdoor space looking right? Get in touch here and let’s chat!