Creating An Outdoor Space You’ll Love

Summer has been teasing us of lately: sunny skies, hot temperatures, and daylight well into the evenings. Summer does not officially start for a few more weeks, which means we still have a few weeks to prep our outdoor space for entertaining family and friends. Here are a few simple and easy steps to help you create an outdoor living space you will love.

To learn more about creating an outdoor living space, visit the W Network and HGTV.

Simple Steps to Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space

Add Lighting

When evening rolls in and the sun begins to disappear, having some mood lighting will help add some ambience to your outdoor space. Candle lanterns either hung from a ceiling, strung across a porch, or placed on a table, or twinkling lights wrapped around railings will add a soft night time glow. These lights are simple to use as they only require an outlet.

Green Canopy

If your setup allows, grow climbing vines over an existing pergola. It creates a romantic, summery feel, as well as serves as protection from the sun and rain.

Pop of Color

If your outdoor space is feeling monotone and lacking in color, brighten things up by adding color to a wall or fence. You can even paint the floor of your space. If painting an entire wall or the outdoor floor sounds too bold for you, try painting different pieces of furniture fun, bright colors, such as a turquoise-painted picnic table or yellow chairs.

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Potted Plants

A small patio does not need a lot to make a big change. Add some potted plants to transform a drab outdoor space into a mini-oasis. To make as little work as possible, choose low-water plants. It makes going on vacations easier!

Backyard Beauty

To achieve a backyard that looks like it is straight out of a movie, create an arbor or trellis with plants running up and down the sides.

Furniture that Fits

Just because you may be low on useable space does not mean you cannot add furniture to your outdoor living area. Choose smaller furniture, like a bistro table with chairs. It is inexpensive and small enough to fit on any size of patio. Plus, it adds a vintage-feel to the area.

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Improve the Front

Who says that the living area needs to be contained to the backyard? Curb appeal is everything. Take the outdoor area to the front as well. Create a seating area in the front yard with some outdoor seating and throw pillows.

Mix It Up!

Changing up your outdoor space does not need to be a dramatic change. Try integrating colors, materials, textures, furnishings, plants, and flowers that smooth the transition from indoors to outdoors.

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Some Privacy

Lattice panels are a great–and inexpensive–way to screen wind, add privacy, and add an aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. You can even add some foliage to soften the look and color.

Hanging Baskets

To add a bit of privacy, as well as help pretty up your space, try using some hanging baskets. For maximum impact, choose hanging baskets that are lush and slightly overflowing. To complete the look, you could even choose to paint or decorate the pots.

The Right Materials

Want a space that looks great without the constant need to replace furniture? Choose furniture or accents in materials that can withstand all types of weather. Resin wicker is a great material that can hold up to all elements.