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Patio season is officially here! Even though outdoor living spaces come in all shapes and sizes, creating outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home’s interior is well within reach — and here are five outdoor space ideas to get you started.
1. Be Intentional With Furniture Arrangement.
Creating outdoor living space that promotes socialization is an essential component to achieving a warm and inviting area. Arrange your furniture in a way that makes it comfortable to sit outside and chat without having to pull up chairs and reconfigure.
2. Add Touches of Home.
Think about designing your outdoor living space the same way you’d design your living room inside. Consider adding pieces of accent décor, colorful throw pillows, an outdoor throw blanket, and some candles. If your space allows for it, a durable-but-stylish rug is another great way to make your space feel cozy and inviting. And don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out! Your outdoor décor shouldn’t be limited to the patio section at your local hardware store; just remember to take anything that isn’t completely weather-proof inside at the end of the evening.
3. Play Music.
Having background music sets the mood for socializing in your outdoor living space, and you don’t need a built-in outdoor speaker system to achieve this. Portable Bluetooth speakers are an easy (and often affordable) solution. And it’s an added bonus if the speaker is waterproof!
4. Use Lights For Ambiance.
A few strings of party lights can add a touch of warmth to any outdoor living space. Stringing them through a pergola or around the perimeter of a deck is a quick and easy way to take your outdoor space up a notch and really set a mood. If stringing lights isn’t an option for your space, consider using outdoor lanterns for mood lighting.
5. Add a Few Potted Plants.
You don’t have to have an award-winning garden to bring a little life to your outdoor living space; just arrange a few decorative pots with your favorite blooms or herbs. If the pots are small, placing them in groupings of three or four makes for a more substantial and balanced look.
With these simple tips, your patio or outdoor living space will be open for business, and you’ll be on your way to hosting friends and family in no time. Just be careful — your company may never want to leave!
