Outdoor living spaces are often a great way to ground your space and provide you with a pleasant and relaxing place to spend time. These six steps should help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams, whether outdoors or in a window-laden room.
1. Go Green
There are many different options for choosing plants to plant around your outdoor living room. Think about what conditions each plant needs to thrive and how each one will affect the overall experience.
Putting fragrant plants near seating areas will provide an air of fragrance, while small trees can cast a shade over the seating area. Alternatively, container gardens are an excellent way to add color and texture to your outdoor space.
2. Throw in Colorful Pillows
The first step in creating a cozy outdoor living space is selecting neutral colors and adding a few decorative pillows to bring a pop of color.
Pillows are great for softening firm chairs and making benches comfortable, and they can also draw attention to a specific area by adding exciting patterns. For example, a green pillow on one side of the sofa contrasts with a white cushion.
3. Add in a Rug
Whether you’re setting up a cozy outdoor living space for two or are looking for a more elegant look, area rugs can be an excellent choice. They bring fashion and flair to the outdoor space and are available in various styles and colors.
Many are made from synthetic materials and look just like authentic wool rugs. However, if you’re on a budget, you can find a carpet made from plastic, which will look just as beautiful and be much easier to maintain.
Another benefit of using an outdoor rug is that it adds a pop of color to the space, which is not always possible in outdoor areas. These rugs are typically made from different fibers than indoor rugs, which means that they’re better suited outdoors than indoors.
Choose one that can handle the most weather in summer and store it for winter. It can also help anchor a seating area with a large patio.
4. Light up Some Candles
Using candles to decorate your outdoor living space is an excellent way to bring the warmth of the fall indoors. Plain cream pillar candles look great in brass holders, and they can complement many other decor pieces. Candles also have the added benefit of scent, so you can choose to purchase apple cinnamon or pumpkin spice scented candles to make the space more seasonally appropriate.
You can find candles that burn Citronella fuel to repel mosquitoes while also providing light. You can use eco-friendly candles to light up your space and ward off pests too such as citronella candles which are effective for repelling mosquitos.
The sound of water can also create a relaxing environment. Consider installing a freestanding or wall fountain near your outdoor living area for ambiance. Using candles is also a great way to make your outdoor space more romantic and cozy.
5. Adding a Fire Pit
Adding a fire pit to your backyard deck or patio can be a great way to add functionality to the space and invite guests to sit and talk. Depending on the size of the fire pit, you can seat four to six people and enjoy the warm flames without feeling overcrowded.
Many options are available if you’re not sure what type of fire pit to get. An above-ground fireplace is a popular choice, but you can also choose an in-ground option if the budget is considered. If you have an existing brick firepit, consider going for a limewash brick look to give it a modern yet classic look.
A “sunken living room” design allows for built-in seating, and a surrounding wall acts as a wind barrier and heat reflector.
6. Adding a Pergola
A pergola is an excellent choice for your deck or patio. Pergolas provide shade on hot days and can be functional additions to your home. You can add retractable roof covers and bioclimatic louvers for a more upscale look.
A pergola will not only provide shade but will also create a cozy outdoor space. Consider installing a pergola with a hot tub and outdoor furniture if you have a pool.
Conclusion
Today there’s a wide array of outdoor living spaces for you to choose from. Creating a cozy one is planning your layout and options wisely, but don’t let this intimidate you – it’s just planning, not architecture. Some non-traditional indoor design choices could still add to an outdoor space’s beauty, especially if you like making things as unique as possible.
