Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Living Space
Before you invest in your outdoor living spaces or patio you’ve got to read this!
Don’t forget your outdoor spaces are an extension of your home. Take the time to make it functional and beautiful, just like we would suggest for your inside spaces.
In this blog we’ll provide you with expert advice to help you give your garden and patio that WOW factor.
We can’t get enough of the gorgeous exterior of Lake Oswego Modern. Featured in the 2024 Portland Modern Home Tour.
STEP ONE: How You Use Your Space
Consider the size of your space and your lifestyle needs. Are you a family with kids, frequent entertainers, or seeking additional storage? Define your goals, whether it's creating a cozy fire pit area, a dining spot, or a lounging haven.
Dappled light and ample seating add to the ambience under the trees at Lake Oswego Modern.
STEP TWO: Assess Existing Materials
Your decking and railing materials set the tone for your outdoor space (kind of like a rug). Whether it's wood, brick, or concrete, they influence your design decisions.
PRO-TIP: Take samples of your railing and decking to bring with you when shopping for throw pillows, blankets, lights and other outdoor accessories.
The ashy wood deck and painted brick are complemented by gray patio furniture at our Laurelhurst Remodel.
STEP THREE: Landscaping & Flowers
Just like indoor plants, outdoor greenery should thrive in your environment. Here are our tips:
Consult with local nurseries to choose plants suited to your climate and home style.
Consider the style of home you have. An older craftsman may lend itself to more dainty types of flowers. If you have a Mid-Century modern home, however, you might go with more spiky plants and grasses.
Repeating colors and patterns will help with eye movement. Pull colors from your existing materials and add them throughout the space alongside new patterns and textures.
Think about your plants like you would a bookshelf: some planters are tall, some are short, mix it up and figure out which colors look best together.
Personally, I love to add a eye catcher. For example, colorful succulents in an entryway way or in the walk up to an outdoor space.
The yellow door leading out to the deck at Treehouse offers a fun contrast against seasonal flower arrangements.
STEP FOUR: Furniture & Accessories
Accessorize your outdoor space with blankets, throws, planters, lights, and more. A puffy Rumpl throw adds a fun pattern and some warmth in a pinch.
Consider weather-proof options, like Sunbrella fabric for durability and outdoor furniture from Polywood or Loll Designs that can serve you over the years, unlike more disposable pieces.
Keep size in mind—it’s a common mistake to buy furniture that is too big for a space. You want to be able to move around!
Have fun with it! This is where you can go bold with brighter colors – we love a fun pop of color on an exterior door or with patio furniture.
PRO-TIP: Don’t over crowd with planters or furniture to keep spaces moveable.
Recently we’ve been into the idea of outdoor rugs, like this Bauhaus-inspired one from Rejuvenation. Would you incorporate outdoor rugs into your space? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy spring!
Wendy
SHOP THE BLOG
Throw
Rumpl
Patio Chair
Polywood
Lounge Chair
Loll Designs
Planter
Studio Anansi
HELPFUL LINKS
Stay tuned for our Youtube video where we get into the details of prepping your home from the outside in.
Looking for more recommendations on our favorite outdoor products? Check out our blog on our Spring Picks!
Trying to bring the spring indoors? Look no further than our blog on Styling Your Space with Plants.
