By Heather M. Ross
The first step is to clean the slate. Move existing patio furniture and clutter away and give the deck a gentle, refreshing clean. This is important to see what you’ll be working with.
Next, consider what you want for the space. Do you want to entertain the book club? Do you want a quiet evening outdoors with your partner? Are you looking for a shady lounge spot to keep an eye on the kids while they play? Knowing the end goal for the space will help you fill in the blocks to get there.
There are three areas you should focus on when designing your outdoor space to make sure your family and your guests can enjoy the outdoor space to the fullest: aesthetics, comfort and functionality.
Aesthetics
Before you repaint/repurpose existing outdoor furniture or venture out in search of new ones, consider the rest of your outdoor décor. Choose pieces that will complement your house’s exterior.
Take a few photos of your home’s exterior to have on hand when you pick up the new furniture so you can picture how each piece will fit into your space. You should also take measurements of your outdoor space to ensure you don’t pick something you love only to have your heart broken by space limitations.
When planning your color scheme, try not to pick more than three or four colors to avoid creating a space that looks too busy. Pick two staple colors to make up most of the furniture, and have one or two accent colors for things like outdoor pillows, throw blankets or décor items.
Don’t be afraid to try something daring—just don’t try everything daring. Every space should have a focal point, but no space should have more than two. A focal point is like an anchor—it’s a dominant point of interest that draws in the eyes. The focal point might be an ottoman, an art piece or even a drink tray with a pop of color.
When you’re considering a focal point, practice picking them out. Look at your home or browse pictures of patio areas online. Note where your eyes go first, and think about how that piece makes you feel.
Comfort
One of the most challenging aspects of using an outdoor space is that it’s an outdoor space—which means it’s susceptible to the whims of the weather forecast. But there are a few things you can do to make your outdoor entertainment space more comfortable—rain or shine.
One option to increase comfort is to add sun protection. Sun protection might come via an awning, a pergola or the more cost-effective sun umbrella.
Next, think about who uses the space. Will low-seat chairs be difficult for some regular guests to get out of? Is the walkway wide enough to accommodate mobility aids? Picture your family and friends using the space, and ask yourself what needs to change to make the space work for everyone.
Functionality
There are a few functional pieces that can improve almost any outdoor entertainment setup.
Outdoor rugs can add color and tie a sitting area together by creating a boundary, but they have a hidden double purpose. Outdoor rugs also can protect your deck from scuffing when furniture is rearranged or moved unintentionally.
When it comes to choosing a table or two, consider the purpose of the space again. If you want to recline and have a drink, a low table with coasters to match the outdoor rug will serve you best. That is because Adirondack chairs and other leisure seats are much lower to the ground.
If you’re looking to create a space for dinner with friends or brunch and mimosas, a full-height or raised table is better because eating is more difficult when you’re leaning back.
The last thing you need to do is consider the other seasons. How will the space stay functional when daylight hours are limited? Exterior lights, string lights and outdoor lamps keep the space usable and offer dazzling photo opportunities.
Creating an all-season-friendly outdoor space also means having a place to store out-of-season decorations. If you don’t have another location to store them, consider choosing furniture with built-in storage. An outdoor couch with under-cushion storage or a table with drawers can also function as a spot to stash children’s toys. More storage is always a good thing.
Send photos of your outdoor entertainment space to [email protected] and show us what works for you!
