As we’ve spent a good deal of time these days at home (#shelterinplace), you might feel the need to go outside. Or maybe you’ve been in your backyard and decided it’s time to ditch those plastic chairs.
Yes, you can make your patio an extension of the “house” by including all the same things you include “in the house”, like sofas, coffee tables, side tables, and ottomans.
It is easy to plop a table, four chairs, and an umbrella on the patio from the local Big Box Orange Store, but really, you need to incorporate some of the same elements (and attention) as you would any other living space of your house.
Give your outdoor room (AKA the “patio”, AKA summer hang-out central, AKA the place to be!) the same design attention as the inside of your house with these five outdoor room ideas. In fact, make your outdoor room so wondrously inviting you’ll want to live in it!
Keep reading for more details on how to select all the elements you’ll need to make your patio the most used “room” of the house.
Step 1: Imagine using the space
How would you love to use your outdoor space? For morning coffee as a couple? Or what about entertaining the family (when we can entertain of course)?
I bet you’re tired of watching TV, so how about a comfy place to read a book or do a little journaling? Let your imagination run with it and dream up a beautiful backyard oasis.
The function of your outdoor space will influence how it is designed. Jot down some ideas of how you imagine your oasis before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Layer your design from the ground up
Design your outdoor space just as you would your indoor spaces and start with the flooring. An area rug will ground and define the area. Outdoor rugs are relatively inexpensive and easy to clean – just take a garden hose to it and you are good to go.
Next begin layering your “room” with furniture, outdoor fabrics, and of course, accessories.
Step 3: Consider long-lasting outdoor furniture
There are many outdoor furniture options these days, from traditional cottage styles to modern and sleek styles. Aluminum is a good choice because it won’t rust and it will last a good long time. We also suggest a wicker look that is made with polyproplene — another material that is easy to clean and lasts for seasons.
Another option is a wood look, like teak, that is synthetic, looks real, but will last and last.
Step 4: Embrace Outdoor Fabrics for Comfort
The evolution of outdoor fabrics has come a long way with brands like Sunbrella, Crypton, and InsideOut high performance fabrics (we offer all of these at The Shoppe).
These performance fabrics are made for outdoor living, standing up to wear with long-lasting strength. No longer stiff (and ugly), they are comfortable and soft to the touch. They are made to be easy to clean and stain resistant.
I leave mine out all year long and just scrub them up with the hose and some mild detergent. They are also made in fun colors and patterns with built-in UV protection.
We offer several lines of outdoor furniture in just about any style you could want. Come by The Shoppe and browse the catalogs and fabric rings (we have groupings all color coordinated). We can also help you figure out what will fit on your patio and what you need for your specific functions.
Step 5: Add some beautiful final touches
And don’t forget a few accessories to make your outdoor room feel inviting! Add toss pillows, vases, pots, and even outdoor lamps. This is the best way to personalize your outdoor furniture and add your unique style.
You could also string some lights under the patio cover or install some uplights along the fence for drama. Or, a super easy way to add ambience is with candles. Use lanterns to house them for a touch of interest and comfort. With outdoor lighting you’ll be sure to enjoy your lush outdoor room after the sun goes down.
With all this time spent at home, you can probably incorporate these 5 outdoor room ideas right away and start planning the greatest Labor Day party (AKA Post-Pandemic Party) ever! To meet with loved ones and show off all your outdoor room ideas, of course.
If you need any help with your patio, the designers at KTJ Design Co. are full of outdoor room ideas that will knock your socks off – plus we offer an outdoor furniture line that is top notch.
If you’re ready for an outdoor space that spoils you silly, contact us and we’d be delighted to help!
Until next time,
