After many months of lockdowns and as the weather starts getting nicer, you are probably planning your BBQs and safe, socially-distant outdoor gatherings. Hence you will need to get your decks, patios, and rooftops ready to soak in the sun and share some time with your loved ones. 

by Silvana Vergara
May 13, 2021

LAYOUT AND PLANNING

Outdoor spaces come in all shapes and sizes. The first thing to take into account is how much space you have and how you would like to use it. City dwellers may be more limited, but if you live in the suburbs, chances are you have a good amount of space to play with and plenty of options. The most common elements of any lounging or outdoor living area center around a congregating area, consisting of a dining or coffee table. When deciding on the proper furniture and ultimate layout, it is important to give yourself space to move around and to take into consideration the access points from the inside of the house. When laying out your furniture, always be sure to keep your primary use and enjoyment in mind.  Consider arranging your furniture around a focal point such as a fire pit or a beautiful view.

SUN COVER

Although you want to be outside to enjoy the sun, it can sometimes be uncomfortable to sit under it for an extended period of time. One great option to add shade is to build a fixed structure such as a pergola or gazebo to bring down the temperature and cover you and your guests while enjoying lunch. If that does not match your aesthetic, or is not feasible,  you can always add shade by getting a tall plant with foliage or a discrete umbrella.

PLANT LIFE AND VEGETATION

Speaking of plants and vegetation, adding some texture and landscape that is viewable from the inside is a nice touch. According to Biophilic Design, incorporating natural elements and nature to the built environment creates a sense of wellness and connection, as well as helping to improve the air quality, generating an overall positive feeling. If you live in an urban environment, adding plants will help generate that connection with nature which is sometimes lacking in big cities. Some things to keep in mind while selecting your plants may include the height, foliage and seasonal behavior. 

SCULPTURAL STATEMENT PIECES

In addition to plants, you can add big scale sculptural pieces to make your outdoor space more visually appealing and sophisticated. In fact, sculptural objects can be part of your furniture such as big planters that can add some of your personal flavor or color, or large statement furniture like the travertine table below.

FURNITURE CHOICES

The main focus when looking at furniture is to be comfortably seated. It should be carefully selected to be resistant to the weather, avoiding fabrics that might lose their color when exposed to the sun. In addition, the color palette can be used to achieve different ends, the use of a monochromatic, muted palette allows you to highlight the landscape and surroundings making it feel like an extension of your indoors. Alternatively, a more colorful one will be a statement on its own that will add an extra layer to your landscaping.  

Moreover, the furniture and layout should be adapted to the ultimate use of your outdoor space, so avoid furniture sets, and instead mix and curate your arrangement for a fun, customized feel. Also, try to aim for furniture that is comfortable and inviting to lounge and create a restful area that encourages conversation and sharing. If you have limited space, make sure your furniture can have multiple purposes. 

LIGHTING AND AMBIANCE

You can add some warmth and ambiance with a good selection of outdoor lights. Indirect lighting is preferred, especially if it emphasizes the landscape. If you do not have built-in lighting you can add fun floor or table lamps. Some of these lights are solar or chargeable, so they do not require a power source. Additionally, you can add candles, which create a warm and cozy atmosphere at night. 

We hope you found these tips and tricks helpful. For more designer tips be sure to sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page. If you have any design challenges you are struggling with, and would love to learn more about, email us at pr@interiorcollab.com to submit your topic as a consideration for future articles.

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