An Interior Designer’s Dos and Don’ts for Outdoor Space Design
Summer is officially here and the allure of blooming flowers and delicious eats of a backyard barbecue have already started to draw us to our outdoor patios and porches more often. Whether you’re an entertainer, gardener, or simply enjoy fresh air, having an outdoor space that is just as usable as the inside of your home is important - hello, outdoor living! Designing this space, however, can prove to be challenging. Not only does your outdoor space need to contend with the elements, it also has to be functional and appealing to the eye.
In my opinion, the key to designing an outdoor space is to keep it simple, practical, and as maintenance-free as possible. To take the guesswork out of designing your patio, porch, or backyard, below are my outdoor space design dos and dont’s featuring images from the outdoor spaces at the Maine cottage.
Outdoor Space Design “Dos”
Use Potted Plants & Window Planters
The easiest and prettiest decor items for an outdoor space are potted plants and/or window planters. I encourage you to get a number of larger planters and plant your heart out. I always stick to two to three colors so that all of my containers look good together. A good rule of thumb is to use one of the same flowers throughout and then change up the texture and drama with greens. A few of my tried and true (and very easy) favorites are: sedum, asparagus fern, petunias, dracaena, licorice vine, mint, coleus, and sweet potato vine. These come in an array of colors so group them together and see what pops. And remember: anything you plant in the Spring will grow a bunch throughout the Summer. It takes some time so be patient — and don’t forget the plant food!
Use Real Materials
Teak, powder coated steel, resin, and materials that are truly rated for the outdoors are best. Invest in pieces that will last from season to season, do not rust, flake or peel.
Collect Outdoor Pillows
Mix and match patterns and colors with pillows. I use them on all of my outdoor chairs and loungers to add contrast and to make the chair more comfortable and cozy. The less water they absorb the longer they will last. Arhaus, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and even West Elm all have great options, but it’s better to source them earlier in the season.
Keep it Clean
The most important part of decorating your outdoor space is to make it easy to clean and maintain. You’ll want to be able to brush off fallen leaves and hose everything down to remove any debris or dust as the season progresses. Also, use fabrics that are rated and tested for the outdoors, such as Perennials or Sunbrella for pillows and umbrellas. I always like to hook up a garden hose so I can hose down the area quickly in the morning before having company - the sun typically dries everything off within a few hours. When we’re experiencing especially wet stretches or it’s wintertime, I pack away any pillows or items that could get ruined or waterlogged to ensure they’re protected and last.
Outdoor Space Design “Don’ts”
Glass or Mirror
Glass or mirror will always look dirty and you will be forever chasing your tail trying to keep it clean. It’s best to just stay away from it when it comes to outdoor space decor and design.
Candles
Rather than candles, check out rechargeable LED globes or lanterns. They are offered in a variety of styles and add great ambiance and convenience to your outdoor space.
Overdo It
Keep in mind that animals can chomp on anything you put outside, wind can blow things over, and rain can make things moldy. Less is more outside so really narrow down what’s important and necessary to make the space liveable. You do not want to spend a lot of energy maintaining the area - the goal is to slow down and enjoy it.
Interested in working together on your interior design project? Violet Marsh Interiors specializes in modern, warm interior design in Maine, Atlanta, and beyond. Book a consultation call to see if we are a good fit!
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