Outdoor Living Spaces: Ideas for an Easy Outdoor Update

Simple Solutions for Updating Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Good weather should be enjoyed to its fullest extent; especially if you’re on the east coast where the summer weather comes and goes in the blink of an eye. If your home lacks an enticing outdoor living space, there’s little incentive to venture out. More recently, outdoor living spaces have become just as important as indoor living spaces. Decks, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and the like are among the most requested home projects today, and demand is steadily rising.

Here are our top 6 ideas to help you update your outdoor space this summer.

1. Put Pattern and Color to Work

In landscapes that include an abundance of diverse plant types and textures, adding pattern to the mix can be overwhelming. Small doses are a good way to provide visual relief as well as interesting contrast to furniture. These neutral patio loungers paired with a pop of color and style compliment their natural surroundings rather than distracting from it.

2. Add a Fire Feature

Add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor space with a fire feature that you can enjoy all year round. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, fire pits, or outdoor fireplaces are the number one requested design feature today. Why not? They add a warm place to gather on a cool evening, and they’re a mesmerizing focal point. Oh yeah…great for s’mores too! Plus, you can have one for a lot less than you might think. The simplest fire pit of all is little more than a metal bowl, which may or may not come equipped with a grill top and protective screen cover. They are great for small patios and courtyards.

3. Utilize the Hardscape

A stone walkway may gently transition to a stone border surrounding your patio – but why not design and build it at a height that makes sense for seating too? This circular seating area built out of stone and poured cement makes for a perfect place to enjoy the natural surroundings while relaxing or entertaining with family and friends.

4. Rethink the Walls

Vertical gardens aren’t new, but living walls have gained newfound popularity. But, don’t be fooled, living walls are a LOT of work to build and maintain. I want one at home but can’t fathom the time it takes to construct and upkeep. Man, they sure look cool! A great alternative to building your own is this large vertical living wall kit like the one above from Target, if you’re willing to fork out $228 it’s definitely the way to go.

5. Decorative Accents

Decorative elements certainly have a home on a patio, particularly if they’re either made for the outdoors or protected from the elements. If your style is a bit eclectic let the decorating scheme reflect that by adding sculptures or artwork to your outdoor oasis.

6. Mix up Materials and Shapes

Add interest by playing with geometric shapes. A mixture of paver shapes and sizes in an irregular layout adds drama. Multiple seating areas makes the patio feel larger by establishing distinct spaces that can be used for a multitude of gatherings. Placing furniture in different areas integrates the patio area into the entire outdoor space – creating a more expansive feel.

We hope we have inspired you to make your outdoor space a sanctuary to enjoy with friends and family.

Learn how to bring the outdoors in with this great infographic from shutterco.

Have an outdoor design dilemma that could use our help? Comment below and we’ll help you solve your patio puzzle.

For more inspiration follow our Oh Outdoors! Pinterest board.

More to read:
T op 5 Indoor Plants and How to Care for Them
5 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home
1 0 Tips for Mixing Patterns like a Pro

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