The trees are green, the azaleas and the tulips are blooming and the fresh light of spring has come. In Philadelphia, we have had a bit of a slow entry to spring with some cool days and rain, but we’ve also had a few glorious perfect weather days where allllll we want to do is just sit in the fresh air. I get pretty intense spring fever after the doldrums of winter, but this year it’s particularly strong (I guess quarantine will do that to you).

So as we all start to venture outside in the fresh weather, I wanted to share some tips on creating your outdoor sanctuary and some of the items I have had my eye on to spruce up my own patio area.

Your Easy Guide to Creating an Outdoor Living Space

Ground Your Space with a Rug

Just like an indoor living space, a rug can do wonders at grounding a space and creating zones. If you have two spaces on your patio or deck, an eating space and a conversation space, rugs will separate those areas. A rug brings a touch of color and cozy to any outdoor space. Plus outdoor rugs are made to withstand the elements. Most can just be easily hosed off, and many look just as nice as indoor rugs.

Add Furniture

To create a conversational space outside, be mindful of how many people you typically have at gatherings and try to get enough seating to fill your space and have room for everyone to sit comfortably. I like to also have a couple outdoor poofs on hand for additional seating. Try and create a cozy conversational space by placing the furniture in a U shape to with a sofa and two chairs, or an L shape with two sofas and a table in between. Don’t forget a couple side tables to place drinks.

When selecting outdoor furniture pieces, I like to keep them pretty neutral and natural to let your outdoor environment shine. Because outdoor furniture is upholstered with performance fabrics, like Crypton or Sunbrella it won’t fade, or stain and it’s the perfect opportunity to get that white or light colored sofa that will look so fresh in the outdoors, without all the worry of staining.

Outdoor dining is the ultimate way to enjoy the warmer nights. There are so many beautiful table options to seat a lot or just a few. If you are tight on space, choose a smaller round table, but if you have a big patio or deck opt for big long table to host the family.

Layer in Accessories and Plants

Outdoor pillows will bring the whole space to life. Outside, I tend to keep the color palettes a little more simple but I still like to mix patterns and sizes on my outdoor pillows. There are so many great options to mix and match.

Fill the rest of the space with outdoor planters of varying sizes around the area as well as on the tables, and add a couple candle lanterns or trays to bring out drinks or snacks.

Don’t forget outdoor lighting. String lights, candles and torches are a great way to add ambiance and light as it gets dark

Add in Something Fun

If you have the space I always like to add in an extra fun element like a hanging chair or a hammock. You can add these elements outside of main the seating area to create a little getaway from everything to enjoy a book or just relax.

Pillow | Pillow | Pillow | Stool | Sofa | Chair | Coffee Table | Planters | Hanging Chair | Rug

Adirondack Chair | Pillow | Pillow | Bistro Set | Planters | Rug | Side Table

How do you like to spend your time outside? Let me know in the comments.

As always, if you need design help with your outdoor space, or even if you have a quick question I would love to hear from you. I’m currently taking e-design clients during the quarantine, but check out my other services for when we are all free to be together again.

xoxo, Libby

Real Life. Well Designed.