Designing Stylish Outdoor Space With 10 Must Have Pieces

Living in the Northeast, outdoor living is really about 6 months out of the year. It's a process of creating an outdoor living space (& then putting it away and storying it for months!) BUT, I love the process. Right now the furniture has stored away for the winter, herbs are growing inside and we have not seen flowers for months! (Not complaining, love that we have four seasons and the snow is beautiful) BUT, I’m ready.  This weekend we are starting to design and style our outdoor living area. (& bring out the furniture!)

Last year, we went with white (I know, totally not practical for outside ~ but I LOVE it), black with accents of green ~ piping on furniture and pillows (and we pulled in green with lots, and lots of herbs that we grow.)  Loved it so much we are keeping that palette again this year.

Outdoor spaces are such a great space to design as part of your living space.  Here is my 10 Piece Style Formula for creating a stylish and comfortable space:

OUTDOOR RUG

Rugs ground your space and give it a feeling of coziness and cohesiveness.  When I photo style for companies (or my own space) I generally will select a rug that is the color of the flooring in the space.  (The wooden porch, patio, titles ~ whatever that color is, I will select that color rug.)  It gives a monochromatic look and it doesn't have the appearance of shrinking the space. I have, on occasion, gone for that pop of color!  If you feel that POP ~ go for it. Your space is intended to bring you joy! Do what brings you joy.  I also go for natural fiber rug with texture.

LIGHTING

The great thing about outdoor space is you can make it an extension of your living area (and style). Anything that you would place in your home, do the same for your outdoor space.  I have 3 types of lighting.  A pendant, a small rechargeable led lamp, and on occasions I bring out the large lanterns to liven and “party up” the space.

PILLOW and BLANKETS

Make sure your space is super comfortable and cozy ~ pillows and blankets (throws) do that.  I never get “outdoor” pillows.  I think most feel rough, like sandpaper, with that water resistant texture.  I use pillows that I would use inside.  Soft, cozy ~ usually a chenille.  I just store them inside or in a outdoor storage space when I go in for the night.

CONSOLE OR SIDEBAR

So, I know that this piece seems like it would be a “nice to have” not a “must have”.  But, Its a non-negotiable for me.  I LOVE these and I have purchased them for years! (inside and out)  I place my entertaining and everyday dinner items AND I use them for all my potted herbs.  I just LOVE it.  It’s very helpful, useful and a pretty piece to style.  Would recommend glass top (like this Cabana Console from Terrain) It keeps the furniture protected and it keeps items that you place on it more steady and secure when you have that glass top.

SIDETABLES

Tiny Sidetable.  I love a tiny side table.  It's perfect size for just your beverage, for small spaces and it's easy to move around as you need to . 

Small Sidetable.  Great to have a couple you can place around chairs. OR you can get a side table that can also be a chair, so it’s multi-purpose.  Great for small outdoor areas or patio/terraces for city outdoor spaces.

ARTWORK

You  can design and style your outdoor space to be an extension of your indoor space.  Make it as comfortable as inside is.  Artwork that you would place inside your home (outside) does that.  Living in the Northeast, we do have to be mindful of what kinds of artwork to use. I use canvas and have used metal sculpture types of artwork that is good for New England (weather) living.  Not just “coastal” artwork.;)

 
POTTED TREES OR BUSHES

If you don’t have trees in your outdoor space, you can create it by having large outdoor potted trees in your outdoor space.  It creates nature and life!  (& if you like outdoor twinkle lights or small lanterns, it can add a nice glow as the sun is setting when you place on your trees.)  I always go for the live, real ~ but the options for faux are really great.

OUTDOOR COOKING

Outdoor cooking and refrigeration is great convenience to your space.  Again, anything you have inside can be out.  If you are designing and styling a small space, this business and pleasure cooler is beautiful.

PRIVACY SCREEN

Privacy screens and walls can be used of course for privacy, but also to divide a space.  Beautiful screens are available that you can grow greenery or is a form of art and style.

FURNITURE

Furniture ~ the most important. As a Photo Stylist working with interiors for brands, I love that we have so many options, silhouettes, textures, styles, materials and colors.  For me (and my space) it's always the most challenging.  I HAVE to have a wide chair, deep in seating, with arms and not too much of a lean (slant) to the back!  I KNOW, right?!?  It’s a challenge.  But, always find it!  Last year, even got 2 rockers, that fit this criteria, and I LOVE them!  Take your time with this decision. It’s what you will be using the most in your outdoor space and it's what will make you the most comfortable.  

Always think of form, function and fun!  Keep those three things in mind when you are making your decisions and styling and you will create a beautiful space that you love spending time in.

Bonnie ~

All Image Credits  │  Anthropologie and Terrain

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