6 ESSENTIALS FOR CREATING AN OUTDOOR SPACE

Grab an iced tea and join me on the front porch. Today I’m sharing how to create a simple outdoor living space in 6 simple steps! Let’s create an outdoor room that is inexpensive and cozy! A little spot to sit and sip iced tea and to read a magazine or two… or read a blog!!! Let’s think about using what we have and then add only reasonably priced things we need. It’s all about a little outdoor space to call our own! 

 

I collected things from around the house and yard to create this little outdoor “living room”. It’s quaint and easy to take care of and has a great view of the farmlands around us. Nothing too fancy and fussy… but very comfortable!

Pick a spot on your patio, porch, deck or stoop to create an area that is a relaxed little outdoor room.

Here are 6 ESSENTIALS FOR CREATING AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

1. ADD A RUG

A rug is the very first thing to add to create a fabulous, easy outdoor space! Adding a rug gives your outdoor living space boundaries. I think this is the single most important thing to do to get that “room” feel! A few years ago I bought several rugs, like the one above, to use outdoors. They came from Ballard Designs and I got them on sale. Many companies have great sales during the summer!

Don’t be afraid to go a little wild with a rug. There are so many fun, fabulous and frivolous rugs to pick from! As neutral as the inside of my home is, my outdoor living spaces are usually bright and a big loud! 

Your rug does not have to be very big or cover your entire outdoor living space. Using a smallish rug will keep the cost down significantly.

2. ADD SOMETHING TO SIT ON

These porch rockers have been on our porch for over a decade! They are nothing too special… but they are comfortable and very sturdy. We got them unfinished and painted them. It’s been so long ago that I’m not sure the color. Our space is large enough to handle 2 rockers.

Notice they don’t fit perfectly on the rug. That’s okay!!!

Do you have rockers, a mesh outdoor chair, a bistro chair or even a great wooden folding chair. Any chair will do… just make sure it’s comfy! And if you can add two chairs you have a conversation area!

3. ADD A LITTLE TABLE

Adding a small table will give you something to put your iced tea on! A little table will keep thing off the ground and easily accessible! And again, adds to the “room” look!

This little table came from a bedroom several years ago and I painted it with “Crushed Oregano” latex paint on a whim. No primer… nothing! But it’s held up fine on my porch so far! I know it’s a little bright! And that’s okay!!!

Do you have a little table kicking around you could paint and move outside? Here’s a painting tip for you… buy a SAMPLE jar of paint. It will be enough to paint a little table and save you lots of money!

You could also use a tray or a garden stool.

4. ADD PILLOWS

 

If you are one of my beloved reader then you know how much I love love love pillows (and you)!  Adding pillows to your chairs will go far in comfort and making your little area room-like! Use pillows meant for outdoor and DON’T use down inserts. They don’t dry well if they get wet and will smell horrible.

There are so many discount places that have great and very inexpensive pillows. I have had these pillows for several years now. I just give them a scrub down with a taddy bit of gentle baby shampoo and lots of water to clean them.

5. ADD A THROW

A throw is an item that adds a great layer of color and design to an outdoor space! It’s all about adding layers you would add to an indoor living space! I know it’s summer, but do this step! It will make your space look polished and amazing!

If you don’t have a thow you want to expose to the elements how about adding a great fluffy beach towel instead of a throw. There are so many big, thick and stylish ones on the market. Again, look for them at discount stores or on sale! I saw one recently at our local Pottery Barn Outlet and I’m heading back to get it for the porch!

A great beach towel will hold up well if it gets wet and can be washed and dried easily!

6. ADD LAYERS OF PERSONALITY

Now here’s the fun part! Add layers of great pieces and things that will work for you in your outdoor space.

One essential layer, for me, are flowers. Either potted or picked, flowers add a big punch of summer pizzazz! So don’t forget them in your outdoor room! These are flowers from my garden. 

I also added a black lantern with a battery operated candle on a timer. So, even at night this area is alluring!

A bright green garden stool sits next to my rocker, making another small “table” for my magazines! Look for cheap garden stools and spray paint them a color that works with your decor.

 

How about adding an old fan to your room? Or if your porch is screened in layer a great pole lamp? Do you have an old crate or a stone garden figure to add to an outdoor living space? And wouldn’t hanging a picture or subway art look amazing? Adding layers of decor will take your outdoor room from nice to fabulous! Layers of decor gives a room lots of personality!

 

 

 

Using these 6 Essentials you can create an amazing outdoor living space to enjoy all summer and into the fall. 

Where would you like to create an outdoor room? Please share!

If you like this post and want to save these ideas please pin this to your Pinterest PORCH or PATIO or GARDEN boards. You can follow me on Pinterest and see all the fun summer things I am finding to pin HERE.

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