May 27, 2024

Summer vibes, outdoor decorating ideas, virtual designer for outdoor patio — Source: Pure Salt Interiors

Whether you have a vast lawn, or a small balcony or patio, you want to be able to use that space to its full potential. Lots of rules that apply for making your indoor spaces feel like home, also apply to outside. Here are some of our best tips to make sure you love your outdoor area as much as any of your interior rooms.

Finding your style

First things first, there are enough styles of patio and lounge furniture available these days, that you can find something that suits you perfectly. Having a cohesive style throughout is step one to transforming your patio or balcony into an extension of your living space.

This shows a seamless transition from inside out.

Outdoor furniture inspiration, classic outdoor furniture, virtual interior designer for patio — Source: April Tomlin Interiors

Create Privacy

This applies to both gardens and balconies. Closing off your space might feel counterintuitive, but extending up your fence by a couple of feet, or putting some privacy screens up can really help you feel at ease and allow you to truly relax in the space. Now you can sip your evening glass of wine in peace.

Crafted by the Hunts have added planters to their privacy screen here.

Lighting

If you have existing light fixtures that have seen better days (or no longer fit your style) don’t underestimate the power of switching them out. When picking light bulbs, go for lights that give off a warm glow, just like you would want inside your home.

Having good lighting for outdoors means you can enjoy the space long after the sun has set. If you don’t have any existing fixtures, that’s nothing that a string of bulb lights, flameless candles, or lanterns can’t fix! Use discount code ARIANEDESIGNCO at checkout for 10% off your outdoor lighting at Light House Co.

Vancouver designer, transitional design — Source: Magnolia

Cover the concrete

Concrete flooring isn’t just an eyesore, it doesn’t feel very nice under the feet, thankfully there are lots of options now for temporary overlays for outdoor flooring, like wood decking tiles, as well as faux grass. I have linked some of my favourites below:

IKEA – patterned within each tile, and readily stained for a warm feel.

Wayfair – for a larger scale pattern.

Costco – I have these artificial grass tiles at home and couldn’t love them more. Very realistic!

Soft furnishings

A rug is also a great way of covering up unattractive floors, as well as adding extra comfort.

Adding soft furnishings will make your space feel inviting, don’t stop at rugs, you can add outdoor throw pillows and blankets - use these accessories to pull out colours from inside.

This rug from Lulu and Georgia is the perfect neutral base for any outdoor space.

Bug off

Candles would have been on my list anyway, love them inside, love them outside - but outside, they have a job to do. If yellow isn’t your colour, there are plenty of citronella options on the market nowadays using white wax, such as this luxurious 8-Wick Green Glass Citronella Candle from Crate & Barrel.

Now you can enjoy your outdoor oasis without swatting away bugs!