The sun is shining much earlier, the birds are chirping and we are getting excited at the thought of better weather and summer is just down the road. We head to our local Home Depot and find that the patio center is filled with all things to get your garden prepped and ready. We walk through gorgeous patio furniture and even take a seat on a set or two and imagine life on your very own patio with a nice glass of ice tea, basking in the sun while your kids run wild in the sprinkler. While summer isn’t quite here yet, the change in our weather has us dreaming of different ways to bring the cozy environment from inside our homes and implement them in our very own backyards.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re wanting to enhance your outdoor space, always consider what details are most important to you. Ask yourself what is most important for you and your family while spending time under the sun. Your Outdoor space should be a reflection of your home and there really is no better time to start this project than early spring so you can enjoy those first summer days with a finished project!

There is so much you can do to elevate your backyard but without going into a full makeover, here are a few ideas that I suggest implementing into your outdoor oasis.

Entertaining Area:
Spend the money on your entertaining piece. Whether you choose a cozy lounge sectional with accent chairs or nice and big outdoor table for entertaining, this piece is what brings everyone together and where you will be spending most of your time. Not only will you and your family spend most of your time here but this piece is the glue that holds everything together, the focal point of your space and the piece of “art” that everyone will be drawn to. You will be so happy you spent the money on the piece you love most.

2. Bring the Comforts of inside outside

Living in Oregon, this can be a gamble but for the most part our summers are decent enough that we can leave throws and cushions outside for a few months. Find the perfect table runner, cushions and some throw pillows to cozy up the space. Think about summer nights gathered on the woven couch with some cozy blankets or your family gathered around the table that is accented with gorgeous linens and cushions. Find an outdoor rug that compliments your home. The idea is to bring the inside, outside!

3. Style your space

Style your outdoor alfresco with curated pieces that you love and keep it simple by letting the outdoors steal the show. Your accessories should merely compliment the open skies. Finding the pieces to complete this space may feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few of my go to items for styling an outdoor space:

A table cloth as well as linen napkins, Chargers (wicker is my favorite for outdoors), melamine plates, a serving pitcher for entertaining with matching glassware. Once you have the basic functional pieces, you can add a center piece such as a textured bowl of faux fruit, candles or a pretty clay vase with faux flower arrangements. By choosing faux pieces, you will not have to worry about alternating them frequently. However, if you’re only prepping for a dinner party, by all means use the real thing!

If you’re styling a lounge area then you wont have to worry about most of the listed above. For a lounge setting, you can set the tone with some lanterns of different heights from small to extra large. Bring some throw blankets out, a serving tray for the center table, a succulent plant and add some large vases with some potted plants around you.

3. Lighting

While I’m sure most of you have a light or two on your patio, don’t rely on those to set the mood. The easiest way you can add some moody soiree lighting is hanging string lights over your patio. If you can, install some pathway lights around the walk ways and add some lanterns with candles close to the patio area.

I hope this post inspires you to create that cozy patio that you have always wanted. Whether your home is big, small or even just an apartment patio, you can create that spring/summer outdoor space you deserve.

Elevate your outdoor space