So you have this amazing new deck, patio, sunroom... you get the idea. It's a beautiful outdoor space with limitless potential. Now, you have to decorate it (queue scary music). How can you best accessorize it to fit your lifestyle, be the envy of all your neighbors, and still be able to afford to entertain said neighbors when they come over to enjoy it? You may be side glancing those old, sun-rotted camping chairs thinking “This will have to do.” for your guests to sit on, but you know they will simply not cut it anymore. The truth is, you can easily turn your outdoor living space into an extension of your home, making it inviting and comfortable while not breaking the budget.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to prime your outdoor living space, but don’t be ‘that guy’. Let’s get rid of the milk crate table and old tire chair.

By the way, I want you to keep something in mind: It’s not an indoor space. It’s easy to get carried away and forget that you are furnishing an outdoor living space. We look on the internet and see these outdoor areas that look like living rooms with an indoor sofa, lounger, coffee table, and even fake plants outside. Keep in mind that a lot of these pictures are staged, and it is not practical to have stuff live outside when it doesn’t belong there. Trust me, even if it looks amazing at first, it’s going to get pretty gross and uninviting rather quickly.

You want a seamless transition between your interior and exterior, but using the same furniture is not a good idea. Don’t do it.

You can choose whatever outdoor furniture suits your tastes and budget, and then spruce it up and add some luxury with these simple additions, to help bring life to your outdoor living space.

Bring Life to your space with Planter Pots:

Plants can give your outdoor space a more earthy warm feel. You are outside so let’s bring nature into the mix. I am usually surprised at the lack of plants in some outdoor decorating. Let’s not forget the green stuff. Plants can help soften an outdoor room. You can even add sweet-smelling plants into the mix, which are always pleasant on days with a breeze.

Complement your furniture and space with potted plants. Pick different sizes that will look lovely and full on your deck or patio corners. Everything from table-top flower pots to large planters can really bring your outdoor area to life and add a little color. You can place them on railings or parts of the deck, to direct pathways and hangout areas, and they can also be used to hide that ding or flaw you left when you had that little accident that shall not be named.

Let there be light! Add Decking and Patio Lights:

Not only do lights allow for easier use at night time, they also add a calming ambiance to the area. Outdoor lighting accomplishes wonders to enrich the outward appearance of your home and outdoor area. There is something magical about having the proper outdoor lights. I’m not talking about a worklamp clamped on to a broom handle, I’m talking proper decking and patio lights. Outdoor lights make a major impact on the atmosphere and comfort of your outside space. They will also increase the time that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy out there.

Warm things up with a Fire Pit:

Sitting by a fire during sweater weather in the spring and fall is one of my favorite ways to spend time. It also allows you to have an excuse to hang out outside. A fire is a natural way to create a focal point in any outdoor gathering. Whether it is simply gazing meditatively at the flames, or some sort of primal human urge, the fact is that people love to gather around the fire. Seriously, we all love fire pits and, of course, a fire pit is perfect for s’mores. Making s’mores is one of life’s great pleasures.

Be Social and add a Bar:

Everyone loves gathering around the bar and being social, so why not add your own bar in your backyard! Adding an outdoor bar is probably the ultimate treat for your guests at any outdoor event. C’mon, we’ve all experienced the lame parties where you have to ask someone to stand up before you can get a frosty drink from a cooler. With an actual bar, no one will have to move their butt to get a beverage. Choose something that fits your lifestyle and accommodates your needs, but also one that complements the overall design theme of of your cool new outdoor hangout spot.

 

Small Things Like Wind Chimes Or Pillows:

Don’t forget the smaller things that can help add a homier feeling to your outdoor living spaces. Pillows (the weather resistant variety), wind chimes and outdoor decor will add that extra taste and style that will make it your own. Bring indoor elegance to your outdoor spaces by adding pillows to your outdoor furniture. They can help soften the space and make it feel comfortable. Accessories like these also tie interior and exterior living spaces together with similar color schemes, patterns, styles or themes. Wind chimes will add that extra element of zen living.

Whatever you do when designing your outdoor living space, remember to make it your own comfortable retreat. This will be a space where you can relax and enjoy the elements that make it your own slice of nature.