When decorating an outdoor space for travelers, like a patio or deck, you should always try to make it feel more comfortable and relaxed than a hotel — more like home. Follow these tips for an inviting outdoor space.
When decorating an outdoor space for travelers, like a patio or deck, you should always try to make it feel more comfortable and relaxed than a hotel — more like home. Follow these tips for an inviting outdoor space.
Start by thinking of what your guests need: relaxation. Even if their daily trip itinerary is packed with activities, they’ll probably need some downtime at the end of the day. Give guests a cozy outdoor space where they can unwind and enjoy each other’s company, while showcasing what makes your region unique or special.
While the living room tends to be the natural hub for indoor gatherings, you can create the same relaxed atmosphere outdoors to draw guests to the patio. Figuring out what furniture pieces you need is easy — just look to your living room for inspiration. Just like indoors, outdoor seating should be comfortable. Plush sofas and chairs (or a sectional, if you have the space!) should be top priority.
You’ll also need side tables and accent pedestals appropriate to the number of seating options. Invest in a large coffee table for your lounge area to complete the traditional living room setup and provide a clean visual focal point. For lighting, let the sun do most of the work and use outdoor string lights and lanterns to give a warm glow at night.
To ensure your backyard area feels cozy, invest in nice cushions to cover any furniture made of hard materials like stone, concrete, or wood. And always be sure to store seating pads and cover furniture during inclement weather so they stay in good condition.
While you want your patio oasis to be comfortable and inviting, you should still try to make it feel like a departure from the everyday. Add a few unique pieces for resort-level style. Here are some ideas:
Highlight what makes your neighborhood, town, or city unique by adding region-specific plants and décor. Is your home in a desert area? Draw on those desert vibes by decking out your yard with potted cacti and other native plants. Beach houses can use seashells or coral for décor. Not only do these local touches add character, but they also showcase the destination.
Once you decide on the best plants for your outdoor space or patio, find planters and vases that show them off. For example, cacti look rustic and natural in raw clay planters or boxes glazed in rust red or bright turquoise, while nautical-inspired rope and resin wicker planters feel more appropriate for waterfront destinations.
Remember that while having lots of plants can be beautiful, they require regular caretaking.
Be ready for every season with small style changes to your patio decor. You'll want to prepare for weather changes to keep the space comfortable. If your home is in a mild climate that allows for outdoor hangouts year round, it’s a nice touch to change out sofa and chair cushions and pillows to seasonal colors and patterns. For example, off-white sofa pads accented with vibrant pillows with floral patterns are best for spring. In the fall, look for deeper, more full-toned pillows in rustic hues — red, orange, and navy blue.
For homes in cold or snowy climates, you can set up a covered, heated outdoor area or simply stow your outdoor furniture in a dry, covered space until spring. Or consider trading the coffee table in your sitting area for a fire pit. A fire pit creates a cozy area where guests can enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s cold.
The main point is to remember that outdoor spaces can be a welcome extension of your home. Make it comfortable for your guests to give them even more ways to enjoy their destination.
You can add photos of your outdoor space in your Property Editor under Photos.
