With Memorial Day upon us, we thought it’d be a good time to talk a bit about outdoor spaces.

Sadly, we feel not enough people put the necessary time and attention into furnishing and decorating their outdoor space. So much effort and expense goes into the hardscape and landscaping and then the furnishing and decoration falls flat.  Maybe it’s because people aren’t aware of what all they can do. 

We approach outdoor spaces very much like indoor spaces. First, think about how you want the space to be used and then build an interesting, collected plan to support that function. Try to avoid matching sets of furniture!  This is the same advice we give for ALL interior spaces as well. Collecting pieces that compliment each other will give interest and depth to the space. If a matching set is what you have then add interest with unique accent tables, garden stools, pillows, and accessories. 

Here are a few looks we love. Notice the use of greenery, flowers, and accessories like lanterns and colorful pillows. Imagine these same spaces without those items. Boring, right?!  

via Architectural Digest. Design by Juan Montoya Design.

Design source unknown.

Via House Beautiful. Design by Emily Henderson.

Do you use paper plates when entertaining outside? Yes, we agree, it’s a necessary at times. But, every now and then do it up! We are obsessed with Ellen Pompeo’s Dinner Party collaboration with Martin Lawrence Bullard. Isn’t it stunning? Fabulous surroundings make for such memorable experiences, wouldn’t you agree? 

 

 

If you enjoy a fun, modern look, this Frontgate dining collection adds texture and pattern to your outdoors. These chairs are so good with the clean, simple table.  

 

 

 

Then mix in a couple of lounge chairs, like these from Ballard Designs, to relax after dinner and take in the view. 

 

To add a punch of color, you can bring in bold garden stools like these from Target by Safavieh.

Or check out Anthropologie’s new handcrafted collection. How cool and interesting are these cuties??

Check out this sweet little outdoor space from a recent condo project of ours. We practice what we preach, baby! 

 

If you’d like to step up your outdoor entertaining game, we’d love to help! You can get in touch with us here.