How to Design a Beautiful Outdoor LivingSpace

Spring has sprung, and I’m guessing one of the most enjoyable spots in your home might just be the porch or patio, especially in New England where we treasure our time outdoors. There’s nothing like an extended evening on the screened porch or stargazing while making lasting memories on the back patio. Whether you're looking to create, redesign or refresh your outdoor space, you've come to the right place. Today, we’re sharing some tips on how to style your porch or patio, create a cohesive look, an even style it in a way that brings you joy each time you walk outside. Porches and patios should feel as comfortable as your family room and invite you “out."

Step 1: Carefully Consider How the Space will be Used

My favorite part about our patio and screened porch is the view. It looks out onto our orchard, the perennial garden and our vegetable garden which is surrounded by a two rail cedar fence. I love watching the bluebirds fly in and out of their houses - it's our own little oasis. Incorporating comfort, warmth and visual appeal to your outdoor living space allows you to stay out just a little longer and take in all that the wonders of nature has to offer. Once you’ve determined how you plan to use the space, you can begin to style and furnish it accordingly. If you plan to nap on the porch, consider a daybed. If your outdoor patio is small, but you entertain large groups of people, consider investing in a few stylish biergarten tables that will accommodate up to 8 people. They stack and stow away nicely, freeing up your patio for everyday use.

Step 2: Start Layering from the Ground Up

Having an outdoor space that is equally as beautiful as it is practical is key to enjoying your extended time in the open air. But look no further than the inside of your home, as well as your outdoor surroundings, for inspiration. Make your outdoor living space echo your indoor style as a natural extension of your home. This creates a cohesive flow between the inside and outside of your home. Bring a pop of color to your porch and patio with a blue and white chinoiserie garden stool to house your favorite backyard cocktail. Add some comfy accent pillows, using outdoor fabrics in colors that complement the surroundings. If it's a brick patio, start with clay like earth tones in shades of sandy brown, add vibrant orange and crimson colors, then mix in a sunny yellow for some pomp and circumstance! Did you know the color orange is known to radiate happiness and boost one's emotional state? A little oomph of color after last year’s set back sounds nice! Add a white coral bowl to your garden bench. It will offset the earth tones and brighten up the space. If you fill it with fresh water, you might even catch a glimpse of a hummingbird stopping in for a quick drink. Most importantly, don’t skimp on your seating. Use comfy cushions with high quality durable fabrics for a luxurious outdoor experience.

Planter/Chinoiserie Stool/Bird Bath/Coral Bowl/pillows — *Planter*/*Chinoiserie Stool*/*Bird Bath*/*Coral Bowl*/*pillows*

Step 3: Opt for Durable Outdoor Furniture

Mother's Day weekend in New England is traditionally warm enough to bring the patio furniture out and to begin enjoying the outdoors for casual meals and relaxation. Since my favorite season is winter, we keep the garden furniture out all year. I love sitting out by the fire, admiring the light and the beautiful shadows from our garden fence and pergola that cast their glow across the snowfields. The key to enjoying your patio all year long is to make it inviting and draw people outside. High quality furniture and comfort is a must. Consider furniture that is made for long lasting durability. There's nothing like teak for its strength and natural beauty. Search for strong sustainable wood such as IPE for its durability and good looks. Wicker is a classic look and goes with almost any style and any budget. Be sure to choose synthetic wicker that is weather resistant. Mix in your favorite cushions and pillows for ultimate comfort and style.

Step 4: Create Focal Points With Warmth and Interest

If your backyard is limited in terms of trees and/or focal points, you can create a dynamic one with a wind sculpture. Their graceful movement and visual flow might just keep you daydreaming for hours. "Look to the vistas beyond and possibly add an accent tree or a group of trees to create a focal point and a view line,”says Dennis Mareb, horticulturalist and owner of Windy Hill Farm, in Great Barrington, MA. “It could be an orchard or a group of trees, cherry, red buds, flowering crab apples, that ultimately provide food for birds, or a paper bark maple for shade and respite. These are things birds can perch in.” You can also create focal points using container pots. Potted boxwoods are classic and timeless and can be used to delineate your space without the fuss.

A wood-burning fire pit creates a perfect focal point with all of its character and ambience. Investing in an exceptionally good fire pit will keep the conversation going well into the night. There are some great alternatives to the traditional wood-burning fire pit if you prefer using propane. My favorite is the Gravelstone Round Fire Table by Sunset West.

Step 5: Add Some Naturally Beautiful Finishing Touches

I love adding little finishing touches to my outdoor dining and entertaining space whether it's for breakfast on the porch or a summer cocktail party. Sometimes, it's nice the have a dinner party or luncheon, just for the fun of it - no special occasion required. I use pretty block print linens, vases or shot glasses filled with fresh flowers, dainty tea lights everywhere, and a mix of bamboo flatware and rattan glasses, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Here’s a list of my favorites for 2021!

Rattan Tumblers & Flatware - Pottery Barn/Aerin Placemats/Tea Lights - H&M Home/Table Linens - India Amory