How to Create an Inviting Outdoor Space

Now that Spring has arrived and Summer is right around the corner, I've joined the bajillions of people who are sprucing up their outdoor space(s).  In the past (meaning pre-blogging days), I just filled a few pots with flowers, tidied things up and called it done.  All of you have inspired me so much that I want to put more effort in my outdoor spaces this year.  Specifically, I want my deck to feel more like a room instead of just a place for some potted flowers and a table with an umbrella.

While spending hour upon hour on Pinterest doing a little research,  I put together a few pointers for creating an outdoor room that have helped me and I hope you will find helpful too.

The Basic Elements

Determine how you want/need your space to function.  That will dictate what type and the amount of furniture that you'll need.

Do you only want a place to relax and enjoy being outdoors?  If that's the case, arrange your furniture with the view in mind.  It could be arranged to enjoy a focal point or to enjoy nature's beauty. 

  Southern Living

Or do you want a multi-functional space?   Whether your space is small or large, one level or two, grouping furniture together according to it's function will enhance the feeling of having multiple outdoor rooms.

HGTV

House Beautiful

Consider adding "walls" to your outdoor space to further the idea that this is meant to feel like an outdoor room, not just a wide open space.

A row of planters filled with shrubs or plants will give you an instant wall with no construction necessary.

AHBL Landscape Architects

You can always choose to build a wall where nothing currently exists.  You don't have to have a roof and the design is limited only by your creativity.

Party Lite

The addition of drapery panels is a great way to define your room and create intimacy.  You don't have to have a roof or pergola - there are many ways to diy a way to hang drapery panels (do a search on outdoor curtains on Pinterest).

Umbrellas aren't just for covering a table.  They're one more way to define a space.  I'm planning to have two umbrellas on my deck this year.

Sunset

Grouping different sized planters together is another way to define the different "rooms".

Tobin Parnes

Make it Comfy and Inviting

Add a rug (or two).  Nothing says “this is a room” like an area rug.  An area rug helps to ground and define a space.  The design/style of the rug that you choose will go a long way toward pulling your outdoor room together.

CoCo Cozy

Pavers make a great "rug" if your outdoor room is in the yard.

Better Homes and Gardens

Whether you prefer a trickle or a gurgle, the sound of running water is so soothing and relaxing.  I think it can even fool you into thinking it's cooler when you're near it.  The selection of portable outdoor fountains is huge today.

Landscaping Network

Have you ever taken a nap outdoors?  If the setting is shaded and peaceful, it is divine!  When thinking about comfort, a long, nicely cushioned couch would be a perfect addition to your room.

Steven Gambrel

Soften up the hard edges by making sure there are lots of cushions and pillows.

WSJ

Create interest by mixing styles and finishes of furnishings, fabrics and accessories.  

Southern Hospitality

Fluff It!

Create ambiance with lighting - fireplaces (portable or built-in), tiki lamps, candles and outdoor lamps.

Titan Designs

Music playing in the background adds another level of ambiance.  Consider adding outdoor speakers or simply invest in a portable cd player that you can bring outside when needed.  How about speakers concealed in a planter?

Kellowin 

Create layers of decorative elements using plants, textiles and accessories.  Vary the shapes and heights.

The Polohouse

House Beautiful

DIY Network

Don't forget your feathered friends.  If you enjoy watching birds or other wildlife, consider incorporating a feeder into your space.  This cool "birdalier" is just a repurposed chandy hanging from a crook meant for a hanging plant.  Click on the link below to see it.

Craftster

Linky parties:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Meet Me Monday at You Are Talking Too Much

Your Cozy Home Party on Monday at Cozy Home Scenes

Motivated Monday at Be Colorful

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie

Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A to Z

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

DIY by Design on Wednesday

Wild Wednesday at Chatty Chics

Uncommonly Yours on Wednesday at Uncommon Designs

Show and Share on Wednesday at Southern Lovely

Show Me Extroidinary on Thursday at The 36th Avenue

Grace at Home on Thursday at Imparting Grace

It's A Party on Thursday at A Creative Princess

Share Your Creations on Thursday at Kristen's Creations

Tickled Pink Fridays at 504 Main

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Feature Friday Free for All at Five Days...5 Ways

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Weekly Top Shot on Saturday at The View From Right Here

Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Overflowing with Creativity on Sunday at It's Overflowing

Sew Darn Crafty Sunday at Sew Many Ways

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

Simply Klassic Sunday at A Simply Klassic Home