Outdoor Space Design: An Interior Designer’s Dos and Don’ts
Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the irresistible pull of blooming gardens, warm evenings, and backyard barbecues. It’s the season when we naturally gravitate toward our patios, porches, and outdoor living spaces a little more often. Whether you love entertaining, tending to a garden, or simply enjoying fresh air, having an outdoor space that feels just as welcoming and usable as the inside of your home makes all the difference.
Designing an outdoor living area, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Outdoor spaces must withstand the elements while still feeling comfortable, functional, and visually appealing. Furniture, materials, and layout all need to work a little harder outdoors.
In my experience, the best outdoor spaces are simple, practical, and as low-maintenance as possible. A well-designed patio or porch should invite you to relax—not create more work. To help take the guesswork out of designing your own outdoor retreat, I’m sharing a few of my favorite outdoor space design dos and don’ts below, featuring images from the outdoor areas of our Maine cottage project.
Outdoor Space Design “Dos”
Use Potted Plants & Window Planters
One of the easiest and most beautiful ways to decorate an outdoor living space is with potted plants and window planters. A few thoughtfully placed containers can instantly soften a patio or porch and make the entire space feel more welcoming. I always encourage clients to invest in several larger planters and really lean into planting—it’s one of the simplest ways to add color, texture, and life to an outdoor space.
When creating container arrangements, I like to limit the palette to two or three main colors so everything feels cohesive. A helpful guideline is to repeat one flower throughout the planters for consistency, then vary the textures and greenery to create interest and movement.
Some of my tried-and-true favorites that are both beautiful and easy to grow include sedum, asparagus fern, petunias, dracaena, licorice vine, mint, coleus, and sweet potato vine. Many of these plants come in a wide range of colors, so don’t be afraid to group them together and experiment with combinations until something really pops.
And one final reminder: plants take time to fill out. What you plant in the spring will grow dramatically throughout the summer, so patience is part of the process. Give them a little time, keep up with watering, add plant food when needed, and before long your outdoor containers will feel lush and full.
Use Materials Made for the Outdoors
When selecting furniture for a patio, porch, or backyard seating area, it’s essential to choose materials specifically designed for outdoor use. Teak, powder-coated steel, resin, and other weather-resistant materials are some of the best options because they are built to withstand sun, moisture, and temperature shifts.
Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture means you won’t have to replace pieces every season. Look for materials that resist rust, peeling, and flaking so your outdoor living space stays beautiful year after year. Durable pieces also tend to age more gracefully, developing character rather than looking worn.
Collect Outdoor Pillows
Outdoor pillows are one of the easiest ways to add personality and comfort to your patio furniture. I love mixing patterns and colors to bring contrast and warmth to outdoor seating areas. A few well-chosen pillows can instantly make a lounge chair or sofa feel more inviting.
Performance fabrics designed for outdoor use are key. The less water a pillow absorbs, the longer it will last and the better it will hold its shape and color. Some of my favorite places to source outdoor pillows include Arhaus, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and even West Elm. Just be sure to shop earlier in the season—these pieces tend to sell out quickly once warm weather arrives.
Keep it Clean and Easy to Maintain
One of the most important considerations when designing an outdoor living space is ease of maintenance. Your patio or porch should be simple to clean so you can spend more time enjoying it and less time worrying about upkeep. Ideally, you want materials that allow you to quickly brush away fallen leaves or hose down surfaces to remove dust and debris as the season progresses.
When selecting cushions, pillows, and umbrellas, it’s essential to use performance fabrics specifically rated for outdoor use, such as Perennials or Sunbrella. These fabrics are designed to resist fading, moisture, and mildew while still looking beautiful.
One of my favorite tricks is keeping a garden hose easily accessible so I can give the entire area a quick rinse before hosting friends or family. On a sunny day, everything typically dries within a few hours. During especially rainy periods—or once winter arrives—I always store pillows and softer accessories indoors to protect them from excess moisture and extend their lifespan.
Outdoor Space Design “Don’ts”
Skip Glass or Mirror
Glass and mirror surfaces may look beautiful initially, but they tend to be impractical for outdoor spaces. These materials show every fingerprint, water spot, and layer of dust, which means you’ll constantly be cleaning them to keep them looking presentable.
For outdoor furniture and decor, it’s best to choose materials that are naturally forgiving and easy to maintain. Matte finishes, natural woods, stone, and durable outdoor-rated materials will hold up far better and require far less upkeep.
Rethink Traditional Candles
While candles can feel romantic and inviting, they’re often difficult to manage outdoors. Wind, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can quickly make them impractical.
Instead, consider rechargeable LED lanterns or globe lights, which now come in a wide range of beautiful designs. They provide the same warm ambiance without the maintenance, and they’re much easier to move around your patio or porch when entertaining.
Don’t Overdo It
When it comes to outdoor space design, simplicity is your friend. Outdoor environments are constantly exposed to wind, rain, sun, and even curious wildlife, so every item you bring outside needs to earn its place.
Too many accessories can quickly become difficult to maintain, especially when the weather shifts. Instead, focus on a few thoughtfully chosen pieces that make the space comfortable and functional. A well-designed outdoor area should feel relaxed and easy to care for—the goal is to spend time enjoying the space, not constantly managing it.
Interested in working together on your interior design project? Violet Marsh Interiors specializes in warm, modern interior design for homes in Atlanta, Maine, and beyond. If you’re planning a renovation, new build, or looking to thoughtfully refresh your space, we’d love to connect. Schedule a discovery call to learn more about our process and see if we’re a good fit.
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