5 Tips for Designing Your Ideal Outdoor Oasis
Spring is officially here and the allure of blooming flowers and backyard barbecues have already started to draw us to our outdoor patios and porches. Whether you’re an entertainer, gardener, or simply enjoy fresh air, having an outdoor space that is as usable as the interior of your home is important - hello, outdoor living! Designing this space, however, can be challenging. Not only does your outdoor space need to contend with the elements, it should also be functional and appealing to the eye.
The key to designing an outdoor space is to keep it simple, practical, and as maintenance-free as possible. To take the guesswork out of designing your patio, porch, or backyard, below are our outdoor space design tips along with the outdoor pieces and decor that have caught our eye this year.
Use Potted Plants & Window Planters
The easiest and prettiest decor items for an outdoor space are potted plants and/or window planters. We encourage you to get a number of larger planters and plant your heart out. We always stick to two to three colors so that all of the containers look good together. A good rule of thumb is to use one of the same flowers throughout and then change up the texture and drama with greens. A few of our tried and true (and very easy) favorites are: sedum, asparagus fern, petunias, dracaena, licorice vine, mint, coleus, and sweet potato vine. These come in an array of colors so group them together and see what pops. And remember: anything you plant in the Spring will grow a bunch throughout the Summer. It takes some time so be patient — and don’t forget the plant food!
Our Planter & Garden Favorites
Real Materials are a Must
Teak, powder coated steel, resin, and materials that are truly rated for the outdoors are best. As your outdoor furniture has to withstand the elements, invest in pieces that will last from season to season, do not rust, flake or peel.
Collect Outdoor Pillows
Mix and match patterns and colors with pillows. We use them on all of my outdoor chairs and loungers to add contrast and to make the chair more comfortable and cozy. The less water they absorb the longer they will last. Arhaus, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and even West Elm all have great options, but it’s best to source them early in the season.
Our Outdoor Pillow & Linen Favorites
Opt for Rechargeable Lamps or Lanterns for Light
In theory, candles are a beautiful piece of decor both inside and outside, but in reality they aren’t functional for the outdoors. Given the elements, they get messy quickly and typically don’t exude as much light as needed to enjoy your outdoor space after dark. We suggest opting for rechargeable LED lamps or lanterns instead. They are offered in a variety of styles and add great ambiance and convenience to your outdoor space. Additionally, if you use candles to keep bugs at bay, there are other options out there that do the trick, such as incense.
Our Outdoor Lighting & Fragrance Favorites
Keep it Clean
The most important part of decorating your outdoor space is to make it easy to clean and maintain. You’ll want to be able to brush off fallen leaves and hose everything down to remove any debris or dust as the season progresses. We like to hook up a garden hose to quickly hose down any outdoor areas prior to having company - the sun typically dries everything off within a few hours. When we’re experiencing especially wet stretches or it’s wintertime, it’s good practice to pack away any pillows or items that could get ruined or waterlogged to ensure they’re protected and last.
Interested in working together on your interior design project? Violet Marsh Interiors specializes in modern, warm interior design in Maine, Atlanta, and beyond. Book a consultation call to see if we are a good fit!
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