Stylish Outdoor Spaces

How to make the most of your outdoor living space.

by Jason Schneider

When weather permits, there's nothing better than spending time outside. Here are a few tips on expanding your living space into the great outdoors.

Thoughtful Planning

It’s important to take into consideration the size, space, location and orientation of your available space when creating an outdoor room, says Marcia Blake, president and creative director of Outdoor Interiors in Laguna Niguel, Calif. “The size of the space will help you determine the footprint of the furniture,” she says. “It’s always a good idea to visit this space at different times of the day to see how the environment changes [its] attributes.”

Blake offers the following tips to help you make the most of your outdoor living space.

• Create an outdoor space that’s a natural extension of your indoor living space. Use a touch of the indoor style and unify the space by adding outdoor drapes, pillows and rugs to complete the look. “Don’t be afraid to select fabric for the patio cushions that reflects the indoor appearance—the use of color, pattern and texture in fabrics is an excellent way to reflect the indoor space,” says Blake.

• An outdoor fountain, fireplace or fire pit will help create a focal point.

• If you have a West-facing area, you will need some sun protection in the form of an awning, umbrella, drapes or a pavilion.

• Accessorize! “Outdoor rugs add color, define a space and warm up the surface,” says Blake. “Outdoor lamps and chandeliers add ambiance.”

Top Outdoor Trends

A popular trend Blake sees for outdoor living is the addition of an outdoor kitchen. “Gas stoves, electric burners, refrigerators, ice makers, dishwashers, warming drawers and brick ovens are just a few of the amenities available to create a gourmet outdoor kitchen,” she says.

Another popular trend, says Blake, is the introduction of pink into the outdoor room, while gray still shows strength as the new neutral.

When creating your outdoor living space, don’t forget the finishing touches. “Custom throw pillows, plush throw blankets, flowing drapes, colorful area rugs, outdoor artwork and elegant lighting fixtures are a few of the most important pieces of the puzzle,” says Blake.