By Avenue HQ, Katie Friedman, HGTV and Barry Nestransky
After completing this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist it’s time to focus on your outdoor living space. Outdoor spaces can become extensions of our living areas especially during the summer. If you have a garden or patio, adding comfortable furniture, sources of light, and other outdoor accessories can help transform your outdoor space into an inviting place to relax and unwind. Here are 7 ways to prepare your outdoor living area for summertime!
Invest in Quality Outdoor Furniture
Consider these materials when purchasing patio products to ensure you are buying quality items that are designed to last in Canada.
Create Comfortable Lounging Zones
People love to perch and naturally gravitate toward spaces that invite them to sit and stay awhile. Make your patio or deck more appealing by creating distinct and purposeful zones that pull people in, like a lounge, bar, or outdoor kitchen and dining area. You can incorporate a pergola and a couple of rugs to break up the “open” floor plan and create the sense of two cozy rooms that your family will want to spend time in.
Define the Space with a Weather-Resistant Rug
The first rule of designing an outdoor living room is to define the space with a rug, preferably one that’s made of polypropylene and is resistant to the elements. This essential piece will protect bare feet and pet paws from rough wood planks or concrete. A rug will also serve as a base for your furniture. As you’re layering your outdoor sofa and chairs on top, make sure to position just the front legs on the edge of the rug; this will help even the smallest spaces seem a little larger.
Add Pillows for Style and Comfort
Amp up the style and comfort of your sitting area by topping each seat with an all-weather cushion. You’ll want to choose a colour palette to set the tone. Whether that’s vibrant pinks and greens for a tropical look or black and white for something chic and modern, stick with pieces in your chosen colour scheme. In turn, you’ll be able to mix different prints while keeping everything cohesive.
Make a Fire Pit Your Focal Point
Give your family a good excuse to gather by making a fire pit the focal point of your sitting area. Pay close attention to the shape of the feature. A square fire pit with its clean lines and sharp edges will fit neatly against a sectional and lend a sleek touch to the space. In contrast, a circular fire pit will generally soften the setting and make it feel a bit more intimate.
Warm Up Your Space with Natural Touches
Too much metal can make a space feel cold and stiff. It’s important to balance those glossy surfaces with natural textures and finishes. A couple of rattan chairs, for example, will not only give you more seating options, but will also bring warmth and life to the setting.
Add planters overflowing with foliage. The more types of containers you use, from freestanding to hanging, the more organic the setting will look.
Provide Covered Seating for Shade and Rain
Consider adding some cover to your space. An overhang or an umbrella may be used as a shield from the wind, rain, and even scorching sun.