8 Secrets For Creating An Inviting Outdoor Space

Now that the warm weather has arrived, it’s time for the annual spruce-up of my outdoor space. I used these clever ideas to make those areas feel like an inviting place to spend time in instead of just a place for putting potted plants.

Outdoor spaces, porches, decks, patios and even front stoops, are an extension of our homes. Let’s do more than just add a welcome mat and a potted plant or two. Let’s put a little effort into making those areas inviting!

(This post contains affiliate links. Click HERE to see my full disclosure.)

In the past, I just filled a few pots with flowers, swept the cobwebs away, tidied things up and called it done. These days, I try to put more effort into my outdoor spaces. Specifically, I want my deck and porch to feel more like an outdoor room instead of just a place for some potted flowers and a table with an umbrella.

THE FIRST STEP IS TO CLEAN – HOW TO MAKE IT EASIER

I know, I hear you. This isn’t a fun step, but it’s a necessary one! All of my outdoor spaces are filthy after a fall and winter of dropping leaves and don’t even get me started talking about the yellow pollen we have to deal with around here in early spring.

Even though cleaning isn’t my favorite thing to do, here are three ways that I make it as painless as possible:

My favorite newly discovered product for easily cleaning dirt, dust, green algae, mold and mildew from siding and woodwork is Mold Armor E-Z House Wash. Guys, this product is nothing short of amazing! I literally attached it to my hose, sprayed my woodwork and waited a few minutes before hosing it off. No scrubbing!

After using this product, the white railing on my porch looks like it was just painted. Be sure to read all of the directions before use to see what you need to do to protect plants and exactly how to use the product.

I only use outdoor rugs and outdoor pillows and cushions in outdoor spaces, even if the area they’re in is covered and protected. The best thing about using products that are made for the outdoors, is that all you usually need to clean them with is a garden hose.

I whack the pillows and cushions together to remove as much of the dust as I can, then give the pillows, cushions and rugs a good hosing down. In the event that there are any mildew spots on the pillows or cushions there are several methods for removing those. Simply Google, “how to remove mildew from outdoor cushions” and choose the method that works the best for you.

No special products are needed to clean the furniture and accessories. I simply use damp paper towels to wipe it all down.

OUTDOOR LIVING IDEAS AND FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

Determine how you want your space to function. That will dictate why type of furniture you’ll need. Do you need room for lots of seating? A place for a dining table and chairs? Does the arrangement take advantage of the views?

SPEAKING OF FURNITURE

If your goal is to spend time enjoying your outdoor space, make sure your furniture is comfortable. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been stuck with hard seats or rocking chairs that sit too straight. I’ve learned the hard way that purchasing outdoor furniture online (and not being able to try it out first), isn’t necessarily the way to go.

ACCOMMODATE DINING IN YOUR OUTDOOR ROOM

Even if it’s just a small table with a couple of chairs tucked into a corner, adding a spot for outdoor dining is a perfect way to create an instant invitation to enjoy an outdoor space. Having a spot for dining is like an unspoken invitation to stay a while.

ADD POTTED PLANTS

Plants add life to any space! Think about placing them along the perimeter of the area to help define the outdoor room feel.

No worries if you don’t want to have to remember to water! Using faux plants to add life works just as well.

LAYERING IS IMPORTANT IN AN OUTDOOR SPACE

That’s right – layering your decor is just as crucial to creating an inviting outdoor space as it to creating an inviting indoor space. So, layer those doormats, layer that wall decor and layer those pillows!

CREATE SPECIAL “MOMENTS”

Use accessories to create moments in your outdoor area. They add interest, texture and act as the jewelry to the room you’re creating. Just make sure that whatever you use is outdoor friendly.

DEFINE THE SPACE AND CREATE A FEELING OF PRIVACY

If you have a wide open area, such as a patio, consider adding a low wall to create a sense of being in a room.

patio with dining table overlooking yard

Outdoor spaces are naturally wide open, but try to think of ways you can create privacy without blocking the view. I painted an inexpensive garden trellis and hung in from one of the openings on my screen porch to help give a confined feeling to the area.

You can also use outdoor planters to create the illusion of a wall. If diy projects aren’t your thing, these self-watering outdoor planters are awesome! They’re on wheels (which you can lock in place), so they can easily be moved around.

These are available in three colors – white, charcoal and green and can be ordered HERE.

Loads of tip for how to create an inviting outdoor space. These self-watering outdoor planters are awesome! They're on wheels (which you can lock in place), so they can easily be moved around. Available in three colors - white, charcoal and green. With free shipping and a $30 savings when you order more than one planter, they're a great bang for your buck.

Or, you can always choose to build a wall where nothing currently exists. The addition of the trellis behind these seats helps to “enclose” an otherwise very open patio. You don’t have to have a roof and the design is limited only by your creativity.

The addition of drapery panels is another great way to define your room and create intimacy. No need to spend a lot of money on outdoor fabric either. Use canvas painter’s drop clothes for no-sew curtains (the edges are already hemmed!) along with galvanized plumbing parts (pipe lengths and fittings) for a very affordable option. All of the supplies can be found at your local big box home improvement store.

Click HERE to see exactly how I used plumbing parts to make the window treatment hardware for my family room. And click HERE to see my step-by-step tutorial for making your own glass fishing floats.

Traditional Home

How about you – do you have a favorite tip for making an outdoor space feel like a room?

Comments

Angelina @ Peonies & Orange Blossoms says
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Great ideas! I really like those trellis on rollers! You could plant a citrus tree on them and wheel them in the Winter!
- Suzy says
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  That’s a great idea, Angelina!
Lori says
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I really enjoyed seeing all these gorgeous outdoor spaces and the ideas you’ve shown for enhancing our backyard areas. You’ve got me excited to start putting what I call our “cabana area” together again and perhaps creating a new look for it. The addition of outdoor lighting last year has made it one of my favourite places to be on a summer evening. Thanks for rounding up all these wonderful pics to share with us.
- Suzy says
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  Hi Lori. The images that I ran across while putting this post together had me drooling too! I would love to add some outdoor lighting to our porch. Definitely on my list of things to do!
Design Chic says
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I am planting my patio this weekend! Nothing makes me more excited that fresh plants and flowers! Love the Southern Living image!
- Suzy says
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  That Southern Living porch is one of my favorites too! I drool over it! Have fun playing on your patio!
Donnamae says
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I love all of those patios/outdoor rooms…lots of great ideas! We have a large deck. My main requirements, are comfy chairs, a place to put up my feet, and a place to set a drink…and flowers, greenery! We are still several weeks away from setting things up…our weather is playing games with us! 😉
- Suzy says
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  Hi Donnamae. Boy, I totally get the weather game – warm then chilly, sunny then rain, calm then windy. Hopefully things have settled here a bit. Fingers crossed! Now if the pollen would just stop….
Nancie says
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Wow, Suzy, this post couldn’t have come at a better time. I just ordered echo beach outdoor furniture from Pier1. I’m still looking for a rug, a garden stool and some pillows. Thank you for sharing all those outdoor spaces and all your great ideas I’m really excited to put things together now!
- Suzy says
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  Hi Nancie. New outdoor furniture? How exciting! Having fun pulling your space together!
Linda says
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Nice inspiration!
Vero says
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Thanks for sharing Suzy! I love the drapes curtain, they make the space look do cosy 🙂
Dian says
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Hi, do you give instructions for making the four piece hanging divider that is featured? Thanks!
- Suzy says
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  Hi Dian. Can you tell me which one of the images that you’re referring to?
Kate Winsle says
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Very informative and helpful post thanks…
Brenda Radliff says
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Beautiful porches!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Lauren says
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Many great ideas and inspiration since it’s time for me to re-do my “sanctuary”!!!!!!!
Pat F. says
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I just love your blog…Your ideas have been so helpful…Thank you for providing such wonderful outdoor ideas…
Doreen says
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This advice is just what I need! We are in a condo now with a small patio. I’m struggling with ideas to make it inviting. Thanks to you, I’m able to envision it much better. Any additional hints for a nautical theme? Thanks for your talents you share.
Doreen
- Suzy says
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  Hi Doreen. I’m so glad you found this helpful! Everyone’s taste is different, but if I were doing a nautical theme, my tendency would be to do it with color more than with too many cutesy accessories. I would choose a main color scheme of dark’ish blue and white. As far a pattern goes, anything with stripes is great for a nautical theme. Other items that would remind me of a nautical theme are teak or wood furniture, blue cushions or pillows with white piping, using rope somewhere, using rope cleats for hooks, hanging an oar on a wall. I would definitely go to Pinterest and search “nautical decor”. You’ll get tons of ideas there. 😀