Now that Spring has arrived and Summer is right around the corner, I’ve joined the bajillion people who are sprucing up their outdoor space. In the past (meaning pre-blogging days), I just filled a few pots with flowers, tidied things up and called it done. These days, I try to put more effort in my outdoor spaces. Specifically, I want my deck and porch to feel more like a room instead of just a place for some potted flowers and a table with an umbrella.
While doing a little research, I put together a few pointers for creating an outdoor room that have helped me and I hope you will find helpful too.
(This post contains affiliate links. Click HERE to see my full disclosure.)
Furniture – The Basic Element
Determine how you want/need your space to function. That will dictate what type and the amount of furniture that you’ll need.
If you are fortunate enough to have an outdoor fireplace, I’m truly envious of you! By all means arrange your furniture to enjoy such a great focal point.
Do you want a multi-functional space? Whether your space is small or large, one level or two, grouping furniture together according to it’s function will enhance the feeling of having multiple outdoor rooms.
If you truly want the look of an outdoor room, use furnishings like what you would use indoors. Be sure to use outdoor fabrics and cushion inserts, outdoor lamps and outdoor paint to hold up to the weather.
Define The Space
Consider adding “walls” to your outdoor space to give the feel of an outdoor room, not just a wide open space.
Create instant walls with rolls of bamboo fencing. It’s very affordable and easy to install. Click HERE to order.
Original Source Unknown
Create the illusion of a wall with outdoor planters. If diy isn’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. 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.
You can always choose to build a wall where nothing currently exists. You don’t have to have a roof and the design is limited only by your creativity.
The addition of drapery panels is a great way to define your room and create intimacy. No need to spend a lot of money on outdoor fabric either. Canvas painter’s drop cloths are readily available at your local big box home improvement store and are very affordable.
Group different size and height planters together to define the different “rooms” and to help direct the traffic flow.
Make it Comfy and Inviting
Accessorize! Your outdoor space will feel much more inviting if you take the time to add accessories. Just make sure that they’re outdoor-ready.
An outdoor fireplace is wonderful, but if you don’t have one, arrange your furniture pieces close together to make conversation easy.
Add a rug (or two). Nothing says “this is a room” like an area rug. An area rug helps to ground and define a space. The design/style of the rug that you choose will go a long way toward pulling your outdoor room together.
Pavers make a great “rug” if your outdoor room is in the yard.
Whether you prefer a trickle or a gurgle, the sound of running water is so soothing and relaxing. I think it can even fool you into thinking it’s cooler when you’re near it. The selection of portable outdoor fountains is huge today.
Soften up the hard edges by making sure there are lots of cushions and pillows.
Create interest by mixing texture, styles and finishes of furnishings, fabrics and accessories.
How about you – do you have a favorite tip for making an outdoor space feel like a room?
Great ideas! I really like those trellis on rollers! You could plant a citrus tree on them and wheel them in the Winter!
That’s a great idea, Angelina!
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.
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!
I am planting my patio this weekend! Nothing makes me more excited that fresh plants and flowers! Love the Southern Living image!
That Southern Living porch is one of my favorites too! I drool over it! Have fun playing on your patio!
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! 😉
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….
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!
Hi Nancie. New outdoor furniture? How exciting! Having fun pulling your space together!
Nice inspiration!
Thanks for sharing Suzy! I love the drapes curtain, they make the space look do cosy 🙂
Hi, do you give instructions for making the four piece hanging divider that is featured? Thanks!
Hi Dian. Can you tell me which one of the images that you’re referring to?
Very informative and helpful post thanks…
Beautiful porches!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Many great ideas and inspiration since it’s time for me to re-do my “sanctuary”!!!!!!!
I just love your blog…Your ideas have been so helpful…Thank you for providing such wonderful outdoor ideas…