Now that the spring and summer months have arrived, I’ve joined the bajillion people who are sprucing up their outdoor space. I used these clever ideas to make my deck and porch feel like an inviting space to spend time in instead of just a place for putting potted plants.
In the past (meaning pre-blogging days), when warm weather arrived, 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 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 and need your space to function. That will dictate what type and the amount of furniture that you’ll need. Do you have room for lots of seating? A place for a dining table and chairs? 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. Adding an area rug or two can help define the spaces even more.
If you truly want the look of a room, that just happens to be located outdoors, use furnishings that look 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.
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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. Available in three colors – white, charcoal and green. With free shipping and a 33% savings, they’re a great bang for your buck. They can be ordered HERE.
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.
Group different size and height planters together to define the different “rooms” and to help direct the traffic flow through a large, open area.
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 real one there are tons of options available today for realistic faux fireplaces. I’m thinking of adding one to my own porch for the cooler months. Arrange your furniture pieces close together to make a cozy conversation area.
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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.
Don’t overlook pavers! They can make a great “rug” if your outdoor room is actually out 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, plus the birds love them too. The selection of portable outdoor fountains is huge today.
Soften up the hard edges by making sure there are lots of cushions and pillows around the space.
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?
Angelina @ Peonies & Orange Blossoms says
April 13, 2016 at 9:11 PMGreat ideas! I really like those trellis on rollers! You could plant a citrus tree on them and wheel them in the Winter!
Suzy says
April 13, 2016 at 9:37 PMThat’s a great idea, Angelina!
Lori says
April 14, 2016 at 12:48 AMI 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
April 14, 2016 at 7:26 AMHi 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
April 14, 2016 at 8:09 AMI am planting my patio this weekend! Nothing makes me more excited that fresh plants and flowers! Love the Southern Living image!
Suzy says
April 20, 2016 at 7:38 AMThat Southern Living porch is one of my favorites too! I drool over it! Have fun playing on your patio!
Donnamae says
April 14, 2016 at 9:15 AMI 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
April 20, 2016 at 7:40 AMHi 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
April 14, 2016 at 10:53 PMWow, 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
April 20, 2016 at 7:41 AMHi Nancie. New outdoor furniture? How exciting! Having fun pulling your space together!
Linda says
April 20, 2016 at 8:11 AMNice inspiration!
Vero says
June 14, 2016 at 5:41 AMThanks for sharing Suzy! I love the drapes curtain, they make the space look do cosy 🙂
Dian says
June 19, 2016 at 9:53 PMHi, do you give instructions for making the four piece hanging divider that is featured? Thanks!
Suzy says
June 22, 2016 at 7:41 PMHi Dian. Can you tell me which one of the images that you’re referring to?
Kate Winsle says
October 21, 2016 at 6:26 AMVery informative and helpful post thanks…
Brenda Radliff says
November 11, 2016 at 11:34 AMBeautiful porches!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Lauren says
March 6, 2017 at 6:23 AMMany great ideas and inspiration since it’s time for me to re-do my “sanctuary”!!!!!!!
Pat F. says
May 1, 2017 at 10:19 AMI just love your blog…Your ideas have been so helpful…Thank you for providing such wonderful outdoor ideas…