Jeff’s Top Tips for Outdoor Spaces

Written by

published Mar 14, 2012

One of the more overlooked areas of my clients homes is their outdoor space. If you’re able to create outdoor living spaces (weather permitting) you can virtually add square footage and additional rooms to your home. Add an outdoor room, and watch your living space grow before your very eyes. Who doesn’t like that trick? It’s like adding a 2nd family room or dining room to your home. Here are a few ways to create the perfect outdoor design.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Shade: If you have the budget, add a pergola or awning and outdoor drapes to an existing patio to bring it more of a cabana feel

Pillows: Common outdoor furniture can look boring without the proper accessories. Use throw pillows with outdoor fabrics to add color, texture and pattern to your spaces. Make it look more like the interior by picking up your home’s existing color palette, or create a new one.

Pots & Planters: Yes, you’re outdoors already, but lush plants in large oversized pots add life and depth to your outdoor living room.

Bowls, Plates, and Vases: Decorative accessories aren’t just for inside the home. There are lots of options from your favorite stores that will weather well. Throw in a few potted succulents and you have great centerpieces for outdoor dining.

Lighting: Don’t forget about lighting! The worst-case scenario for any evening barbecue is being blinded by outdoor flood lights. Enjoy drinks well into the night with dim mood lighting by using candles or gas lanterns at the center of your tables. The best part is, with the right lighting, you’ll look 10 years younger with each passing hour!

Shatter-proof glasses: If you have dogs, kids, or just friends that drink too much, you’re probably worried about shattering glasses. I always recommend using plastic stemware to take the stress out of outdoor entertaining.

Check back in later today and tune in to Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis tonight — and every Wednesday — at 9/8c on Bravo. To learn more about the show, visit our website.

Follow Jeff on Facebook or Twitter.
Follow Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis on Facebook.

Images: 1 & 2 Jeff Lewis Design; 3 Apartment Therapy; 4 Southern Living; 5 House Beautiful.