Outdoor living ideas

Our outdoor spaces have become even more valuable to us over the last couple of years and with the sunshine finally here, we look to outdoor living room ideas to ensure we make the most of it.

No matter size of garden, patio or outdoor space you have, you want it to feel like an extension of your home and still have that comfortable, relaxing vibe to it. Start with seating and thinking about how you’re going to be using your space. If you’re big on entertaining, a dining set could be a good choice, or perhaps a large built-in banquette. If you’re more of a solo sun worshipper, then maybe a day bed or sun lounger will suit your space better. Whatever you choose, be sure to adopt similar planning and researching time as you would to your living spaces inside. Hopefully, this will be the area of your home you will use the most this summer. So here is some useful tips.

Layer up seating with soft furnishings

Just like you would in your living room, layer up your benches and armchairs will plenty of cushions for the ultimate spot for sundowners. A natural palette of neutrals and terracotta touches will work in almost any outdoor space, and will have a soothing, calming affect. Floor cushions are great for impromptu visiting friends and will add to the relaxed vibe.

Open up the space with a mirror

Mirrors are a great addition to any size \ garden, with the power to totally transform the space. Not only does it open up the space to make it seem bigger, it will reflect areas of garden that you might not be able to see from your seating spot, so allows you to enjoy more of it. Just like you would in your indoor living room, hang a mirror at a central point above your seating, or in the middle of a slim space.

If your outdoor space is lacking on colourful plants and flowers, a great way to introduce more, is with an outdoor rug. While a heavier blanket will work better on a lawn or grassed area, a rug is the perfect addition to a patio or decked space. Outdoor rugs are made with different fibres to their indoor counterparts, so they should with stand most weathers through-out the summer, but will need to be rolled up and stored over winter.

Utilise a parasol to keep things cosy

While a parasol will be great for blocking out direct sunlight during the day, it will also help to keep things cosy and intimate come the evening. It acts as a little ‘roof’ to your outdoor living space, keeping in the warmth of candles or patio heaters and will also act as protection should an evening shower hit. It’s one of the most simple but effective outdoor living room ideas.