Outdoor Living. Sip. Relax. Repeat

Up on the blog this week, it's all about your outdoor space.  Whether you have a small yard here in Philadelphia, a large yard on the Mainline or maybe even just a tiny balcony, now is the perfect time to create a space that you will want to kick back in and enjoy a cocktail and good company while keeping your distance.  So, I've compiled a few ideas for you here to get started!

Find rest and respite in nature's shade.

A floor is an essential feature of any room and I argue that there should be one in your outdoor space. It will help to delineate your outdoor living space and create more of a sanctuary.  When it comes to the floor, it should feel solid, level, and secure underfoot.  For an outdoor room, natural materials—such as gravel or stone pavers—will blend easily with features in the surrounding landscape.  I also love the idea of cast-in-place concrete rectangles separated by small strips of turf grass.  

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Floor tiles are also a great option, since they can withstand fluctuations in temperature and are easy to clean and can add some interest and perhaps even a pop of color.  These black and white tiles add nice contrast to this space and warm it up.

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For all of my city of Philadelphia dwellers:  You can upgrade your balcony or deck in an instant and also section off an area for lounging and for dining with these outdoor tiles from IKEA. It’s easy to install and clicks together. Choose one color or mix and match.

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Create a little Privacy

Privacy (even if you love your neighbors) helps make a space feel more relaxing and like a vacation getaway.  Those of you living in tight quarters can keep nosy neighbors from snooping with a simple DIY project or two. A plant privacy wall is pretty and functional. Whether you're looking to block out the neighbors, hide an unattractive view or carve out some dedicated space in your backyard.

The beautiful wood of this privacy wall adds warmth while the plants and design give it all the vacation vibes.

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Don't be afraid to add stylish accents and traditional indoor furnishings to your outdoor room. Carpets, throw pillows for furniture, and other interior design touches will create a welcoming feel. Just make sure they're rated for outdoor use if they'll be exposed to the elements.

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Feel the breeze and the sun on your shoulders.

Not blessed with a lush, tree-lined outdoor space? Just fabricate shade! A boat sail serves as a perfect protector from beating summer sun.  Shade sails have become all the rage and are listed among the most essential interior design decor. They are not merely used to safeguard the property from sun and rain, but also to add character to a home. 

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Pour yourself a happy hour special.

Simple and pretty bar cart moment. So functional and versatile!  The bar cart is perfect for your patio or deck, near your grill or even near your patio dining table. But don't feel limited to designating this piece as a beverage bar.  You can use it for many outdoor functions!  I quite fancy it as a happy hour station!

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Settle in as the sun begins to set.

Music is a must have.  An outdoor space is incomplete without a killer playlist.  For a fun, portable player, take a look at the Wonderboom.  Shaped as if someone squished a soda can down, the stubby speaker feels both light and sturdy. It’s small enough to palm and built to withstand the occasional drop. Moreover, it’s also rated for protection against dust and water. It even floats.  Another feature that enhances the experience is the ability to pair two speakers together for true stereo.

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Set up an outdoor movie theater.

A fresh batch of salty, buttery popcorn rests in your lap.... in the privacy of your own back yard.  Wouldn't you just love that?  The Intel NUC is a powerful mini PC that is only 4 inches square and is capable of just about anything—entertainment, gaming, a portable hard drive and even the home of thousands of movies.  It is totally plug-and-play and could not be easier to set up. It comes ready to go with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and a Windows operating system, which means anything you want to do on a PC you can do here. It can be plugged into a TV, a monitor or even a projector which allows it to go virtually anywhere.

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Gather around the fire.

There is no doubt about it, fire adds ambiance and encourages impromptu s'more roasts. Plus, the smoke will keep bugs away.  A fire pit is a fantastic addition to the backyard entertaining setting, not just for its aesthetic qualities but for heating up those cold, winter evenings. If you select a fire pit that utilizes wood, you get more of a campfire texture, complete with crackling sounds and sparks flying upward into the atmosphere.  Check with your local ordinances though.  This may not be allowed in certain towns!

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Light It Up

Set the outdoor interior design mood with a glowing chandelier made out of string lights, ribbons and hula hoops. Create ambiance with solar path lights that gather energy by day and throw light from your container plants at night. With no cumbersome wiring, your solar path lights can be staked directly in plant containers to show off blooms at night and add soft lighting to your sitting area. No electricity needed.

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Be creative, let your imagination take the lead here.  I hope that you enjoyed this post and it encourages you to get your backyard oasis set up.  And hey, let's get social.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and connect on LinkedIn! Each day I will post follow up thoughts from the latest blog post to give you more inspiration.  AND, please leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought of this post!

In addition to being a Philadelphia residential Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, multi family development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!