Q: I’m planning to totally redo our patio because we spend so much time outdoors. I want it to be as comfortable and durable as possible. What can I do to create a natural flow between outside and inside?
A: I love the way you express the movement between outside and inside as “flow,” because, in our climate, our lives truly flow from inside to outside. Being able to be outdoors almost every day of the year, we are constantly moving between the two.
There is a great benefit to balance the style of the furniture in your home with the look of your garden environment. As you look out your windows and doors, your home can appear larger as you view the extended space. This type of continuity moves your eye from place to place, creating flow.
When purchasing outdoor furniture, you need to plan just as you would if you were furnishing an interior room. Think of it as building another home where you have the opportunity to create several specific living areas – places to eat, lounge, play, or just talk. You can be by yourself in a cozy area or create a larger space for entertaining. The best way to accomplish this, is with several furniture groupings.
If the areas are on the same level, adding individual umbrellas can help define each area and also provide shade. Put all your umbrellas on stands so you can move them around as needed. To add interest, you can select different furniture, colors or patterns for each area. Use only Sunbrella fabrics which are UV resistant and come in a huge selection of wonderful colors, textures and patterns. If you already have furniture you can add slipcovers for a change.
Four years ago, when redecorating a room in my own home, I had a leather sofa with ottomans that I no longer needed. I put them outside under the overhang area, and created a cozy grouping with my existing patio chairs. Next, I added an étagère, where I put a TV, a lamp for ambience and rolled up towels in coordinating colors as accent.
Because the overhang is extensive, the area never gets wet and is protected from the sun. It has held up beautifully and looks so inviting. A wonderful splurge for your covered patio is a misting system to keep you cooler and refreshed when sitting outside in the hot weather.
Several chairs are grouped in another area to create conversation around a fire pit. On a raised area by the pool, I placed lounge chairs for sunning. To give it a hint of privacy, potted plants surround the area. The dining table and chairs are closer to the house for convenience to the kitchen.
Because outdoor furniture comes in such a large variety of styles, materials, finishes and fabrics, consider these four elements and match, blend or contrast with the design and colors you have chosen inside your home. Always, keep in mind there is a relationship between your outer and inner spaces. You see them together!
The trick to keeping your outdoor furniture looking good for many years is to keep it vacuumed and as dust free as possible. Dirt can discolor fabrics and finishes more quickly than the sun.
Place plants strategically in or along your sitting areas for beauty and sun protection. Plants give life to an environment. And don’t forget to use accent lighting for evening pleasure.
Think of your outside living area as your second home and create it for your personal life’s style.
Remember, outside rooms (also) have no feelings, you do!