Get the Fabulous Outdoor Room You've Always Wanted
From floor rugs and paint to hanging art and screens, here's how to create a comfy and tranquil outdoor room you'll want to live in
It’s spring! Long days, sunshine, birds, barbecues, flowers! For the next six months or so, it’s outside time. Which means, of course, you should have an outdoor room, a place where you can do all the things you do in winter – entertain, read, eat, relax – but with the big blue sky within arm’s reach.
We’re not talking a giant pavilion with a built-in fireplace. Although, if you can make that happen, please do. We’re talking a snug and stylish corner with the comforts of home.
Depending on where you live, you will have different considerations. Some will have to think about rain; others will need a source of shade or cooling. Some will have to take the bugs into account; others, the neighbours. Where I live on the Northern California coast, our outdoor rooms include heaters for summer.
But whatever the specifics, every room should include a few basics.
1. Comfy furniture: no-one wants to perch on a hard wooden chair all afternoon.
2. Rugs: they delineate the space and feel good underfoot.
3. Decoration: art, potted plants, sculpture, lanterns. This is a room, so decorate it.
I also advocate hammocks, grills, tables, throw blankets, candles and a source of music, but these are optional. Here are a few inspirations to get you going.
We’re not talking a giant pavilion with a built-in fireplace. Although, if you can make that happen, please do. We’re talking a snug and stylish corner with the comforts of home.
Depending on where you live, you will have different considerations. Some will have to think about rain; others will need a source of shade or cooling. Some will have to take the bugs into account; others, the neighbours. Where I live on the Northern California coast, our outdoor rooms include heaters for summer.
But whatever the specifics, every room should include a few basics.
1. Comfy furniture: no-one wants to perch on a hard wooden chair all afternoon.
2. Rugs: they delineate the space and feel good underfoot.
3. Decoration: art, potted plants, sculpture, lanterns. This is a room, so decorate it.
I also advocate hammocks, grills, tables, throw blankets, candles and a source of music, but these are optional. Here are a few inspirations to get you going.
Cosy in a corner. Adding comfy furniture, a rug and the details has transformed this rather plain corner into a killer outdoor living room.
This corner room benefits from built-in benches and a simple wooden screen roof.
These hanging lanterns look festive and help create a sense of a room in this mostly open area.
Decorate your way. The sunburst mirror on the brick wall makes this outdoor dining area feel like a real room.
Painted walls. A little wedge of patio becomes an outdoor room when the wall is painted and the space is given the same consideration you’d give an indoor room.
Making walls. If you don’t have an enclosed space, create one with a screen, a curtain or a row of plants.
This outdoor getaway is separated and enclosed by an inexpensive bamboo screen.
Real furniture. As long as you don’t live in a place with severe weather, go ahead and use indoor furniture outside. A coat of exterior paint can give a thrift store coffee table new life and new strength. I believe bright dollops of turquoise are always a good idea.
Rugging up. Imagine this outdoor dining room without the rug. It would be just another picnic table.
Verandah takeover. A verandah can be more than a place for a rocker or two; with the right ingredients (rug, sofa, curtains), it can become a room.
Here are some bonus tips.
Here are some bonus tips.
- Look for outdoor furniture that is stylish, comfortable and indestructible – hammocks are a great idea.
- If you live in a colder climate, install outdoor heating so you can enjoy your space all year round; everyone loves a fire pit. Also, think about safe outdoor lighting – solar lights and LED candles.
- If there are any eyesores in your space, give them a coat of paint or cover them up with hanging plants.