Outdoor Living Space Ideas

From fabric options to furniture selection, there’s a lot to consider when styling your outdoor living space. As an extension of your home, outdoor spaces are ideal for entertaining and relaxing. Designers Jesse Bodine of Bodine White, Sandra Cavallo of Old Silver Shed and Jenny and Kate of Taylor Hills Interiors share their best design tips for transforming your patio or porch into the perfect outdoor oasis.

1. Explore different materials for ways to express your style.
Including a diverse array of rich and unique materials creates a luxuriously layered space. With so many options out there for materials to incorporate into your outdoor design, we’ve included a few to help you get started.

Performance Fabric: The ultimate revolution in livable luxury, performance upholstery effortlessly combines beauty and function for elevated outdoor space. These fabrics are designed to resist fading, mildew and moisture while offering a sleek and modern texture for an elevated touch.
Wooden: Wood is an essential material for outdoor furniture. The best woods for outdoor use include teak, cane and eucalyptus for their immense ability to resist water damage. Incorporating your favorite wood pieces works beautifully with every style and provides a natural, organic feel to any outdoor space. Whatever wooden outdoor furniture you choose, Cavallo says the key to making your outdoor area feel inviting and comfortable is by adding the right cushions, textiles and pillows to complement the surrounding natural elements.
Wicker: Often made from synthetic materials that are resistant to UV rays, moisture and temperature changes, wicker is highly durable and long-lasting. “I like wicker under traditionally covered porches,” says Cavallo. “ I love concrete for a modern simple look, and metal works in areas where there’s not a lot of other visual clutter.” Wicker furniture also can give a more casual and coastal feel through its added texture, which can help create a relaxed and inviting outdoor atmosphere.
Mix and Match: “We like to mix and match to bring warmth, texture and personal style to an outdoor furniture set,” note Jenny and Kate. The mix-and-match method is a wonderful way to add layered interest and personality to your outdoor area. This approach invites the eye to explore your outdoor design and take note of each unique texture it has to offer.

2. Style your outdoor space as you would an interior space or room in your home.
We really love the versatility we are seeing in this arena. Whichever outdoor furniture style you land on, the idea is to arrange your outdoor pieces as you would an interior space in your home. Bodine says she’s continuing to see this approach to outdoor living on the rise. “Recent styles are looking less like what we have come to expect in outdoor furniture—the frames and styles are more reminiscent of statement pieces that traditionally have been indoors,” she explains.

Modern outdoor sofas are the perfect piece to blend indoor and outdoor styles. Their sleek and minimalistic design adds a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space, making them an always-stylish choice. Whether relaxing by the pool or hosting outdoor dinner parties, the right modern outdoor sofa can elevate any space for an updated feel that lasts through the seasons.

3. Layer up with rugs, pillows and accessories.
Layering outdoor rugs, pillows, and accessories add a ton of interest and depth as well as extra coziness. “Finishing touches, such as an outdoor rug, throw pillows and lighting, can go a long way to bringing the vision together and making the space feel complete!” Jenny and Kate say.