Create an outdoor living room

Possibly the most important feature when creating your outdoor oasis, your choice of outdoor furniture will set the tone and ambience of your space. This outdoor living room is an extension of the indoor living space so it is important to get the layout right and to create a continuous and smooth indoor outdoor flow. And like most spaces, it’s best to begin styling with the largest items – your furniture – before introducing decorative pieces. If you are lucky enough to have a gorgeous view from your backyard, position your furniture to face in the direction of the view, after all it is the highlight of any outdoor space. Do keep in mind not to have your outdoor furniture blocking your view from inside your home so as to create one continuous flow.

Cleverly made furniture doubles as storage so you can store some outdoor essentials saving your trips back and forth to your indoor living room. An outdoor kitchen is a masterstroke for the backyard. Think of all the family barbecues, the birthday gatherings and poolside parties you can enjoy by setting up a simple outdoor kitchen to take care of your cooking needs. When you’re outdoors with family and guests, the last thing you want is to be going back and forth for the little things. Having an outdoor kitchen set up complete with the barbecue, grill, sink and shelving, just to name a few, is a life saver! Shelving doubles up as storage for outdoor cutlery, utensils and so much more.

If space is a premium, fret not. Invest in smart furniture that will double up as storage. Ottomans for outdoors are a great way to stash away items that are not often used. Use them to store blankets, outdoor utensils and other items handy for the deck.

A beautiful outdoor space is a reflection of harmonious marriage between man-made elements and nature. We’re talking about landscape architecture. No outdoor setting is complete without some sort of landscape design. A simple lawn is easy to maintain but adding elements that beautify your garden’s design while complementing your outdoor living area will further enhance your outdoor space.

While many of us may not have the luxury of living next to a natural waterfall, it doesn’t mean we can’t recreate the features of a tropical oasis. Invest in an outdoor water fountain. Let your mind drift to the relaxing sounds of the trickling water fountain. It adds a level of serenity and calm to your outdoor living area. And with so many options available on the market today, from stone to resin, a solar powered water fountain is power efficient as it is beautiful.

Outdoor pot plants are a quick way to add greenery to your patio. If space is limited and a full size garden isn’t an option, potted plants are a simple but effective way to add lush greenery to your relaxation corner.

As with indoor living rooms, your outdoor space will benefit from the addition of a well crafted outdoor rug. They not only enhance your outdoors but they help to define the space, creating a sense of a zone, if you will, tying your look together cohesively. Placing your rug under your dining area or coffee table cleverly draws your eye to the focal point for a visual feast.

String lights are a simple and effective way to add warm subtle nuances to your deck. Visually striking against wooden furniture, they are an affordable way to add a festive mood to any deck or patio. Perfect to light up any backyard party, string lights, or other light fixtures are great additions to any outdoor space. They create a welcoming atmosphere that is warm and inviting.

Add bursts of colour to your outdoor living room with cushions and throws. Have fun with your cushion styling and select bold prints or striking colours. Take a walk on the wild side and mix it up a little with an assortment of cushions of different shapes and sizes. With so many options available, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Create a theme or purchase numerous colours and set designs to rotate them all year round.