Spring is right around the corner. And, before we know it, summer will be in full swing. That means more time outside. Morning coffee on the patio; backyard BBQs; and long evenings under the stars. But before you step into the season of alfresco living, it’s about time you give your outdoor space a refresh. Get inspired by these ideas, perfect for preparing for spring and summer outdoors.
Multi-Functional Furniture Pieces
The best exterior is designed as thoughtfully as an interior. With that in mind, functionality comes at the forefront.
Lounging under the sun on cold days and cooling down in shade during summer days is idyllic. It’s even better when done with a daybed! So, enhance your outdoor experience by adding a daybed to your patio furniture. You can move it around with the seasons so you get the amount of sun or shade you want. The American Daybed Swing can let you lie down when you want to chill or have a seat when you have visitors over.
As summer rolls in, we’re all going to be loving nights outdoors roasting marshmallows over the fire. For that, how about a fire pit that also doubles as a coffee table? The Propane Fire Pit Coffee Table on Amazon is a good pick.
And, that’s not it! If you would like to customize your own sofa, consider a build-your-own sectional. The Catalina Outdoor Sectional from West Elm allows you to mix and match pieces, so you can create a tailored outdoor lounging setup.
If you’re looking for a designer take on your outdoor space, CRAFT By Anika’s decorating services can help you create a high-end exterior with furniture that matches your taste.
Nature-Inspired and Sustainable Choices
Nature-inspired choices can blend your outdoor living area with the nature surrounding it. A tree stump side table looks rustic and unique. Similarly, a farmhouse-style dining table made from salvaged wood adds character. Woodswan specializes in furniture made from rescued trees and stumps. Folks who are looking to go sustainable can land some amazing finds here.
Chic Outdoor Lounging
Lots of time spent outdoors means you’ll need quite some space for lounging. Oversized floor cushions can create a relaxed and bohemian vibe and also give you a spot to sink in. A sectional sofa is great for lounging, so you can relax comfortably on your own or with friends. We recommend sectionals because you can configure them in different ways to suit your varying needs. Also if you add a table in the center, you may be able to completely omit a separate dining table set.
When it comes to lounging, there are few outdoor furnishings as loved as an egg chair, whether swinging or stationary. They’re comfy and stylish and add a carefree air to your outdoor space. But keep in mind that egg chairs are usually suitable for larger areas. The Chousein Egg Chair on Wayfair has black hardware, which can add luxury to your space.
Safe and Eco-Friendly Bug Control
Sprays may be a quick fix when you’re trying to get rid of bugs. But that’s just a temporary solution. When the spray wears off, the bugs are back. And the spray can also be toxic to pets as well as humans. More safe approaches for bug control are:
- Thermacell Mosquito Repeller. This is a portable device that creates a bug-free zone using a heat-activated repellant. There are no open flames or chemical exposure.
- Pic Mosquito Repelling Coil. This is a budget-friendly option. It emits a strong-smelling smoke, but is less portable and more intrusive than Thermacell devices.
- Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights. These are a fun and decorative way to keep bugs at bay. All while enhancing your patio’s ambiance.
- Summit Mosquito Bits. These contain a bacteria called BTI that kills mosquito larvae, but without harming your pets or any wildlife around.
Also keep in mind, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty things that can collect water, like buckets and planters.
Landscape Lighting
Beautiful landscapes outdoors look stunning during the day. But when the night falls, the time you’ll be spending your evenings entertaining loved ones, do they look equally stunning? To make the most of your landscapes during the darker hours, accentuate it with the right lighting.
- Solar Pathway Lights. Garden Light LED offers some sleek options for pathway lights. These are powered by the sun, so you can be environmentally friendly in your lighting. Pathway lights can subtly guide the way for your visitors (which also reduces trip hazards).
- String Lights and Lanterns. Nothing says “cozy outdoor retreat” quite like string lights draped across a pergola. Lanterns placed across a patio give the same effect. You can find plenty of different styles for string lights at Brightech (and they’re also solar-powered!).
- Up-lighting for Architectural Features. If you have beautiful landscaping in your garden, bring all the attention to it with uplighting.
Final Words
Having a well-decorated exterior that’s great for daytime and nighttime entertaining (while keeping the bugs at bay) can elevate your summer experience outdoors. Let’s chat and see what possibilities your patio and garden have for the upcoming warmer seasons! 🤍
