Ideas for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
It’s officially summer and the warm weather is in full swing. Because we’re spending more time at home, the thought of having a staycation has me rethinking our outdoor spaces, and perhaps you too? So I thought it would be nice to share some ideas that will help make your outdoor space feel more inviting, luxurious and relaxing, with a few styling tips along the way!
FURNITURE
I really love keeping the furniture neutral to allow the surrounding greenery and accents to shine. I lean toward classic minimal lines with the largest furniture pieces and have fun experimenting with shape and pattern in my pottery and decor.
OUTDOOR SECTIONAL
We have a sectional just outside our master bedroom door and love it for enjoying our morning coffee and latest books. For something even more minimal and modern, see this sectional.
ROUND DINING TABLE
This feels like an elevated version of a classic patio table. I love the substantial crossing legs and the light neutral wood. Round tables allow for easy conversation and card playing!
CONCRETE COFFEE TABLE
You can’t get more minimal than this! It makes such a simple yet impactful statement, and by combining it with more organic shapes and natural textures in your landscape, you’ll achieve a beautifully balanced space.
BLACK STACKING CHAIR
If you’ve been to a Parisian park, you may recognize the shape of this chair, inspired by the classic green garden chairs you’ll see across the city. I really like this modern matte black color - and that they’re stackable!
UNIQUE ACCENTS
I have a confession to make: I’m not a fan of outdoor rugs or pillows! I just find that even if they’re made for outdoor use, they still get so dirty in a short period of time, especially if exposed to the elements, and the sunshine fades colors so quickly. So instead of textile accents, I wanted to show you other ways to add in layering pieces to your outdoor space.
TERRACOTTA PLANTER
You can’t spend quality time outdoors without plants, they bring the space to life! Here in southern California, succulents are very easy to care for year round, and shallow, wide pots like this one are perfect, but it would be just as pretty filled with herbs or flowering plants.
LARGE SCULPTURE VASE
When it comes to the outdoors, there’s a great opportunity to go BIG with your vases and arrangements, since the sky is literally the limit! I love the natural texture on this vase, combined with the simple shape. This ancient Greek inspired vase is also beautiful.
DRUM TABLES
Not quite side table, not quite coffee table, this coordinating pair live somewhere in between, which makes them really versatile, since they can be moved around and re-configured depending on your space and needs. And from a stylist’s perspective, the varying height of these tables are a win/win!
CANDLESTICKS
Candles provide a cozy atmosphere for alfresco dinners. They’re warm, flickering glow will make any space feel a little magical. This set is so convenient because it comes in an assorted set of four. For a long table, I would get two or three sets and arrange them long the center.
TEAKWOOD STOOL
Stools are great to have around because they provide extra seating in a pinch, or they can act as plant stands or a small table to display a vase of flowers. As a stylist, I also love stools because they can add in an extra element to make your space feel more layered and pulled together.
DINING ACCESSORIES
There are so many basic options out there when it comes to outdoor dining accessories (most of them being plastic), so instead, I wanted to share a few pieces that have a more elevated design element to them. Paying attention to the quality, style, and detail of the little things will go a long way in making your guests feel pampered.
HAND BLOWN GLASSWARE
I love my collection of hand blown Moroccan glasses, I have them in multiple shapes and sizes. I use this set of six in heavy rotation for all types of drinks and guests always love them!
STRIPED LINEN NAPKINS
Linen napkins are a staple at our house. I have so many in various neutral shades. I really like the pencil stripe on these, and for a solid color, these soft terracotta napkins.
MATTE BLACK FLATWARE
These are perfect for a pop of contrast to any table setting. They feel so modern and effortlessly cool!
HANDCRAFTED WOODEN BOWLS
I’ve loved Farmhouse Pottery for years. These beautiful bowls come in so many sizes and finishes; The color shown here is gray, but I also love the beechwood bowls. I consider these heirloom pieces to keep and use for years.
RIDGED BLACK BOARD
These serving boards are so unique - their bold, graphic design and ridged surface provides an interesting and dramatic backdrop to appetizers, fruit, or charcuterie.
FORGED STEEL SERVERS
These substantial and textured steel servers will look amazing next to wood or ceramic - mixing up materials keeps things visually interesting. And big salads are always a hit during the warm summer months, why not serve them in style!
Also on my radar: this brass serving spoon, and these leather handle servers, although they’re not available right now!
OVAL RATTAN TRAY
Trays are an absolute necessity when serving a meal outdoors. They’re handy for carrying dishes to the table, but also great for storing bread, napkins, plates, and flatware. The oval shape of this one is nice, especially if your furniture has a lot of straight rectangular lines - it provides some contrast in shape.
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