OUTDOORS MADE GREAT
Put together a patio plan that’s perfect for socializing while reflecting your personality
Q I just moved into the most charming house. The living area, though filled with character, is rather small; smaller than the outdoor entertaining area in fact. Having moved from a home with no outdoor space, I am excited to entertain my friends this summer. Do you have any ideas that can help me pull this together quickly so that I don’t feel as if this summer has passed me by?
A Fear not. You can have your outdoor area pulled together in a jiffy if you hit the street with a plan. Even better, head out with your plan plus an open mind, taking advantage of the summer sales going on now. As you don’t have a lot of indoor entertaining area, it’s important to maximize your outdoor space by creating another room for you to enjoy.
I chose an inspiration photo from Atlanta designer Janice Dietz (consultinghouseinc.com), because, not only is this room inviting and conducive to entertaining, there are some decor ideas used here that will help pull a look together for your own patio.
Start with an outdoor rug. It will immediately help to define the space as a room. There are amazing ones on the market right now in all styles and patterns, and you won’t be able to discern them from an interior rug.
Maximize your seating outdoors, making up for what you don’t have indoors. The room pictured comprises a swing-style daybed, a sofa and two chairs. Though this may be more than you can accommodate, look at your space to figure out what seating components you need.
If you’re a gourmet at the barbecue and sit-down dinner parties are a priority, you may want to carve out space for an actual dining table and chairs. Otherwise, putting out appetizers and tapas on a large coffee table may work equally as well.
Notice how the tie-back sheer panels in the photograph soften the look of the space, giving it the appearance of an actual room. Think creatively when you look at your space; hanging outdoor sheer or drapery panels on an exterior wall may be the answer.
You want to maximize the amount of time you can use this outdoor room, so if there’s an area to hang an overhead fan then take advantage of it — and even if there isn’t, Dyson makes a well-designed floor model that you’ll be happy to tuck into a corner. And with the addition of an outdoor heater, you’ll be able to extend the season to include those cool fall nights.
Every outdoor space needs greenery, and because this terrace is blessed with a bounty of it beyond the rails, it isn’t necessary for Dietz to allocate space to planters. If you aren’t as lucky, I recommend using a couple of large plants as a focal point.
Just like inside, without accessories and decorative pillows, an outdoor space will never feel finished. Choose fabrics and finishes that are intended for outdoor use, creating an environment that reflects your personality.
It’s easy to buy a set of outdoor furniture, planters and a barbecue and call it a day, but this space should be a reflection and continuation of your overall decor style and not the creation of the marketing department of a big box retailer. Infuse your own personality into it and start entertaining your friends.