A Room Without Walls

Spring is the perfect time to begin enjoying your outdoor spaces again. How does yours look right now? It doesn’t matter whether it’s a backyard, terrace, or even a balcony: if it’s empty, then you’re truly not maximizing your living space!  

With some simple tips, you can create a “room without walls” by following the same principles of design that you use for your indoor spaces.       

First, determine the function of the area. Do you want a place to sit and relax? A place to eat? Maybe a combination of both. Once you determine your needs, then find outdoor furniture for that very purpose.  There is a wide array of furniture styles and selections—from imitation wicker, to wrought iron and wood.  They all look great! 

The concept is to create the look of a living room outside, so purchase a set that includes a sofa, couple of chairs, coffee table, even a lounger. Choose fabrics that are weather resistant, too. If you don’t have the space for too many pieces, a bench or a small bistro table will look just as nice. To complete the picture, I love using outdoor area rugs for a cozier setting and to help ground the seating arrangement.     

Plants are a must, too, so even if you don’t have a green thumb, use palms and trees to add a touch of green to your patio. They help soften the look of the hardscape, such as concrete and tile floors. Choose pots and containers with lots of color to brighten the space, and group them in clusters for more impact. 

The finishing touches include a patio umbrella (not only for shade, but to reflect a resort-like feel), candles placed inside hurricane sconces (so the wind doesn’t blow the flame out), and if possible, a water feature such as a table or wall fountain. Nothing beats the relaxing sound of trickling water!   

All these elements combined will help you create the perfect outdoor oasis to enjoy all season long.