Take Your Outdoor Gatherings to the Next Level
With Stunning Outdoor Design
Love entertaining? If you want to revamp your outdoor spaces into a host’s dream, keep reading for our guide.
Photo Credit: Architectural Digest & Roger Davies
As the summer months are upon us and the weather is warming up everyone wants to be outside more. You may be thinking of sprucing up your outdoor spaces.
If you love to host friends and family, then an ideal outdoor entertaining setup is your dream. No matter if you have a large yard or small patio we’ve got the latest outdoor design advice for you.
Whether you want to create an outdoor living area, dining space, lounging area, or all three, we’re covering tips you need to know.
Bring the Indoors Outdoors (Literally!)
When designing your outdoor space think about having a flow from inside to outside. The style of your outdoor space should have a similar feel as the interior of your home, so it doesn’t look mismatched or out of place.
When you’re entertaining it’s ok to temporarily bring furniture and decor you would normally use inside outside to help create a lived-in atmosphere and add visual interest.
Gather Around a Focal Point
You may want to create a seating area around an engaging focal point, like an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or fire table. Adding a fire feature creates a cozy atmosphere and lets you take your gatherings into the evening.
Other great focal points to consider are water elements, living walls, landscaping features, or sculptures.
Photographed by Kat Alves Photography
Outdoor Kitchen or Bar
If you have the space, think about installing an outdoor kitchen or bar to really take your outdoor living and entertaining to the next level.
An outdoor kitchen should complement your indoor kitchen and pair well with your home’s architecture and landscaping. Appliances and materials used should be durable to stand up to the elements.
If you want an outdoor kitchen that can function on its own plan for prep and cooking space and include a cooktop and grill, sink, fridge, and bar area. How about a pizza oven for pizza lovers? If you can’t go all out then a more minimal outdoor kitchen would include a grill and fridge.
Photo Credit: Architectural Digest & Ryan Jackson
Upgrade Your Outdoor Furnishings
If your outdoor furniture has seen better days, then it may be time to upgrade. When buying furniture for outside the key is durable materials. You’ll want to look for pieces that are made to last outdoors.
Materials like iron, aluminum, wood, and woven materials like rattan are all great for outdoor use but often require sealing or a protective coating to last outdoors. If the furnishings are made for outdoor use specifically they often will already have this protection, but it’s good to double-check.
We love Sunbrella and Perennials for outdoor performance fabrics. They make fabrics that are weather-resistant, fade-resistant, comfortable, and easy to clean.
It’s also good to think about furniture covers or storage for outdoor furnishings when they’re not in use.
Create Zones to Maximize Functionality
If you’re designing a multifunctional outdoor space, then you’ll want to create zones for different purposes. Like an area for lounging and a separate space for dining etc.
You can define different zones with outdoor rugs, different flooring materials, pieces of furniture, and landscaping elements.
Photographed by Kat Alves Photography
Include Ample Lighting Outdoors
It can be easy to forget about lighting, but having plenty of outdoor lighting is a must if you and your guests like to enjoy your outdoor spaces well into the evening. You wouldn’t want to have to end a gathering early because it gets too dark out.
There are plenty of different types of lighting you can incorporate from spotlights, hanging lights, path lights, wall lights, string lights, and more.
Throw (in) Some Shade
Especially in sunny and hot summer environments, you want to make sure you’ll have adequate shade available to keep your guests comfortable and happy outdoors.
Get protection from the sun with outdoor umbrellas, awnings, pergolas, and/or trees.
Think About Outdoor Play Time
While dining and lounging are certainly great activities when you’re entertaining, that’s not all you can enjoy outdoors.
For kids, teens, or even your adult guests who love to play, think about having space for outdoor games and activities. Some popular ones to consider are:
Pool table
Cornhole
Pingpong
Bocce ball
Mini golf
Horseshoes
For more ideas check out The Strategist’s list of outdoor games to enjoy at home.
Photographed by Kat Alves Photography
Remember Your Landscaping
Of course, you want your outdoor space to look its best when you have guests over so remember to pay attention to your landscaping.
Make sure everything looks well maintained – wild plants are cut back as needed, and fallen leaves and debris have been swept up.
If your landscaping is looking a little sparse introduce new plants and garden elements to make the space look more visually stunning.
Something as simple as a few potted plants can make your patio look lush and beautiful. Visit your local nursery for ideas.
Don’t Forget the Details
Last, but not least, it’s the details that can take an event or gathering from ordinary to memorable.
When dining outside think about creating a beautiful table setting. Or think about including decor that can double as party gifts for your guests to take home, like cute succulents, florals, or votive candles.
Don’t forget to think about what will make your guests feel more comfortable. Like storage for purses and jackets, plenty of food and drink, extra blankets if it cools off in the evening, and bug spray if you’re in an area that’s prone to bugs.
Need help transforming your outdoor space into an entertainer's oasis? At Kristen Elizabeth Design, we not only create beautiful interiors but also create equally beautiful exteriors. Contact us today to get started.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to discuss your unique project goals and needs.
