Imagine going outside to your patio deck and relaxing on your outdoor sectional, reading a good book with a cold and refreshing glass of lemonade… That’s the scene for a most relaxing afternoon in your backyard right? Well, you can do that in your very own backyard, but not without a little thought and effort on your part.

You see in magazines all the time these beautiful “outdoor oasis’” that seem practically impossible to duplicate to your own home’s exteriors… but that’s where most people go wrong when trying to create or update their outdoor spaces. You can indeed create a picturesque or “Instagram-worthy” outdoor space with the right essentials and right approach. Here’s how.

Assess Your Outdoor Space to See What You Need

Before we get into the actual essentials, it’s important to first recognize that you can’t go into updating or enhancing your space blindly. Before investing in any type of furniture or accents, here’s what you need to first consider:

• Amount of space you have. Before purchasing any patio furniture, you want to first measure your space so you’ll know the right size furniture to buy that won’t overcrowd your space.
• Theme of your space. Are you going for a classic look or do you want a tropical vibe? Having a theme in mind will ensure you’re not buying mismatched furniture and accents that will make your space look tacky.
• Purpose of your space. Are you creating a space for yoga, entertaining, or just for your own personal getaway. By determining the purpose of your space, you’ll be able to design it to meet your needs.

Once you’ve assessed your space, you can now start to incorporate the necessary essentials to meet your needs. Here are a few more common ones that will not only beautify your outdoors but will also meet your needs, regardless of purpose, space, or theme.

Outdoor Lighting

If you’re creating an outdoor space to enjoy, whether it’s just for you or for entertaining purposes, you shouldn’t be limited to only enjoying it during the day when the sun is out… You should be able to enjoy your space no matter the time of day. That reason alone is why having proper outdoor lighting is so important.

Maybe you’re throwing a backyard barbecue… If you know anything about barbecues, you know that you can have a start time but the ending time is always “until.” That’s because when you have a social gathering, especially outdoor ones, there’s a high chance that the fun can go well into the evening hours, making outdoor lighting an essential for any outdoor space.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

When it comes to outdoor spaces, seating is a must. But the great news is that lots of outdoor patio furniture are designed to be just as beautiful and comfortable as indoor seating as well.

Everything from sectionals and chaise lounges to sofas and love seats, you can choose the perfect collection of outdoor furniture to not only match the theme and look you’re going for but also know that it will be comfortable and durable to withstand the harsh temperatures and elements nature throws at it.

Now, once you get your patio furniture, you just want to be sure you’re doing your part in maintaining it, meaning, depending on the materials of your furniture, you’ll need to get familiar with learning how to clean rust off of metal furniture or mold off of your fabrics, etc.

Accents

They say “the devil is in the details,” and it truly is because once you have your patio furniture and the right lighting, the “last but certainly not least” part left to do is to add your accents… these are the very things that tie-in your entire space to complete it. Things like flowers, rugs, pillows, wind chimes, and even mini water structures can all enhance your outdoor space. Based on the theme you’re going for and the purpose, you’ll be able to find the perfect accents to create the space you desire. Thanks to www.nashvillebilliard.com for consulting.