Category: outdoor spaces

  • How to get your outdoor space ready for warm weather

    How to get your outdoor space ready for warm weather

    Getting your outdoor space ready for warm weather involves a combination of cleaning, organizing, and enhancing the space for relaxation and entertainment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:

    Clean Up: Start by cleaning your outdoor space thoroughly. This includes removing any debris, leaves, or clutter that may have accumulated over the winter months. Sweep the patio or deck, rake the yard, and clear out any cobwebs or dirt from furniture and fixtures.

    get your outdoor space ready

    Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

    Inspect and Repair: Check for any damage that may have occurred during the winter. Look for cracks in the patio or deck, loose boards, or any other structural issues. Repair or replace as needed to ensure safety and functionality.

    Gardening: If you have a garden or flower beds, now is the time to prepare them for planting. Clear out any weeds, add fresh soil or compost, and plan out what you want to grow for the season. Consider planting flowers, herbs, vegetables, or shrubs to add color and texture to your outdoor space.

    get your outdoor space ready

    Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

    Prune and Trim: Trim back any overgrown bushes or trees to maintain a neat appearance and encourage healthy growth. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and sunlight exposure for plants in your garden.

    Furniture and Accessories: Bring out your outdoor furniture and accessories from storage. Clean them thoroughly and inspect for any damage. Repair or replace worn-out cushions, pillows, or umbrellas. Arrange the furniture in a way that promotes conversation and relaxation.

    get your outdoor space ready

    used with permission from Blackband Design

    Decorate: Add decorative elements to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space. This could include outdoor rugs, throw pillows, lanterns, string lights, or potted plants. Choose items that reflect your personal style and create a welcoming atmosphere.

    Outdoor Lighting: Install outdoor lighting to extend the usability of your outdoor space into the evening. Consider options like string lights, solar-powered lanterns, or pathway lights to illuminate key areas and create a cozy atmosphere.

    get your outdoor space ready

    used with permission from Blackband Design

    1. Create Shade: Provide shade options to make your outdoor space more comfortable on hot days. This could involve installing a pergola, canopy, or umbrella over seating areas, or planting trees or shrubs strategically to provide natural shade.
    2. Entertainment and Recreation: Consider adding entertainment and recreational elements to your outdoor space. This could include a barbecue grill, fire pit, outdoor games, or a hammock for lounging. Create zones for different activities to maximize enjoyment.
    3. Maintenance Routine: Establish a regular maintenance routine to keep your outdoor space looking its best throughout the warm weather months. This includes watering plants, mowing the lawn, sweeping the patio, and cleaning furniture regularly.

    By following these steps, you can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming retreat where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the warm weather with friends and family. Don’t miss our post on how to create an amazing outdoor patio area.

  • Amazing Porch Inspiration. Sit back and relax

    Amazing Porch Inspiration. Sit back and relax

    Nothing energizes me like the smell of spring in the air.  I always want to clean house and freshen things up.  Of course, nothing makes me want to slow down and smell the roses either.  A porch like this would definitely have me spending warm afternoons doing absolutely nothing.

    Even a small porch can be made stylish and comfortable

     

     

    Oh my, I would never leave that porch, or the pool for that matter!

     

     

    I think this might be the same porch as the one above.  The white gauzy curtains just make it heaven, and something easy to DIY!

     

     

    I don’t think I’d ever want a TV on my porch, but definitely a fireplace.  I always like it when porches are styled and furnished to look like interior rooms.  Today there are so many materials and fabrics that look great and can stand up to weather.

     

     

    Minimal but beautiful – a nice place to catch up with neighbors.

     

    Many a book would be read on that swinging sofa if this were my porch!
    All images via DecorPad

     

  • Spring?! Transport yourself to bliss with these amazing porches

    Spring?! Transport yourself to bliss with these amazing porches

    Nothing energizes me like the smell of spring in the air.  I always want to clean house and freshen things up.  Of course, nothing makes me want to slow down and smell the roses either.  A porch like this would definitely have me spending warm afternoons doing absolutely nothing.

    Even a small porch can be made stylish and comfortable

    Oh my, I would never leave that porch, or the pool for that matter!

    I think this might be the same porch as the one above.  The white gauzy curtains just make it heaven, and something easy to DIY!

    I don’t think I’d ever want a TV on my porch, but definitely a fireplace.  I always like it when porches are styled and furnished to look like interior rooms.  Today there are so many materials and fabrics that look great and can stand up to weather.

    Minimal but beautiful – a nice place to catch up with neighbors.

    Many a book would be read on that swinging sofa if this were my porch!
    All images via DecorPad

  • Outside Living Inspiration

    Outside Living Inspiration

    Now that we have our own outdoor space, I’m in the process of deciding how to furnish it! There is so much you can do with an outdoor space, whether small or large.

    I’ve been looking for some furniture that will fit into our space and some great outdoor accessories that are durable enough to stay outdoors.

    With a set like this I would probably set up my computer and work outside!

    This set is a refreshing change from traditional outdoor furnishing.  Remember that you can always swap out the chair cushions if you’re feeling the need for a change…

    I like the clean minimal lines of this table and chair set. All of these options above were found at Oldrids & Downtown.

    Now for some accessories for my new outdoor space:

    Stripes are a classic, and I think look especially good poolside.

    Aren’t these hanging planters adorable?  If you don’t have a lot of ground space then hang them on a fence or wall to create your own version of a “green wall”



    I don’t know why, but I love it when indoor things are brought outside.  It really makes your outdoor space just feel like an extension of your home.  Luckily you can find all sorts of traditionally indoor items in stylish outside versions, like rugs, pillows, and curtains.

    These outdoor lights are great mood setters and can be placed strategically throughout your outdoor space. I found these on Pinterest.

    This post in partnership with Oldrids.co.uk

  • my favorite images from my favorite blogs…

    my favorite images from my favorite blogs…

    Happy Friday! Time to relax and enjoy a little eye candy. Presented in no specific order from some of my favorite blogs…

    some beachy beauties from Completely Coastal

    oh my…to have that beach so close by…

    The four below are from Providence Ltd. Design

    so cool

    fabulous kitchen.  who knew a kitchen could be so luxe?

    The last three are from my friend Liz’s blog(s) Chomp Chow Chew, and Special Delivery.  She’s a fellow RISD illustration department grad.

    I love visiting with her and her boyfriend because I know that, aside from catching up, I’m in for some great meals.  They always know the best restaurants and markets.

     Liz has an amazing color sense.  Isn’t her palette a work of art in itself?

     mm….Real ramen…

  • Gorgeous little outdoor escapes…

    Gorgeous little outdoor escapes…

    Before we know it snow will be falling and ice will cover the roads …atleast here in the north east. So enjoy these beautiful days of autumn outdoors while you still can… happy weekend!

    I hope there’s a beach behind that cottage….

    so gorgeous…

    via Pinterest

  • BEAUTIFUL spring outdoor spaces and exteriors

    BEAUTIFUL spring outdoor spaces and exteriors

    I NEED sunshine and warm weather NOW. I cannot take the cold or dreariness anymore. I love that smell when it is first getting warm and you open your windows. Hopefully it comes soon. In the meantime – I’ll just imagine I’m here:

    My favorite place on earth – the beach

    Such a great way to spend an evening – reading out on this porch


    I like when outdoor elements are made of organic, raw materials like this canopy made of branches

    via Eric Roth Photography

    so cute
    via Nikreations


    One day I hope to have some wisteria
    via Scandinavian Chic