Ready for entertaining? As temperatures begin to rise, we love the notion of entertaining in outdoor rooms. It’s an extension of the home. So, shouldn’t we treat it as such? The perfect outdoor room could contain a smorgasbord of elements: inviting and comfy seating for a lounge-like space, outdoor dining furniture for enjoying the master’s work on the grill or, perhaps an umbrella or awning to increase shaded area.
Since this area is very much an exterior room addition, find ways not only to mingle nature with your space, but to create spatial definition at the same time. One option might be to add a pergola or an arbor to act as a ceiling, of sorts. Then, allow nature to flirt it’s way in by planting a vine to creep across the pergola.
Alternatively, depict walls and windows by hanging up (on a rod or hooks) a sheer outdoor fabric alongside any posts or columns. The fabric doesn’t necessarily have to operate by opening or covering much space. It can be merely decorative. Place pots brimming with greenery in corners to facilitate the blending of the landscape.
If you live at the shoreline (or just wish you did), maybe a coastal living furniture store can offer some ideas. Great beachy materials like wicker or whitewashed wood can create an altogether different mood. You will want to marry nature into this type of space, as well. A good way to do this is by incorporating sand–maybe it’s placed in a low bowl with bits of sea glass floating throughout. Or place a lazy piece of driftwood on top of a table.
No matter what your outdoor room style is, just remember it’s all in the details.