Designing Outdoor Spaces

On this last weekend of summer, where will you spend your time?  Outdoor space is huge here in Southern California and is easily transitioned into a space you, family and friends can spend hours enjoying.  Our outdoor space really has become an extension of our interior space and there are many ways to create yours so it’s truly a reflection of you!

Depending on the look you’d like, layering soft goods, such as pillows and plants, along with hard goods, such as mirrors and flooring, creates a feeling of balance in a space. In an outdoor space, you may also need sound control if you have neighbors in close proximity.

Kim Kardashian’s outdoor living area at her Beverly Hills home, a wonderful outdoor space to enjoy with friends on a cool evening.  Love her elegant, comfortable style, and her designer!

Using furniture in different shapes and sizes creates visual interest and allows your eye to travel around the space.  Also, outdoor drapery and fabric are a great way to add softness to your outdoor area and a pop of color to what might otherwise be a monotone outdoor room.

These yellow curtains add the right amount of interest to this relaxing outdoor space (pint)

Using unexpected or unusual items is a great way to add interest and to create an eclectic, fun feeling.  Try items such as an outdoor chandelier or using a form, such as the one over the fireplace in the photo below. What matters is that it gives the feeling of interest in the space.

The unexpected items in this space draws your eye in and keeps it moving around (Southern Accents)

All of these spaces have one thing in common:  a feeling of individuality and a feeling of being the owner’s ‘own’ space.  They are all very personal and very different.

There’s a reason the magazine is called Better Homes and Gardens!

An outdoor space can be anything to anyone, including a small cozy space to enjoy an evening. Whatever your outdoor space you have created for yourself, I hope you have time this weekend to enjoy it!

Restful dining and lounge area (pint)