7 Simple Steps to Update Your Outdoor Space

Creating an outdoor room where you want to actually spend time is a great idea in many ways. Not only do you increase the usable footprint of your home, but you can also make life easier for entertaining.

The key to designing and styling your outdoor area is to create a space that feels like an extension of the home, using the same principles you would apply to any indoor room.

To make the most out of your outdoor space, consider its main use. Will it be an entertaining area? Somewhere to socialise with friends? Or will it be a place to catch a quiet moment in the morning or evening? Your needs for this space will inform the pieces you should include.

I love to spend time having my morning coffee in this area of my deck and with the weather warming up, I thought it might be good to explore a few ways that you can make the most of your outdoor space.

1. Freshen Your Deck with a Coat of Paint

Start by freshening up the space by giving it a coat of paint, this will act as a blank canvas for you to build layers upon. Here I’ve used Dulux Timeless Grey on the deck and Dulux Vivid White on the exterior walls.

Tip – Dark colours can show up a lot of dirt and also feel hot under foot in the summer months. Try to avoid them on the deck.

2. Ground the Space with a Rug

Add a natural woven rug to ground the space and add texture. If you plan to put furniture in this space, ensure that the rug is large enough for the furniture to sit on top of it. If not, try putting at least two legs of your furniture on the edge of the rug.

Tip – Palm leaf rugs are great for outdoor spaces as they can be wiped down easily.

3. Add Height with a Pendant

To add height to the space and draw the eye up, add a pendant. These bamboo cloches are ideal as they are lightweight and easy to install. The type of lighting you will choose will depend on if your area is covered or not. Ensure you check if your lighting is suitable for outdoors.

Tip – Remember to be intentional with the scale of your pendant, everything needs to be in proportion to one another. Good proportion helps to create harmony or balance among the elements of a space as a whole. A pendant that is too small will get lost if you have higher ceilings.

4. Include Adequate Seating

Something that often gets overlooked in outdoor spaces is practicality. As much as we want the space to look beautiful, we also want it to be functional so be sure to include enough seating for your family or guests. Here, I have two of my favourite Malawi cane arm chairs and a 3-seater lounge style as well as an extra foldable Tripolina chair to seat my family of 6.

Tip – To freshen up your furniture, you can use a high-pressure hose to clear away dust and dirt that builds up over time.

5. Introduce a Floor Cushion

For extra comfort and a softer look, bring in a large floor cushion like this beautiful Mali mud cloth cushion from my shop Imprint House. Or add a throw to create a soft layer that will make the space feel more ‘lived in’.

Tip – While outdoor fabrics are practical, if you want to add real personality to your space include something you love, and just take it indoors when not in use.

6. Hammock or Hanging Chair

Styling is all about adding interest with organic and fluid forms. Hammocks and hanging chairs are ideal for this as they bring a organic sculptural shape while also creating another place to lounge or sit. Try and hang it in a beautiful way — details matter. Here, I have used a thick natural rope that is in keeping with the rest of the scheme.

Tip – Sisal rope or cotton cord can be bought by the metre from most hardware stores.

7. Add Foliage

Adding some foliage or plants in large pots can relate the space back to your surrounding garden. Here, I’ve used large olive trees but be sure to choose something that suits your climate. Using big, textural terracotta pots will bring warmth to the space too.

Tip – Hanging plants from the ceiling is another way to add visual interest.