CREATING YOUR OUTDOOR OASIS
Can you believe IT’S JULY?! We have completely lost track of time as we’ve immersed ourselves in summer living - pool parties, concerts in the park, and lots of beach days!
Beautiful Outdoor Pool and Patio Space- Rustic Exterior Design
When we’re not outside enjoying the sun, we’ve been hard at work creating beautiful living spaces for our clients, and GROWING their square footage. NOT with tons of $$ and a construction mess…. but actually taking underutilized outdoor spaces and extending the indoors to the outdoors.
In Southern California, we are particularly blessed to have gorgeous weather nearly year-round, with very few restrictions as far as pesky bugs and summer thunderstorms go. Although a lot of thought and consideration goes into planning how you’d like to use your patio, yard, and property, the end result can expand your actual living space if you do it right!
Here are a few ways we’ve helped our clients achieve their outdoor escape:
Design for comfort. Choose colors you love, furniture that is comfortable, candles for the evening, and be sure to plan shaded areas to make it feel good all day and evening. No matter the size, a thoughtfully decorated outdoor living space can change the entire feel of your home.
When the sun goes down, the lights turn up. Whether just on the patio or around the perimeter, easily add a spark of romance by stringing bistro lights that glow and light up the yard, while maintaining the perfect ambiance to set the mood once the sun goes down. P.S. Don’t forget those candles and tiki torches!
Small means cozy. If your outdoor area is lacking in space, it doesn't mean it has to be lacking in style. Small spaces have the charm and romance larger spaces lack, and this can be used to your advantage. Everything you would do in a big yard, do it on a small patio, just go ‘up’. Vertical space will be your best friend, and hanging greenery and wall planters are just the touches you’ll need!
Textiles - always! Towels and throw blankets (and pillows!) are an absolute must when designing your outdoor dream. We regularly use standard throw blankets outside and are often drawn to the snazzy look and feel of Turkish bath towels, which you can often find for a great deal. Layer these cotton fabrics underneath your outdoor pillows or on hooks by the pool for an instant pop of colorful, cozy style. The best part? They’ll look brand new after a fresh wash!
Beat the heat + gain privacy. If you’re looking to block out the sun or nosey neighbors, outdoor curtains are beautiful and another way to bring in texture. Besides, imagine how it will look to create a version of a Mexican cabana in your own backyard?! DIY Hack? Use drop cloths from Home Depot for a VERY inexpensive dress-up!