If you’re looking to get your outdoor space ready for relaxing and hosting in time for the warmer months, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we spoke with three interior designers who weigh in with four underrated decorating tips that they always swear by when it comes to backyard spaces.
Read on to gather intel regarding what to prioritize when it comes to outdoor furniture, the importance of dividing an outdoor space into zones, what types of greenery to add to your backyard, and much more.
Meet the Expert
- Esther Ellard is the founder of Effortless Designs.
- Brittney Luedecke is the CEO and lead designer of Signature Styles by Brit.
- Andrea Seymour is the CEO and principal designer of Springdale Custom Builders.
Treat Your Outdoor Space Like an Open-Concept Area
@ladylandscape / Instagram
There isn’t a need to view your outdoor space as one singular room, so instead, you can divide it up into various zones, Esther Ellard, who is the founder of Effortless Designs, explains.
”Have an oversized tree in your backyard? Treat it like a reading nook space and add a hammock with a durable outdoor table on the side,” she says.
Another possibility is to take your deck space and turn it into a dining area complete with an outdoor rug and furniture, the designer shares. Brittney Luedecke, who is the CEO and lead designer of Signature Styles by Brit, agrees that outdoor rugs are essential, no matter which area of your outdoor space you are tackling.
”Outdoor rugs—often overlooked—can define seating areas, add warmth, and tie a look together,” she says.
Lastly, don’t forget about your main gathering area. Ellard explains how your fire pit area can become your living room space with plenty of seating to encourage meaningful conversations and relaxation. Gather your favorite drinks, snacks, and some blankets to really set a comfortable ambiance.
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Infuse Interior Comforts
Design by Springdale Custom Builders / Photo by Ascendent Imaging
As Ellard began to touch on, you do not need to outfit your outdoor space in a way that is totally different from the way you would address your interiors when it deserves the same amount of care.
”We often talk about ’bringing the outside in’ to provide a grounding look to interior spaces, but when it comes to designing outdoor spaces, interior comforts provide a really special element,'” Andrea Seymour, the CEO and principal designer of Springdale Custom Builders, says.
Seymour notes that pieces that you may consider to be indoor essentials really do work wonders in enhancing a backyard space. For example, cushioned furniture, throw blankets, an area rug, coffee table, and integrated entertainment (like TVs and speaker systems) can instantly create a cozy atmosphere.
As you select outdoor furniture, you will want to select pieces that contribute to your backyard’s functionality and are built to last, just as you would when shopping for the rest of your home.
”I never overlook functional storage—think stylish benches with hidden compartments—to maintain clean lines,” Luedecke says. ”I prioritize comfort and durability, using weather-resistant fabrics so the pieces look as good as they feel, regardless of the elements.”
Strategically Integrate Plants and Other Natural Elements
Design by Springdale Custom Builders / Photo by Heather Ison
No outdoor space is complete without plants, but designers know that it’s key to prioritize both beauty and practicality during the landscaping process. Luedecke will be sure to bring in plants that help to repel bugs and plant trees to create shade, overall creating a more comfortable, welcoming outdoor atmosphere.
That’s not all, though.
”Water features with solar-powered pumps add a tranquil, soothing sound without the need for constant electricity, making them both beautiful and efficient,” the designer says.
Think Vertically
@luckyplot13 / Instagram
Luedecke likes to take full advantage of vertical space in the backyard in terms of outdoor decor. She encourages clients to incorporate elements such as hanging planters, vertical gardens, or wall-mounted art.
Combining different textures and materials, such as reclaimed wood, metal, and stone, introduces unexpected layers of character and depth, Luedecke explains. Take a good look at your outdoor space to see if there are empty areas that can be elevated.