As the weather warms up, it only feels right to take advantage of our outdoor spaces. Decorating for a yard or patio, though, is a different beast than interiors. From choosing the right furniture materials to creating a cohesive look, the details make a big difference in how your outdoor setup comes to life.
Of course, certain outdoor decorating themes are more common than others—but not all are created equal in the eyes of designers. Whether it’s a look that has been overdone or a decorating style that is easy to fall prey to, there are certain themes that you may want to steer clear of.
To help you avoid any decor disasters, we tapped two designers for the top five outdoor decorating themes they are tired of seeing—and what to opt for instead.
Meet the Expert
- Christine Vroom is the founder and principal designer of Christine Vroom Interiors.
- Tammy Price is the founder of interior design studio Fragments Identity.
Farmhouse Style
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While farmhouse style has won the hearts of many when it comes to interiors, interior designer Christine Vroom finds it doesn’t have the same charm when translated outdoors.
”The weathered wood, galvanized metal, and mason jar lights are long gone,” Vroom says. ”It feels more DIY than inviting, and often lacks the personality that makes an outdoor space feel fresh and lived-in.”
Instead of the overly staged farmhouse aesthetic, Vroom suggests opting for a more curated approach and getting creative with textures.
”Swap distressed wood for rich for softened pre-treated teaks, [and] replace galvanized or unfinished metal with aged brass or blackened steel for a more sophisticated touch,” she recommends. ”Layer in organic textures like linen-esque cushions, handmade pottery, and sculptural lighting to create a space that feels warm, intentional, and effortlessly inviting.”
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Plastic and Metal Furnishings
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When it comes to your seating and tables, standard plastic and metal are materials that can feel stark against the natural backdrop of your outdoor space.
”[They are] a definite out for us!” says Tammy Price, founder of interior design studio Fragments Identity. ”There are so many new beautiful options with the amazing performance textiles and furnishings styles today which can provide a home-owner the opportunity to carry the look of their interior to exterior.”
Some of the designer’s favorites to use instead of plastic and metal are wood frames and wicker furniture.
Since they are already found in nature, these materials more easily meld into an outdoor space—creating a more seamless, soothing look.
Luxury Resort Design
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While modern luxurious yards look great on the cover of a magazine, it can feel formulaic in real life when the main features lack personality, says Vroom.
”Repeating the same sunken seating, infinity pools, and cabana layouts with bright colors and cliche stripes can make a space feel more like a trendy hotel than a personal sanctuary,” she elaborates.
Instead, your outdoor space should highlight aesthetics and functions that are personal to you.
”The most luxurious outdoor spaces feel intentional, with bespoke design moments that reflect the architecture, landscape, and the way the homeowner actually lives,” Vroom says. ”Think inwardly, rather than run to inspiration images: How do you want your space to feel? And then go from there.”
Mixing Styles
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While some opt for a cohesive look when curating outdoor decor, others throw the idea of a theme out altogether—which Price is not a fan of.
”Over-designing an outdoor space with too much and too many different styles is a no,” the designer says.
Instead, to make things more streamlined, Price suggests going back to the basics.
”We take the approach of creating seating or dining areas with furnishings that work together in style—nice textiles and larger-type planters, incorporate string lights, and keep it simple.”
One way to make your outdoor space feel harmonious without overthinking it is to buy an entire upholstered set of furniture—as everything will already go together, Price notes.
”[It’s a] big plus if you are seeking the indoor to outdoor transition as we do,” she says. ”Go for it!”
Tropical Themes
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While many of us want our outdoor spaces to feel like a getaway, a vacation-inspired look isn’t always the best way to accomplish that.
”[I’d like to see less] overuse of bright colors, tropical patterns, and crisp fabrics,” Vroom says. ”Being in the design industry, there are so many more options down to outdoor mohairs. So go deeper than assuming you have to go neutral or tropical.”
Tropical outdoor sets often feature lots of synthetic wicker, which Vroom is also tired of seeing in outdoor spaces.
”These often bulky silhouettes can detract from the elegance of a space, making it feel more commercial or cliche,” she says. ”A more refined approach would embrace natural woven materials with organic variations, sculptural shapes, and unexpected options like a contrast of stone, fully upholstered pieces, and simplicity to elevate the look.”