If you’ve been dreaming of outdoor areas you and your family can enjoy this summer, here are nine elements you can easily incorporate to make your yard or patio more inviting and comfortable!
1. DIY Firepit
My Easy DIY Firepit (15 minute DIY!)
An outdoor firepit will be a cozy gathering place for friends and family. S’mores or hot dogs, anyone? We built ours ourselves, and we are not at all DIY’ers (see the link for how to make it, above).
2. A Secret Garden
Even small yards can have a secret garden. What could be more magical and inviting than a little spot to sit and drink your morning coffee?
3. Outdoor Rugs
Rug Source / Spring in Our Outdoor Oasis (My Patio Tour)
Outdoor rugs help define smaller areas in your yard and make them feel as comfortable and welcoming as an indoor room!
4. Potting Areas
A little potting cart or bench can be a charming and practical addition to your backyard! Use them for potting plants, or make them do double duty as a serving cart or spot for entertaining.
5. Conversation Areas
My Deck Tour and Makeover (and sources).
Two chairs and an ottoman make a perfect conversation area for two. If you have a large deck or backyard, create multiple conversation areas for bigger groups!
6. Dining Areas
An outdoor dining area is the perfect spot for summer celebrations as well as a place to gather on a cool summer morning or evening.
Small spaces can be inviting with small tables for two!
Bistro Table Sources:
7. Small Accent Tables
My Small Deck Makeover (previous home!)
Even if you don’t have room for a full dining room table, tuck in a few small accent tables. They are so handy next to chairs or can be used to hold small lanterns or elevate plants. They are very easy to move around as needed!
Blue Garden Stool Source / Accent Table Source
8. Mood Lighting
Don’t have an electrical outlets or wired in lighting? Try these solar powered string lights. I just ordered several sets during the outdoor sale going on right now, you can’t have too many outdoor string lights for a magical glow along fences and porches.
Add candle light with small lanterns and battery operated candles. You can use a hook like this to hang lanterns in your garden!
9. Umbrellas
Shelter your outdoor spaces from the harsh sun with outdoor umbrellas. I get most of my umbrellas on sale here. Umbrellas also add such a festive and finished feel to an outdoor space, don’t you think?
Happy Weekend!
PS. Do you hesitate to be outside or can’t enjoy your backyard because of bugs in your area? I recommend an effective natural product (and a DIY essential oil blend) we use to deal with bugs! Check it out here!
Related Posts:
Sources for My Outdoor Furniture, Patio Umbrellas, Rugs and More
How to Design a Backyard (4 Essential Zones)
Hi Melissa!!
I’m always here but don’t comment ? often, but your outdoor spaces are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS !!! You’ve done a beautiful job!!!
Hi Noelle, ahhhh….thank you SOOOO MUCH! Both for always being here and for such a kind compliment today. That means a lot! Have a great rest of your weekend! xo
Love the gray and white basket woven small stool/table in photo #14 but can’t find a source for it. Please direct me to the source. Thank you~