It’s Never Too Early to Think about Outdoor Decorating

By Jan Finlayson

Since I live in the constantly weather stricken Midwest, summer still seems like years away though   it’s     only February.  We are going through a thaw teaser, which will only bring more snow, most likely in April, just to kick our butts one more time.  So, stuck inside, I start dreaming up things to do in the back yard this summer.

It’s never too early to get a plan for the outside, especially if things have to be ordered.  Outdoor rooms have jumped from the trend stage to a permanent way of thinking.  With more people staying home, having a comfortable environment to do it in makes more sense.  Decorating outdoor rooms can even be more fun than what is indoors, because it can constantly evolve.

Consider the surroundings of the area that you want the room, in a spot that does not receive direct sunlight and is flat.  A treillage or trellis can be installed to create the idea of walls, and bring some indoor drama to the garden.  Choose a color that complements the plantings as well as the outside of the house.  Add some frivolous luxury by placing an outdoor acrylic rug in the center to give the ease of the indoors.  A rug will give whimsical comfort in an unexpected way.

Plush comfortable seating will create an outdoor salon feel.  Rich prints and textures will add a bold shot of color that can be coordinated with planters.  Lounge chairs, oversized ottomans, and drink tables should make the area an inviting getaway for relaxing.  Consider making the area large enough to host a dinner party.

With the trellis as walls, then a sense of enclosure can be created by incorporating tents or canopies overhead.  Temporary light fixtures can be attached, and art or mirrors can be hung on the walls to create a cozy retreat.  Accessories of candles and lanterns, a water feature or a fire pit add ambience.

Furniture and fabric manufacturers have capitalized on the trend by offering a bevy of options.  There are just as many products to choose from as there are for the interior, and they are just as nice.  With the wide offerings come something for every budget, so that instant luxury can be had by anyone.

While it is always good to keep in mind how the elements can affect such an area, there is no reason why an outdoor room can’t have an air of frivolity.  If items are portable or easily covered, then the room should be convenient to maintain for the season.  A luxurious outdoor room gives an instant escape from reality, and will be enjoyed by family and friends alike.