Embrace the best of outdoor living! We’re here to inspire you with a collection of 10 ways to enjoy the outside of your home – no matter how big or small your yard!
Whether you have a patio, deck or even just a small backyard, learn to love what you have with these ideas to create a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor living space.
Thinking of your yard, patio or deck as an extension our home is a simple way to figure out how to decorate it.
However, if you live in a part of the country that experiences harsh weather, it’s important that the decor is both flexible and durable to account for extreme weather conditions.
Outdoor Living
Make your outdoor spaces an extension of your home! Don’t be afraid to create the space that works for you and your family.
You can see below that the deck on our St. Louis home needed a little TLC.
We brought it some new life by using a solid stain! This simple change made it suddenly feel more like a “room”, and a cohesive extension of our home. The rails felt less obtrusive and more like windows to the world.
Add a Rug
Just like in a living room, a rug defines a space, adds texture and warmth. A deck is no different and can be treated like an outdoor living room.
There are an array of Indoor Outdoor Rugs that look and feel like indoor rugs, but have the durability to withstand even the harshest weather conditions and hose clean!
If only everything in our home could wash clean with a hose! I ordered an 8.5×11 braided ivory rug that consumes the furnished area of the deck, just as I would in the living room. The front feet of all of our furniture rests on the rug.
Home
Indoor Outdoor Rugs
Learn why an indoor outdoor rug might be the best fit for high traffic rooms in your home! You’ll get the secrets for where to buy a quality indoor outdoor rug, maintaining and cleaning, and so much more! Read More
Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture
I think patio furniture is the exception to the rule on “sets”. Indoors, I avoid purchasing a set of furniture, trying to thoughtfully collect pieces that work well together to create interest.
Outdoors I want it to be as serene and cohesive as possible. Read all about our love for teak furniture, or see my guide to Serena and Lily Outdoor Furniture here.
Gardening & Outdoors
Teak Outdoor Furniture
Teak is a resilient wood that is resistant to water damage and rot. While often used in ship-building because of its incredible durability, teak is also an excellent choice for long lasting patio furniture! Read More
Paint Your Decking
Tired of the beat up old wood on the back of your house? Give it a fresh update with one of these beautiful deck paint colors.
Paint Colors, Tutorials & Tips
Deck Paint Colors
Are you ready to refresh your tired deck? Get started with our guide to 9 of the best deck paint colors! Read More
Add a Tree Swing
This is an inexpensive, charming way to add a little fun to your front yard or backyard. What feels more charming than a little tree swing?
Home
Tree Swing
Everything you need to know about selecting and installing a tree swing to add a dose of fun and charm to your own backyard! Read More
Add a Gravel Fire Pit
This is one of those weekend projects that will pay for itself tenfold! We love enjoying our fire pit three seasons out of the year!
Gardening & Outdoors
DIY Pea Gravel Fire Pit Patio
Learn the simplest method to create a DIY fire pit patio – one that you can accomplish in a single weekend! This pea gravel fire pit is a gorgeous, welcoming addition to our backyard. Read More
Try a Screen Porch Kit
Have a space that you’d like to enclose? Try one of these screen porch kits that will give you a whole new room to enjoy!
Gardening & Outdoors
Screen Porch Kits
Learn all about the different styles, options and brands of screen porch kits! This is a simple, yet comprehensive guide to walk you through the most popular types of porch enclosure systems. Read More
Outdoor Pillows
Whenever I’m working on outdoor seating, I like to add plenty of pillows for added comfort and style. I love mixing and matching patterns in the same color palette for to keep it serene, but visually interesting.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
Outdoor Pillows
Learn the easiest way to give your spaces a new look with outdoor pillows! Read More
Solo Stove
What’s better than a fire pit with some s’mores? Not much! However, I’d say that our portable fire pit is one of the best investments we’ve made as a family.
Gardening & Outdoors
Solo Stove Review
The Solo Stove is a highly efficient wood burning fire without the smoke or cleanup. It’s perfect for backyard gatherings, camping and more! Get all the details from three years of personal experience. Read More
Add a Potting Bench
This is such an easy way to organize all your gardening supplies. We were lucky to carve out space for a potting bench in our garage – but you might be surprised at all the places you could enjoy one!
Gardening & Outdoors
Potting Benches
Learn how to create the simplest potting bench with stock cabinetry, countertops and some charming shelving. We’re also rounding up the best options for cute, affordable potting benches that you can add anywhere. Read More
Add String Lights
Lighting is another important element to decorating. Our copper lanterns are one of the most special investments we’ve made in the past few years.
Raw copper is a living finish that will patina over time. Over the years, verdigris will become visible adding color and interest.
Not ready to upgrade the exterior lighting of your home? Why not add some string lights for instant charm?
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
String Lights
String lights add instant charm and ambiance to any of your outdoor spaces. Hang them over an outdoor dining space and you’ll feel like you’re dining out at a charming restaurant on vacation! Read More
Don’t underestimate the value of your outdoor spaces. I am so thankful that we recognized the value of outdoor living and have put so much focus on these special places in both of our homes!
This is a beautiful space, Julie. Very calming and relaxing.
Julie, I envy your fabulous outdoor space! Perfect gathering space for friends, family and pups!
I love your outdoor living space!! Beautiful details make such a difference and you have definitely created a space to be relaxed in! I especially love your wicker furniture and of course the Dash & Albert rug!
Thank you, Colette!
It looks beautiful! Can you please tell us the name and color of the rug you chose? Thx!
Of course! It’s a Dash & Albert Rope Ivory Indoor/Outdoor rug.
Hi Julie,
We are having a deck built and want to paint it white… I saw that your deck LOOKS white… it’s one of the few white wood decks I can find a picture of. Is it white stain/paint that you used? I saw that you wrote something about Benjamin Moore beige?
Would appreciate any tips you can give!
Thank you!
Hi Lindsay! You can read all about it here. Best wishes!
Gorgeous Julie! I’ll have to check out Dash & Albert’s collection. 🙂