BBQ’s are grilling-up burgers and fire pits are cooking-up romance. It’s time to entertain, relax and unwind. Is your patio ready for summer? Interior Designer Talie Jane shares her favorite tips for creating the perfect outdoor space.
Tip 1: Consider the patio an extension of your home. Use the same ideas about furniture and accessories as you would your living room. Couches, tables, lighting, pillows and fabrics should reflect the design style and color palette of your home’s interior.
Tip 2: Designate zones for eating, conversing, relaxing, etc. This is especially important for large outdoor spaces. Add a table and chairs for eating, lounges for relaxing and couches for entertaining.
Tip 3: Invest in comfortable seating.
This is a place you want to spend quality time relaxing and entertaining. Provide a variety of seating options and make sure your seat cushions are cozy
and welcoming. Decorative pillows bring pops of color and also add comfort.
Tip 4: Mix and match furniture and fabrics. Don’t be overly “matchy matchy.” Create an interesting, eclectic mix of pieces. Antique stores, flea markets and salvage boutiques carry a lot of unique outdoor pieces that add character to your patio. And, don’t be afraid to use fabrics outdoors. Outdoor fabrics have come a long way in terms of color and pattern offerings as well as stain resistance and durability. Especially pillows!
Tip 5: Create a shaded area. Canopied lounge chairs, pergolas, umbrellas, awnings, or curtains provide a wonderful respite.
Tip 6: Don’t underestimate the importance of planters and flowers. High quality planters and flowers can add color, beauty and privacy. Plus, there are many creative ways to display planters—vertically along an exterior wall, hanging in baskets, grounded in heavy pots, woven within a built structure/lattice work or planted around the edges of your patio. I’ve even seen the brilliant use of an old ceiling fixture as a hanging planter. Be creative! 
Tip 7: Lighting is key. Tiki torches, paper lanterns and Christmas lights are fun but aren’t the high quality lighting best suited for a luxurious patio. Invest in hurricane lights and sconces; hang small chandeliers; light reusable luminaries and install spotlights to highlight landscape elements.
Tip 8: Consider adding a fireplace or fire pit. Get the most use out of your outdoor space by using it on chilly days and nights.
Call Talie Jane Interiors to beautify your patio and the rest of your home 1-855-TALIEJANE (1-855-825-4352).
Article written by Talie Jane
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