How to Create an Inviting Outdoor Space

Hello Friends!

I can’t believe that summer is here, and there is nothing I love more than to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Whether it’s sitting on our porch, or entertaining friends and family, we love spending our summer months outdoors. Over the years I have learned a thing or two about creating inviting outdoor spaces that you actually want to spend time in. It doesn’t take much, and with a little creative thinking, you too can create an inviting outdoor space to enjoy all summer long. So today I thought I would share with you my 5 go-to tips for How I Create an inviting outdoor space.

Let’s Get Started ~

Whether you have a yard or patio, a porch, or even a garden you love to retreat to, having an outdoor space offers us a place to getaway. Without having to leave your own home! Outdoor spaces don’t have to be elaborate to enjoy, or even cost a lot of money to create. With the right idea for your outdoor space, you could be enjoying your own private oasis by the weekend.

However, maybe you are thinking to yourself, “yes – I do have one of those spaces, but they aren’t very inviting to be in”, friend I’ve got you covered!

#1 Determine the Outdoor Space you wish to create – 

To create an inviting outdoor space, you first have to determine the outdoor space you long to be in. Is it a shady spot under a tree, with a good book and a hammock? Or perhaps you love to dine al fresco, so an outdoor dining area would be most desired. Is gathering around a fire, eating making s’mores how you envision spending your summer nights? To start, think about the ways you would best love to spend your time outdoors.

Click HERE, to see step-by-step how we created this DIY Gravel Patio.

#2 Establish a Seating Area –

Once you know how you want to use your outdoor space, it’s time to add some chairs. Or perhaps a bench, or a set of rocking chairs. Maybe an outdoor sofa? Or a table and some chairs, if dining al fresco is your favorite way to eat all summer long. Creating an inviting outdoor space, means it’s comfortable to be in. So whatever outdoor space you are creating, make sure you have some seating so you can sit an enjoy the outdoors.

Creating a seating area, whether it’s a group of chairs, or just one on the corner of your porch, helps you establish your outdoor space. It creates a designated area to gather in, whether it’s with friends and family, or a quiet spot to enjoy and retreat to at the end of the day.

Don’t have any outdoor furniture? Get creative in repurposing furniture. Take the pressure off of having to buy an all new patio set. I love to mix and match my pieces for a more eclectic look. I’m always on the hunt at yard sales or even FB marketplace for some gently used patio furniture that I can repurpose, and help bring my own porch or backyard to life!

Now that you know how you want to spend your time outdoors, you know what type of furniture you need to incorporate. A small table and chairs can become the perfect spot for afternoon puzzles, or sipping a refreshing drink while playing cards. An old daybed can double as an outdoor sofa, or the perfect spot for afternoon naps. Get creative when it comes to setting up your outdoor seating area.

#3 Create a Cozy Environment –

Trust me when I say this, the more comfortable the environment is, the longer you will want to stay in it. Once your seating area is set up, don’t forget to bring out some throw pillows, maybe even a throw blanket to keep at arms reach for those chilly nights. Think about how you will be spending your time in your outdoor space. What are some things you can add to it that will make the space feel cozier to you?

The key to creating an outdoor space you long to be in is to include your favorite indoor comforts. I always like to make sure I have a comfy throw pillow nearby, a small side table to rest my drink on, and a footstool if possible to put my feet up. Nothing makes a space cozier then enjoying the simple comforts in an outdoor space.

#4 Don’t Forget the Lights – 

Want to know the secret to enjoying your outdoor space even longer. String up some lights so you can stay outside well into the night. When I wanted our outdoor fire pit to feel cozier, I strung up lights in the trees that surrounded the area, and all at once their magical glow transformed our backyard into a cozy retreat. It was the finishing touch to our outdoor space if I do say so myself. One that I didn’t realize was missing, until we hung them up and turned them one. Now I never want to have an outdoor space without them again.

While string lights might be my favorite, there are so many different options when it comes to incorporating lighting outdoors. You can use vases or lanterns with battery operated fairy lights or candles. Mason jars with candle votives placed inside are a great size that can be used just about anywhere outdoors.

Adding lighting to your outdoor spaces is one of those hidden gems, that not only “light up the night”, they really do make your outdoor space come to life.

#5 Add Plants –

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on, was thinking that our outdoor spaces didn’t need plants. I thought that because we were outside, it was a given, and that the trees around us were enough. While they made a nice backdrop, you can imagine my shock when the first year I decided to incorporate some planters with flowers! It was equivalent to the impact that hanging curtains can add to a space. Never again will I underestimate the power of adding in a few plants here and there to bring life into our outdoor space. And nowadays you can find me buying more flowers for my planters than throw pillows – something I thought would have never happened.

Check out my easy DIY Planter idea that will last you all summer long.

I hope you have found this tips helpful, and are feeling inspired to go and freshen up your outdoor spaces, or perhaps even create your very own backyard oasis!