Decorating your deck or patio makes summers more enjoyable and outdoor entertaining easier! Just as with interior spaces, your outdoor rooms can help express your personality, encourage creativity, and promote relaxation. If you’ve just added a new addition to your home, check out these tips for easy style.

Don’t leave seating for last! Before you get lost in the color and fabric choices – take a moment to think about practicality. As you would for any spot where people gather, select for comfort and ergonomics. Wait – ergonomics? Yep – the same principles that make a desk or kitchen work better for a person will help you select and arrange your outdoor furniture!

Is it easy to get up from that cushy chair? Will you always be balancing your drink on your knee, or is there a flat surface within easy reach? Imagine yourself using each piece of furniture in real life – and then work out a thoughtful arrangement when it’s installed on your deck or patio. 

Does anything set an atmosphere like lighting? This easy decorating trick offers impressive returns for a small investment. Colorful string lights, lanterns, and even candles are at their best outdoors. It’s fun to shop your favorite arts and crafts store for ideas, but don’t forget to raid your own home for great styling pieces. 

Items such as glass vases, old Mason jars, and even birdcages look fantastic with battery-powered tea lights or light strands tucked inside. Grab a handful of these inexpensive light sources and start experimenting! 

Outdoor spaces are an excuse to indulge in your love of bright hues! If you’re working with an existing sunroom or screened porch that leads to your deck or patio, pick a color that will carry through both areas, creating a flow between the spaces. 

Outside, the choices are infinite! Outdoor rugs offer big pops of color and pattern and can be cleaned with a hose. Grab some colorful planters and pots to coordinate – or paint your own! Vibrant table runners and placemats, fun pillows and cushions in outdoor fabrics, and other accents are big for 2021, as people enjoy a return to normal activities.

Don’t forget plants for your deck or patio – they’re an essential part of outdoor living. Although planters that hang on railings are a traditional choice, don’t be hesitant to use even bigger planters on your deck surface. You can get months of enjoyment from well-arranged pots. 

Pro Tip: Place large planters on wheels for even more options. When guests are visiting, simply wheel them to the best location – helping to create conversation areas, accent a corner, or even screen off a view of a work area! 

J&J Construction is a leader in creating outdoor spaces that work seamlessly with your existing home – get in touch to schedule a session with our design team!