By Shayantani Sinha
Published on August 1, 2014

If you’re planning to do any of your eating, entertaining, or lounging outside, then it’s time to rethink how your outdoor looks and feels. Short on space? A few square inches can go a long way. Tight budget? Work with what you already own. No garden or greenery? No big deal. From yards and terraces to patios and porches, these easy decorating ideas can work for any spot you have big plans for beautifying. Have a peek…

PATIO PRIMER

Give your outdoor space a fresh face by sticking to a monochromatic palette. You can pull off a polished look without overdoing it. Choose the essential pieces (wirework round table, umbrella, stools) in a contemporary gray and white colour scheme.

TROPICAL PUNCH

Want to add a touch of fun to your outdoor space? Cue the colourful accents. A terrace gets a bold pick-me-up from cushions in vibrant colours (tangerine, fuchsia) and modern prints like ikat, stripes, and eye-popping florals.

NATURAL CHARM

Got space? Re-imagine a room — one without walls, that is. Create an intimate gathering space that’s prepped for entertaining by surrounding the table with a wicker sofa, freestanding umbrella, and fire pit.

COSY QUARTERS

Achieve a sense of privacy in an urban space by enclosing it with a tall wooden fence. Prioritize how you plan to use this area before making any decorating decisions. For example, if it’s for dining and entertaining, make sure the grill and table are your first key pieces.

LOUNGING STYLE

Make over a porch with a few items (day bed, potted plants, Chinese lanterns) that will make the space comfortable and stylish. Thinking creatively can also help you stick to a budget. There’s no reason why a trunk from inside can’t step in as your outdoor coffee table. Besides, it’s only for a season.

GARDEN PARTY

Dining alfresco is about gathering family, entertaining friends, and escaping from your typical daily routine. Any rules to follow? Be smart about your outdoor style and choose weather-resistant furniture, coverage from the sun, and a solid base for setting up your table.

COUNTRY LIVING

When it comes to outdoor dining, anything goes. But to capture an easygoing escape-to-the-weekend-home feeling, make an attempt to separate yourself from your daily routine. Start by setting the table and chairs on the lawn and away from your home, which will create a dining experience that is unique and unexpected.

SEEING RED

Want a modern and budget-friendly trick that won’t involve an entire patio makeover? Focus on a few decorative elements (gray drum shade, slip covered chairs) that strategically weave a splash of red throughout the dining space.

UNNY DELIGHT

Dreaming of a lounging area for reading, writing, or hanging with guests? Decorate around the key piece: the sofa. A traditional rattan couch gets an instant transformation by tossing on colourful plush pillows and hanging an assortment of festive glass lanterns.

SEASIDE VIEW

Arrange your spread on an ocean-vista picnic table and play up the nautical theme (fish motif on linens, blue hydrangeas) with the tabletop decor. Why do benches work so well outside? No backs, which will help keep the captivating view unobstructed
for everyone.

ISLAND STYLE

Even a corner can explode with seasonal appeal. Set up a red bistro table, surround it with green plastic chairs, and hang a graphic piece of art on the wall.

HEAVY METAL

Even if you don’t do much outdoor entertaining, it’s still lovely to have a spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon lemonade. Choose a weather-resistant material and have enough seating to accommodate a few drop-in guests.

RAINBOW BRIGHT

Minimalists, you’re in luck. An outdoor space can become whatever you make of it. Carve out a casual reading or conversational area with a few smart seating options. Before you view this idea as boring, consider how a trio of punchy coloured chairs can instantly brighten up a stone yard.

PATIO DINING

Formal without all the fuss. Surround a reclaimed teak table with wicker chairs to keep the mood light and relaxing. Choose chicken wire lanterns for unexpected and oh-so-easy tabletop décor.