Entertaining guests and relaxing in your own living room are great ways to kick back, but why not try it in your back yard? Who said sofas are just for the living room? Use these four tips to create your own backyard escape, and see how easy it can be.
Create an Inviting Space With Outdoor Furniture
The living room isn’t just for inside anymore. Why not set up a living-room inspired lounge area right outside? With a few skillfully placed key outdoor furniture items, a delightful backyard oasis can be waiting for you to entertain guests only a few steps out your back door in no time.
Many outdoor seating options have water-resistant cushions and pillows. The emerging styles have more living-room inspired end tables and sofas than ever before. If you’re planning on hosting a major event like a wedding reception or anniversary party, try looking into furniture rental to accommodate your guests. The options with rental are just as vast, but you won’t have to commit to purchasing items you’ll only use once.
Square It Off
Image via Flickr by /\ \/\/ /\
Walls are overrated, and certainly not welcome in a backyard paradise. Your outdoor living room will look much more polished if you define the space with a sturdy outdoor rug or oversized tiles. This will also separate your lounging area with the rest of the yard.
Place a sturdy outdoor rug in the spot you wish to use for your new lounge area, and place the furniture around it much like you would in your living room. Another option is to use large mismatched tiles to square off the area. Place them a few inches apart so grass can grow up around them and create a rustic look.
Light It Up
Image via Flickr by kellinahandbasket
Chances are your backyard lounge parties will extend into the night on occasion. After adding a few lighting options to the space, and you and your guests won’t want to go back inside. A citronella candle or two on the accent tables will give for a nice low glow, and keep the bugs at bay. Tiki torches around the edge of the space will cast a welcoming light, and create a barrier for mosquitos and other insects that would otherwise pounce on you.
Personalize It With DIY Planters
Image via Flickr by The Greenery Nursery
As a finishing touch to your space, add some greenery to give it an added personal touch. The possibilities are endless when you think of all the DIY options you could do. Try planting some annual flowers in an old rusty red wagon and placing it at the edge of the space as a conversation piece. Another option is to prop a wood pallet on its side and plant leafy shrubs so that they spew out the side, creating an accidentally-on-purpose accent piece.
There are so many design options for outdoor living spaces that you really can’t go wrong. Try some of these tips when you’re ready to create your outdoor paradise, and see where it takes you.
