Our Back Deck/Patio Reveal + Tips For Decorating an Inviting Outdoor Space
(this post contains affiliate links)
We are so happy to finally share our back deck and patio with you guys! It has been a summer of carefully curating this space to make it fun, practical and inviting. We created many seating areas that work together for optimal entertaining space. We plan to use our outdoor area way into the fall!
Read on to see all the photos and our tips for designing/decorating an outdoor space.
Tips for creating a practical, inviting and entertainment-ready outdoor space:
- create separate hangout spaces that work together How we did this: a large table with chairs for meals, an area with armchairs and small side table anchored with a rug for cozy hangouts/drinks, a bistro table with chairs for extra seating/eating spot for a party, a hammock for relaxing, sofa and cozy armchairs with a coffee table on the lower patio. Here's the post for how we hung our hammock.
- provide enough seating and table space This goes with the point above but you want to make sure everyone has a place to sit and put down their food and drinks. Get creative and use side tables, bistro tables and coffee tables. We keep adirondack chairs under the deck to pull out for extra seating if needed.
- always keep your style in mind Whatever style you have inside your home, bring that to the outdoors so it's an extension of your home and doesn't feel disconnected.
- bring the indoors out Outdoor area rugs are key to grounding a space and making it feel cozy. Add outdoor pillows and throw blankets.
- accessorize plants in attractive pots, candles, pretty coasters and lanterns make an outdoor space feel complete and thoughtful.
- shade Large umbrellas or pergolas provide a shade option so you can enjoy the space any time of the day.
- lighting String lights and candles add instant ambiance. Here's the post for how we hung out string lights.
- keep bugs at bay Place flyaway sticks in planters, scatter citronella candles around the space and keep a few tiki torches on hand for when it gets really bad. We also opted for plants that naturally keep bugs away to put in planters around our deck and patio. Citronella plants, lavender, mint and rosemary are just a few.
- have a storage bin or furniture covers to protect from rain We have a large storage bin that we place our smaller cushions, pillows and hammock in when it rains, and the larger pieces we bring inside. Maybe next year we will invest in some furniture covers!