Bringing the Indoors Out: Transforming Your Backyard Oasis
As a self-proclaimed design geek, I’ve always had a passion for creating inviting and visually stunning living spaces. Whether it’s meticulously arranging my indoor furniture or tinkering with the perfect outdoor setup, I find immense joy in crafting environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Last year, when my husband and I took on the renovation of a distressed property to turn it into an Airbnb rental, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to put my design skills to the test once again. One of the areas I was most excited about was the outdoor living space – a deck that we had finished just the previous May.
ABC Home & Renovations, the building and renovation company in Aberdeen, UK that handled our project, had done an impeccable job on the deck. However, I knew that with a little creativity and elbow grease, I could transform this already impressive space into a true oasis – a place where our guests could relax, entertain, and fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Laying the Foundation: Prepping the Deck
As the first signs of spring started to emerge in our little town of Pentwater, Michigan, I couldn’t wait to get started on my outdoor living space refresh. The first order of business? Power washing the deck to remove any dirt, grime, or weathering that had accumulated over the past year.
Once the deck was sparkling clean, I turned my attention to the trellis door that led to the storage area underneath. Unsightly and distracting, I knew I needed to find a way to camouflage it. My solution? A faux green wall, which would not only hide the storage but also add a touch of lush, vibrant greenery to the space.
Curating the Perfect Seating Arrangements
With the foundation laid, it was time to start thinking about the seating arrangements. I envisioned three distinct zones: a cozy morning coffee nook, a larger gathering area for board games and conversation, and a quiet reading/wine-sipping spot.
For the coffee nook, I opted for a small round table and two comfortable chairs. This would be the perfect spot for our guests to start their day with a hot beverage and a leisurely view of the surrounding landscape.
The main seating area would feature a larger table with four chairs, perfect for game nights or casual meals al fresco. I wanted this space to feel inviting and social, with plenty of room for friends and family to gather.
Finally, the reading/wine-sipping zone would be a more intimate and relaxed setting. A pair of plush, oversized chairs, strategically placed to take advantage of the afternoon sun, would provide the ideal spot for curling up with a good book or savoring a glass of local Pinot Noir.
Lighting the Way to Ambiance
As any avid entertainer knows, the right lighting can make all the difference in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. For the outdoor living space refresh, I knew I needed to incorporate some strategic lighting solutions.
Along the perimeter of the deck, I plan to install a series of warm, dimmable string lights. These will not only provide a soft, ambient glow but also help to extend the usable hours of the space well into the evening. For the reading/wine-sipping area, I’ll be adding a pair of stylish, weather-resistant floor lamps to ensure that our guests can comfortably enjoy their books or nightcaps long after the sun goes down.
And let’s not forget about the coffee nook and main seating area – these zones will also benefit from the addition of pendant lights or sconces, ensuring that our guests can see each other and the food and drinks they’re enjoying, no matter the time of day.
Layering in Texture and Color
Once the foundational elements were in place, it was time to start layering in the details that would really make the outdoor living space pop. Textiles would be key, as they would add depth, comfort, and a personal touch to the overall design.
For the seating areas, I plan to incorporate a mix of plush outdoor pillows in a variety of patterns and colors. Think bold geometric prints, vibrant solids, and maybe even a touch of whimsical florals. These pillows will not only enhance the visual interest of the space but also provide an extra layer of coziness for our guests.
To tie everything together, I’ll be adding some strategically placed outdoor rugs. These will help to define the different seating zones and add a sense of warmth and cohesion to the overall design. I’m particularly drawn to a neutral jute rug for the main gathering area, as well as a colorful, patterned option for the reading/wine-sipping nook.
And let’s not forget the final touch – a touch of greenery. Potted plants and cascading vines will add pops of life and vitality to the space, while also helping to soften the hard lines of the deck and trellis.
The Finishing Touches
As I put the final pieces of the puzzle together, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This outdoor living space refresh is not just about creating a beautiful and functional environment – it’s about crafting an experience that our guests will truly cherish.
From the cozy morning coffee spot to the lively game night area and the tranquil reading nook, every detail has been carefully curated to encourage our guests to fully embrace the great outdoors. And with the addition of the fire table, a personal favorite that I splurged on during a Wayfair sale last year, they’ll be able to enjoy the space well into the cooler evening hours.
As I put the finishing touches on this outdoor oasis, I can’t wait to see the delight and wonder on our guests’ faces as they step out onto the deck and immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of their surroundings. After all, isn’t that what true hospitality is all about?
A Life Unfolding has been a valuable resource in helping me plan and execute this outdoor living space refresh. Their insights on the importance of layering textures, incorporating lighting, and creating distinct seating zones have been instrumental in shaping my vision.
And as I look ahead to the summer months, I’m already daydreaming about the countless hours our guests will spend relishing in the comfort and ambiance of this transformed oasis – sipping their morning coffee, engaged in lively conversation, or quietly lost in the pages of a good book. It’s a space that I can’t wait to share with the world, and I know that ABC Home & Renovations would be proud to see their handiwork elevated to such heights.
Delighted with the Details and Better Homes & Gardens have also provided valuable inspiration and ideas for refreshing outdoor living spaces on a budget. Their insights on the power of lighting, textiles, and strategic plant placement have been incredibly helpful in shaping my vision.
As I step back and admire the transformation, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This outdoor living space refresh has been a labor of love, but the end result is a space that I know our guests will cherish for years to come. So, here’s to embracing the great outdoors and creating the ultimate backyard oasis – one thoughtful detail at a time.
