Whether looking for a simple update or full-blown makeover to extend your entertainment areas and make use of the great outdoors, a few key decor pieces ensure your backyard space will be in full use all season long.
Using planters to create seclusion
You can never have too much privacy and a selection of various planters can help create a feeling of seclusion and define space – especially if in close proximity to other properties. Small trees in large planters like the Cylinder Planter from Vondom can help to create a more sheltered environment while smaller options like the Bau Pot from Ferm Living , work to accent your space and create a welcoming ambiance.
Portable lamps to welcome guests
Perfect for accenting pathways, stairways, or dotted around covered outdoor surfaces, portable lamps welcome friends and family to backyard events and set your space aglow with welcomed brightness. Outfitted with LED technology for superior brightness and energy-efficiency, portable lanterns are easily recharged with a USB or charging port and offer hours and hours of pleasant illumination. Sleek and chic, the Cube Outdoor Battery Floor Lamp comes in various heights and finishes to stand out amongst your landscape and help direct guests where to go.
Candle holders for cozy ambiance
Let’s face it, it doesn’t get any more romantic than dining outdoors by candlelight. Whether enjoying an intimate meal for two or entertaining the entire neighborhood, candle lanterns offer a chic coziness that cannot be replicated. Opt for a variety of sizes to create dimension within your space and look for colors and materials that will either stand out or effortlessly blend in with your al fresco ensemble. Larger options typically have space for multiple candles, so layer up those pillars or tea lights for an evening of flickering fun.
A well-appointed outdoor living space
When warmer weather beckons you to spend more time outdoors, creating an outdoor living space makes more room for entertainment and taking in sunny rays while reading a book or taking a nap. Anchor your space with an all-weather rug, ready to stand up to the elements, then top with an outdoor sectional or sofa paired with multiple lounge chairs for a comfortable space to just kick back and relax. Compact and rechargeable table lamps bring some much-needed brightness when the sun goes down, while sleek and sophisticated planters bring a verdant touch for natural beauty.
A delicious outdoor dining space
Ideal for enjoying warmer weather and celebrating the sunniest days of the season, an outdoor dining space is easily created with a stunning solid wood or metal dining table accented by matching seating – either benches or chairs, all atop a fabulous outdoor rug for a defined dining area. Pair with an outdoor bar cart to let guests help themselves to refreshments, string lights and tea light candles for a touch of sparkle, and your favorite serving pieces filled to the brim for an al fresco retreat you won’t want to leave.
A spa-like outdoor relaxation space
Whether poolside or situated in your favorite garden space, a getaway space for uninterrupeted relaxation is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Outfitted with multiple chaise loungers primed for sun-soaking, side tables for drinks and nibbles, and an umbrella when shade is necessary, and you’ve got the ultimate destination for any day of the week. Just post that out of office message, grab a few cucumber slices, and you’re on your way to pure bliss.
Multi-functional furniture for space-saving style
Big or small, backyards and outdoor spaces alike can benefit from multi-functional furniture in order to save space and keep things streamlined and stylish. A stool that doubles as a side table means you always have seating for extra guests or a surface to rest your favorite drink. An outdoor storage ottoman keeps blankets, candles, and pillows out of sight when not in use and gives you a place to kick up your feet at the end of the day. A fabulous storage piece like the Pantry Module Table offers the perfect surface for resting trays of food next to the barbecue, stacking with potted plants and gardening tools, or even as an impromptu outdoor bar set-up when the urge hits.
A bird feeder for feathered friends
For countryside escapes and urban dwellings alike, a bird feeder acts as a striking piece of decor that attracts beautiful wildlife to accentuate your outdoor space. Whether hung from a tree, attached to a wall, or stationed on a countertop, bird feeders are an effortless decor idea that attracts birds to eat while giving you the opportunity to enjoy their song and flight. While traditional designs are suitable and reliable, the Frame Bird Feeder, pictured above, offers a unique design that can be installed on walls or windows to get an instant close up with your favorite feathered friends.
A firepit for cozy, late-night lounging
For cooler evenings, or enjoying your outdoor areas well past the warmer months, a fire pit is a must to take full advantage of your backyard space. For a sleek, modern look, opt for a concrete or black metal design or go for all-weather teak for a more traditional, yet tasteful farmhouse or Scandinavian vibe. Used as an anchor piece surrounded by lounge chairs or sofas topped with outdoor pillows and throws, you’ve got a cozy corner prime for roasting marshmallows and toasting to great days ahead.
An outdoor bar for endless refreshment
Any alfresco soiree worth its weight in gold has a well-stocked outdoor bar at the ready to greet guests with the libations and/or snacks of their choice to get the afternoon off to a great start. A recycled plastic rendition from Loll designs brings sustainable beauty and bold color to any backyard area, while the subtly chic 1966 Serving cart from Knoll offers a neutral option that can be dressed up or dressed down for any event. Looking for more storage? Try the Mercury Rectangular Serving Table which offers ample space for everything from serving pieces and bottles of liquor to glassware and silverware.
A hanging chair for endless relaxation
Perfect as a reading spot on a sunny summer day or as a way to get away and have some fun, an outdoor swing can make for a unique focal point as well as a relaxing lounge chair option for backyards, patios, and decks alike. A handwoven rattan design such as the Renoir Outdoor Hanging Swing above brings breezy, coastal-inspired design to a seating group or lounge area while the Go Porch Swing – made from recycled plastic bottles is colorful and sustainable. Top with a plush water and uv-resistant cushion and a cozy throw blanket and just drift away as the rays of sun cascade over you in your own blissful oasis.
Outdoor games for competative fun
Not just for show, outdoor games are a great way to get the party started and have some friendly, competitive fun. Set up ring toss or bocce ball in grassy areas for a few rounds while the barbecue is heating up, or take on some friends in a rousing game of foosball on the patio. Designed for modern living, the You and Me Ping Pong table from RS Barcelona is so stylish that it doubles as a striking dining table that can be used indoors or out.
An umbrella for a shady respite
For those days where the sun is just unbearable but you are still looking to enjoy the outdoors, an umbrella brings some much-needed shade to a dining group or lounge area. Choose a neutral color option to effortlessly blend with any outdoor area, or bring a bit of flair to your backyard with the Parasolasido from Fatboy which features a stunning blue hue and colorful floral design. Pro-tip: Look for an umbrella that can be angled in any direction, that way you can easily adjust to face the sun no matter what time of day.
An outdoor rug for properly defined space
Great for defining space, adding texture, and bringing color and pattern to any backyard space, outdoor rugs are designed to stand up to the elements while bringing a piece of the indoors to your alfresco dining or entertaining areas. Available in a wide range of patterns and designs, stripes bring a coastal/nautical feel to a deck, geometric patterns bring a dynamic touch for a modern vibe, while solids make their mark in any space ready to be topped with a dining table, cafe seating, or outdoor sectional arrangement.
