One of my favorite things about spring and summer is spending more time outside. Over the years, I’ve realized that if I want us to actually use our outdoor space, it needs to feel just as comfortable and inviting as the inside of my home. Once I started treating our patio like an outdoor living room instead of just a place with a table and chairs, we started using it so much more. Last year, I upgraded my patio and finally got an outdoor couch, coffee table and chairs. And that was the beginning of the end. Since then, we have spent so many more days outdoors on our own patio…no matter what season it was! If you’re looking for some easy outdoor patio styling ideas, here are some of my favorite ways to make a patio feel cozy, styled and put together without completely redoing the space and spending a ton of money.
Create a comfortable seating area
The biggest thing that changed our patio was arranging the furniture like an actual living space. Instead of pushing everything against the walls, try pulling furniture in closer and creating a conversation area and a dining area. Create areas outside just like you would inside. It should all flow.
Add planters and greenery
One of the easiest ways to make a patio feel finished and styled is by adding planters with greenery or flowers. This instantly makes the space feel more alive, colorful and welcoming. I love using a few larger planters instead of lots of small ones. Bigger planters make more of a statement and really help anchor the space. I usually like to place planters near seating areas, by the door or in corners that feel empty. Mixing greenery with seasonal flowers keeps everything looking fresh and layered. It also makes it feel more like a peaceful outdoor oasis, somewhere you want to go.
Add pops of color
You can do this with flowers, a rug, pillows, etc. It will cost less if you keep your main pieces neutral and add color with items that aren’t as expensive. It will also give everything a unified look and then add some visual interest with the color.
Add the finishing touches
Things like pillows, blankets and even lights helps really cozy up the area and makes the vibes warmer and more relaxed, like the place you want to end your day. The goal is to make your outdoor space feel like somewhere you’d drink your morning coffee, host friends or sit after a long day. You don’t have to completely redo your patio to make it feel beautiful and put together. Sometimes just adding a few planters, an outdoor rug, some new pillows and lighting can completely transform the space. All I added this season is 3 new planters, 1 new plant and new pillows. They all cost less than $150. Outdoor spaces are one of my favorite places to style because they don’t have to be perfect to feel beautiful. A few plants, comfortable seating, and soft lighting can turn even a simple patio into a space you actually use and love spending time in. Here’s to spring and many more beautiful days spent outdoors. Do you love spending time out on your patio?
