Make it Spring - Outdoor Living Ideas by Redd Interiors

Love Your House Blog is all about loving your home. For me, that means loving it both inside and out. When spring comes, I love to move into my gazebo and begin my outdoor living. Being outside cleanses my thoughts after a busy or stressful day.

Look around your house, apartment, or townhome and find that perfect outdoor space. Ask yourself, "How do I like to spend time outside?" I hear all the time, "I'm just not an outside person." I bet you are, but you're not aware of the cool ways to make outdoor living easy and enjoyable.

Because I don't know your space, I'm going to work on my gazebo and share ideas that I hope you will want to use in yours.

1. Create something with cover

2. Have a place to sit and enjoy the space

3. Everyone loves a firepit!

4. Will you really use an outdoor kitchen?

5. TV or Music? Or both!

6. Think about the beverages

7. Don't forget the flowers!

These tips are great to consider when planning your outdoor living space. They help you think about the look, what you'll do in the space, and how to bring it all together. Let's explore the first two this week, and we'll address the rest over the next few weeks.

People love being outside, but we all need a way to escape the sun or rain! Maybe it's a big umbrella or a simple gazebo. Or perhaps an attached structure is a better fit for your lifestyle? Each option has benefits, so let's explore them.

The variety of umbrellas available today is amazing. They come in countless sizes, shapes, and colors. I love how really big umbrellas have retractable arms and are so easy to tuck away. Smaller ones are also perfect if you have limited space!

Now, let's talk about color. Solids or stripes? Geometric or boho? Some umbrellas even have lights and speakers built in, so you can have shade when you need it and light when you want it! Some even offer Bluetooth capabilities. Invest in the best quality you can afford, as this will increase longevity. I'm seeing lots of edge details with snappy piping and alternating colors that you can coordinate with your décor.

For outdoor furniture colors, I'm noticing a different trend. Many options feature neutrals with pops of color to keep things fun and interesting. The furniture itself tends to be more understated rather than bold. However, remember to make the space yours—if you love bright, fun fabrics and bold outdoor accessories, then go for it! Be yourself and let your personality shine.

There's an ongoing debate about cushioned furniture versus sling furniture. If your space isn't under cover and will frequently get rained on, I recommend sling furniture. This type is made of plastic woven threads that allow water to flow through, drying very quickly. Don't think this is an old-fashioned, dated look. On the contrary, it's a trending material that makes outdoor living much easier, and you don't have to worry about storing bulky cushions during winter. Check out how stylish this set is with the contrasting back and pop of color.

Cushioned furniture offers fantastic comfort but works best when kept under cover. A gazebo or an attached structure is ideal in this situation. When you combine quality outdoor fabric with outdoor foam, the cushions and fabric will last a long time. I recommend using a storage container during winter months to extend their longevity even more!

Try these ideas and see how they fit in your space. Now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor area to get the best selection and quantities!