It’s summer, which means we’re pulling off the exterior furniture covers, hauling items out of storage, and maybe considering a new summer project. If you need a little inspiration for updating your outdoor space, there are a few expert-approved areas to address.
“Lighting, textiles, and plants are always my top three when it comes to quick fixes for an outdoor space,” says Brady Tolbert, an interior designer based in Los Angeles. Tolbert’s priorities, combined with furniture, comprise the main elements you should update during your next reno. Read on for expert tips that’ll make you want to do anything alfresco.
Level up Your Lighting
Design by Brady Tolbert; Photo by Amy Bartlam
“String lights over a seating area, or around a balcony railing if you live in an apartment, are super affordable and instantly create a mood,” Tolbert says, whose own backyard reflects the power of good lighting. “I would also recommend these solar landscape lights, which don’t require any electricity and really light up the space.”
Consider Nabbing a New Rug
Design by Stephanie Hunt; Photo by Blake Bellet
Both Tolbert and Stephanie Hunt of The Flairhunter recommend a new rug to provide a fresh textile to your space. Tolbert just purchased this washable option from Ruggable, which he calls “a game changer.”
“I’ve used a lot of different outdoor rugs in the past, but they always end up dirty, dingy, or moldy over time due to the elements,” he says. “The fact that you can pull this one up and throw it in your washing machine when it needs a good clean makes it a major win for me.”
Hunt repurposed a blue indoor rug with a snake pattern from Ruggable for a touch of “whimsy” on a porch. “Add freshness with blues and greens against a rugged exterior siding and an earthy toned chair,” she advises.
Think Outside the Box with Plants
Design by Susie Novak; Photo by R. Brad Knipstein
With your budget in mind, Tolbert has one pro tip: Don’t sleep on Facebook Marketplace.
“I’ve purchased, and even picked up for free in some cases, some really amazing plants for my outdoor space,” he says. “A lot of people just want to offload them so you can usually get them at a really affordable price.”
If you want to enlist a professional to lug your items, Tolbert says the appropriately named company Lugg is an on-demand service that can pick up and transport your plants back home.
But where should these plants live? “A mounted wall garden brings lush greenery to balconies or patios,” says Susie Novak, founder and principal designer of Susie Novak Interiors. “It softens up the space and is something that many people don’t think about!”
Novak says there are plenty of metal wall planters you can purchase online to DIY a wall garden, or you can call up a gardener.
Elevate Your Furniture
Design by Susie Novak; Photo by R. Brad Knipstein
“A hanging chair instantly elevates a small outdoor space by adding comfort, style, and a sense of escape,” Novak says. “I often recommend rattan or woven styles and you can add some fun cushions to give the look personality. In some cases we have really cute custom cushions made! They’re ideal for patios and create a lounge-y zone that feels super fab on a budget.”
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