By Michelle Lynne
President, ML Interiors Group
Generally, this time of year doesn’t inspire thoughts about outdoor living, but here in Texas, our weather is pretty mild during the winter months, so it’s still a great time to create an outdoor living area that you can enjoy.
It’s fairly simple to extend your patio season well into the winter and make it feel like a seamless extension of your indoor living areas if you use the same style inside and out. Think of it this way: You’re adding extra square footage to your home.
Here are some tips we use when designing an outdoor oasis for our clients:
Divide outdoor living space into zones
Instead of considering your outdoor space as one big area, break it down into zones. You may want a living room, fireplace conversation zone, or outdoor dining space with a separate kitchen and eating area.
Figure out the right furnishings for your needs
Once you know what you want in a space, focus on seating. If you’re dividing the room into multiple zones, each area can have different options.
Consider an outdoor sofa or two with multiple chairs and stools in the living area that can act as side tables or extra seating. TV is a fun way to relax in the fresh air and enjoy the seasonal shows we all love.
Set up multiple chairs around a fireplace or fire pit to make a cozy spot perfect for conversations.
A dining table is also an excellent way to extend your time outdoors and enjoy gamily meals al fresco. And don’t forget an outdoor swing: These really add a touch of interest and comfort to the space.
Start with a large rug
Just like inside, a rug helps define your living space. Today, there are many options on the market that will withstand the elements and create a sense of coziness outside. Ensure you select an outdoor specific rug. Putting a regular rug outside is a recipe for disaster — and mildew — even if it’s a covered space. There are plenty of options made with weather-resistant materials that repel water and resist fading.
Choose weather-resistant fabrics and materials
Just like rugs, everything you put outside, from pillows to chairs and tables, must be made from weather-resistant materials.
Choose performance fabrics for the outdoors. These are made with a special thread that’s dyed through the fabric, not just the top layer, meaning they won’t fade or stain. Many also resist mildew. Some of our favorite brands are Sunbrella, Perennials, and Inside Out Performance Fabrics.
When it comes to other materials, you’ll want to look for hardy woods like teak or ipe and tables made from concrete, stone, or metal that won’t rust over time.
Final design touches for outdoor living: lighting and accessories
Thought you were done designing your outdoor living space? Not quite yet.
Just like you wouldn’t leave your inside surfaces bare from any accessories or artwork, you need final touches outside, too. Consider live greenery in decorative pots and other organic materials that will withstand the elements, and can be brought inside as needed.
Adding lighting to an outdoor living room can help it feel like a secondary living space of your home – and make it easier to enjoy the dark winter nights when the sun sets early. Lamps, lanterns, and chandeliers can go outside just like any other element, as so long as the material is weather-resistant.
Art and decor helps tie your outdoors to your indoor living areas and inspire that warm, homey feeling that will keep you outside all winter long. Having throw blankets handy for colder weather is also an easy way to stay comfortable during the cooler weather.
If you’re looking for help designing your outdoor oasis, contact us to get started.
Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than a decade working in Corporate America. She has built a successful design firm, employing multiple talented designers and growing the services provided to include full-service residential, multi-family, and virtual design services.
