The steps below follow the order of the work for this remodel inspiration by room project.
Entertaining outdoors is one of my go-to summer pastimes. And you can make your outdoor space just as inviting as the inside of your home by designing a cozy outdoor room. Your setup may not be just like this one, but whether you have a great porch, a direct patio, or are starting from scratch, we’ve got 8 great tips to create an inviting space for your family and guests. (image via Better Homes and Gardens)
This post contains affiliate links. Find our full policy and disclosure here.
8 options for Creating an Inviting Outdoor Room
1. Keep It Covered
Adding a covering of any kind helps enclose the space and keep it personal and cozy. A square pergola like this feels like a coffered ceiling, but any kind of covering will enhance the room effect. Consider using a direct awning or even an umbrella to create a covered space for keeping guests comfortable in the shade.
2. Light The Way
A fun light fixture completes the room without making it too serious for fun gatherings. For this glass bottle light, you can build your own following the directions from Better Homes and Gardens, or you can semi-Handmade it using this inexpensive wine bottle chandelier fixture from Amazon. If the glass bottles aren’t your style, try making your own wicker light shade or stringing up a set of outdoor lanterns.
3. Make It Cozy
Adding curtains gives the impression of a room with walls without actually closing off the view or shutting out a cool evening breeze. And direct curtains are straightforward to Handmade! Be certain to use a material that will survive outside. You could try these drop cloth porch curtains from Organize and Decorate Everything or these direct sheet curtains from Welcome Sunshine Home. If you’re entertaining in a pergola, drop cloth sails create a ceiling without being stifling.
4. Sit Down and Put Your Feet Up
Furniture makes the room. It’s important to have ample, comfortable seating at any party. Build your own outdoor sectional using Ana White’s plans, and top them with plenty of soft cushions and pillows. Use fiberfill and outdoor fabrics to help them last longer. A small table gives room for guests to set their drinks or put their feet up. Build this outdoor coffee table or modify an existing table by cutting a small hole for a bucket and iced drinks.
5. Barefoot Friendly
Define the space while keeping your guests and their feet comfortable with a thick, handmade rug. I found several different Handmade rope and rag rug styles, including a braided rag rug by A striking Mess, a crocheted rope rug by Wholly Kao, and a wide braided rug by Martha Stewart.
6. Clean It Up
You wouldn’t host a dinner party without vacuuming the carpet, so clean up the floor outside, too! A concrete patio cleans up well with water and a bit of soap. If your wooden deck is showing wear, see how Ruth refurbished her deck and made it look like new.
7. Add Life
A few direct planters with hardy plants help the space feel lively. Choose your plants to thrive in the amount of sunlight they’ll receive. I love the coppery tone of these rustic redstone planters — they’d be a well fitted touch for any outdoor space!
8. Inviting Approach
Keep the rest of the yard open to guests, and invite them to explore with a direct pathway. Lay down stepping stones or line a path with solar lights. Creating a grass and paver checkerboard makes the yard even more fun. Get the instructions here from Better Homes and Gardens.
Other inspiring and inviting outdoor rooms:
House striking
Better Homes and Gardens
See more Get This Look inspiration such as
 |
 |
 |
Bright White Double Vanity Bath Bekob’s Park House Kitchen Sunny Corner Banquette
