Turn Your Patio Into a Colorful Outdoor Room

It’s easier than ever to add a casual, comfortable vibe to your outdoor space. Skip the basic one-size-fits-all outdoor furniture your parents had and go with multi-functional pieces that show off your unique style.

We love good-looking, weather-resistant furniture. This pair of chairs is wide, comfy and adds a little tropical flair to any outdoor setup. (P.S. - They look super cute indoors too!)

You can’t host a proper neighborhood happy hour without the utility and style of a bar cart. Okay, you can BUT... a classic version like this one is totally worth the spend because A.) you’ll have it forever, B.) it’s multi-functional, and C.) we just like how it rolls. Literally.

Nothing says kick off the flip flops and stay a while like a soft, vibrant rug. Most patios come up short when it comes to flooring (we’re looking at you, concrete slab!), so amp up the fun and comfort with an outdoor area rug. HINT: Bold, colorful patterns hide more dirt and the occasional red wine mishap!

Adding one large plant can really warm up your patio or deck and help anchor an otherwise empty corner. Taller plants just have a way of helping delineate a space and make it feel more like an outdoor living room.

Houseplants are having a MAJOR moment and we can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t get it on that action. Go with pots in a bold color or a unique texture to add interest to your existing decor. Plant stands are a great way to give smaller (i.e. less expensive) plants more height and visual weight. This is especially helpful for those of us with not-so-green thumbs and/or deep pockets.

Your outdoor space is where you like to relax and have FUN! That is exactly why you should add a few accessories that show off your playful side.

Just like a rug helps your outdoor space feel soft and cozy, pillows and blankets do too. Evenings can get a little breezy, even in the South, so comfortable throw blankets are a must-have.

Don’t skimp on the pillows, especially if your space is protected from the weather. If you’re on a budget, pillows are a low-risk way to inject a bit of color and pattern into your existing look. Plus, it makes ANY seating you have instantly feel more inviting.

If you plan on enjoying your patio after dark, your space needs the right lighting. Sure, you don’t want to run into any of your cute new patio furniture (a broken toe is never a good look), so overhead lighting is important, but pretty ambient lighting is a close second. This playful DIY outdoor chandelier takes a couple of hanging planters strung with LED fairy lights and transforms them into something sparkly and special. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Patio too hot? Less-than-stellar view? Don’t sweat it, fix it with this pretty DIY garden screen. Stylish basket planters paired with repurposed shower curtains will have your outdoor space looking chic and feeling like a private oasis. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Once your patio gets a solid spruce-up, you’ll be ready to do some serious outdoor entertaining. Cleverly present (and protect) all those delish offerings by repurposing decorative accessories like small bins, lidded baskets and terrariums (yes, that’s a terrarium!). And you’ll want to dig out your glue gun to make this super easy, DIY rope-wrapped cooler!

Be ready for guests (even the clutzy ones) by having plenty of acrylic dishware and melamine plates on hand. Look for fun patterns and textures to add a more eclectic, Boho style to your next alfresco dinner party.

Don’t have a fancy projector? Make this DIY version with a small shipping box and a few items you probably already have around the house. Get the step-by-step instructions >>