Outdoor Designer Looks for Under $500

The experts share tips on how to create your dream outdoor space for less than $500.

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January 22, 2015

By: Farima Alavi

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Photo By: Sandy Koepke

Bohemian Outdoor Space

A bold, colorful area rug can transform a boring outdoor space into a lively area for entertaining. Designer Emily Henderson created this bohemian outdoor room with a patterned area rug, stumps-turned-cocktail-tables and basic string lights.

From: Emily Henderson

Don't Forget the Ceiling

Designer Ashley Astleford's main focus when designing this room was incorporating a lot of color. Bringing color to a space can change its ambiance without emptying your wallet. Throw pillows do the trick, but paint unexpected surfaces — like the ceiling — to really brighten the room.

Rustic Outdoor Dining

Designer Sandy Koepke dressed up an old trellis with LED string lights and hanging plant chandeliers to create a charming rustic look. Complete the look with antique chairs you can find at the flea market, and fill antique lanterns with basic white candles. Photography by Jennifer Cheung

Vibrant Wall

Vibrant paint can add a high-end look to a cement wall. Bonnie Bridges of Boor Bridges Architecture made the wall useful by attaching a wooden slab shelf and simple potted plants.

Intimate Setting

Create an elegant, intimate space with candles. Designer Greg Schaumburg of Hursthouse Landscape Architects & Contractors filled a copper basin with water and floating tea lights for the perfect way to light an outdoor party.

From: Bob Hursthouse

Painted Deck

Freshen up your deck with a little paint. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn adds color to this outdoor space by painting a two-color rug design with porch paint. Place a table on the design to create a stylish outdoor dining space.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Vertical Garden Wall

Designer Jamie Durie created a vertical garden wall by filling pockets with edible plants. To get this look on a budget, use hanging plastic shoe storage, and fill it with your favorite plants.

From: Jamie Durie

Japanese Patio

Designer Emily Henderson created this Zen, Japanese-inspired outdoor space with just a few key elements. To save money, spray-paint mismatched chairs you already have all in one color to tie them together. To add a playful touch, spray-paint plain terra-cotta pots in bold colors. A repurposed pendant light and a small area rug provide a charming finish to the space.

From: Emily Henderson

Wall Mural

If you have extra money to spend, incorporating a work of art on a wall or fence can really set the tone for your outdoor space. Designer Jamie Durie included this mural, designed by aboriginal artist Gabriella Possum, for an unexpected focal point.

DIY Hanging Daybed

A daybed in an outdoor environment is perfect if you want a serene place to take a nap or read a book. Ana White of Ana-White.com made this bed using basic carpentry skills and few materials. Get the full instructions here.

Mediterranean Courtyard

These simple benches were made using recycled timber from the surrounding trees. Designer Jamie Durie suggests splurging on a few items, such as the hand-painted tiles displayed on the wall. The extra detail will add a luxurious look to your outdoor space.

From: Jamie Durie

Outdoor Designer Looks for Under $500

Related To:

Shop This Look

Bohemian Outdoor Space

Don't Forget the Ceiling

Rustic Outdoor Dining

Vibrant Wall

Intimate Setting

Painted Deck

Vertical Garden Wall

Japanese Patio

Wall Mural

DIY Hanging Daybed

Mediterranean Courtyard

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