Sprucing Up an Outdoor Living Space for Spring

An empty deck is transformed into a party-ready living space with a mix of bold accessories, clever planters and smart furnishings.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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©Sarah Dorio Photography

Outdoor Living Room Makeover: After

This once-neglected deck is reinvented as a bright and cheery spot to enjoy warm-weather seasons with family and friends. To whip it into shape for spring, brand-new furniture, lush greenery and fresh accessories were added to the quaint living area.

Outdoor Living Room Makeover: Before

Before the makeover, the living space was lacking in color, furniture and liveliness.

Change Up the Color Scheme

Adding fresh, springy colors to an outdoor space can be as easy as swapping out throw pillows. To outfit the area with layered pastels, the chairs and sofa were accented with mismatched pillows featuring playful, seasonal patterns.

Play With Texture

Like color and pattern, texture is also important when designing an outdoor living space. To add texture to sleek and streamlined furniture, woven throw blankets in a springy shade of blue-green were added to the chairs and sofa.

Offer Ample Seating

When furnishing an outdoor living room, it's important to pay attention to comfortable seating options for guests. Avoid wood, metal and cushionless armchairs, and instead look for low-slung chairs with swiveling or rocking bases and plush upholstery.

Add Stylish Underfoot

A quick and easy way to give an outdoor space an updated look is by adding a patterned area rug. Stylish and practical indoor-outdoor rugs are made of fade-resistant and mildew-resistant materials which add big impact with low maintenance.

Add Chic Storage Options

As weather heats up, it's wise to install wall hooks to an outdoor living room for easy access to seasonal items and clothing.

Create Privacy

The key to a successful outdoor living space is privacy, especially for homes close to one another. In order to ensure the conversation area felt privatized yet open and airy, furnishings were all arranged to face the adjacent dining area.

Natural Separation

Designer Dan Faires added an extra layer of privacy to the living space by constructing a wall of hanging window box planters. This creates visual separation without blocking the area from the dining space.

DIY Planter Table

Dan transformed a wooden table into a multipurpose outdoor planter with paint, a jigsaw and a plastic planter. The herb garden, which doubles as a live centerpiece, adds a touch of whimsy to the conversation area.

Seal the Deck

Of all springtime outdoor projects, sealing the deck is probably the most time consuming. To protect decks, railings and pergolas from harsh weather, lightly sand all surfaces with an electric sander. Next, wipe all surfaces clean with a damp cloth. Once the wood is dry to the touch, apply one or two coats of sealer to the surfaces using a staining pad or a roller.

Sprucing Up an Outdoor Living Space for Spring

Related To:

Shop This Look

Outdoor Living Room Makeover: After

Outdoor Living Room Makeover: Before

Change Up the Color Scheme

Play With Texture

Offer Ample Seating

Add Stylish Underfoot

Add Chic Storage Options

Create Privacy

Natural Separation

DIY Planter Table

Seal the Deck

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