These long summer nights are what I dream of all year long; it really does make such a difference in the days when it is still light out at 8pm. Which in turn, means a lot of people are spending their extended daylight hours outdoors. A functional and fun outdoor space can really make a home, so we decided to put together some helpful tips from a few Charlotte designers. We asked Shelby Blackburn of Storey Home, Sarah Andrews of Traditions and Lauren Clement from Lauren Nicole Design to show us the way to create the perfect haven for that summer cocktail.
1. Have a seat: Shelby from Storey Home’s top tip is “to keep it clean! Stick to a monochromatic palette for your base pieces, and add your color with pillows (or even add “funk” by picking out a fun coffee table). That way, if you get sick of them, they are less “painful $$” to replace and easier to update.”
“Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole advises “when shopping for your patio furniture, opt for durable materials and coverings that can withstand North Carolina’s year-round temperature and weather conditions. My personal favorites are items made of resin, a lightweight and flexible material that can withstand every type of weather or outdoor activity.”
If you’re looking to purchase new furniture Sarah from Traditions recommends their favorite line, LEE, for outdoor upholstery, as its “solution-dyed acrylic fabrics in an array of colors and textures hold up to the elements and slipcovers can be removed for easy cleaning. Custom covers make it simple to protect the furniture in the off-season.”
2. Lighting is one of my favorite ways to set the perfect ambiance in your space- whether it is installing some outdoor lighting to highlight trees or just a simple string of light bulbs, lights instantly makes a space more inviting. My personal favorite? Lanterns with flameless candles inside. Sarah from Traditions also recommends not overdoing it- the dusky dim lighting sets the mood all by itself.
3. Seasonal updates can be done every season to keep your space from looking tired. It can be as simple as fresh new pillows with pops of color for the season or changing out the flowers in your containers. It really does make a huge difference. Lauren makes an excellent point, “use Sunbrella fabrics or anything outdoor rated, these products withstand moisture and prevent your bright colors from fading while incorporating bright colors, airy fabrics, and natural and organic textures or accessories will transform any outdoor space to your own little slice of summer paradise.” Shelby of Storey Home also recommends “Perennials, an all time go- to outdoor fabric company for designers, has come out with a line of outdoor RUGS! Another great way to add that pop of fun!”
4. Privacy– making your backyard into your own personal oasis usually begins with making sure neighbors can’t see directly into your space- trees and a fence are the two most common ways to fix this but pergolas are also a wonderful way to create an intimate space as well. Looking to define your space or hide an ugly corner of your patio? Storey Home says “stick some neutral containers with some fresh flowers in front of it and no one will know but you.” A trellis of vines is also a cheap and easy way to cover many outdoor eyesores as well….mandevilla, climbing hydrangea, hops, clematis, and Lady Banks rose are popular choices and vary in their height, density and vigor. Traditions favorite for outdoor concrete pieces? “Currey and Company can take the weather and provide a nice foil to more typical outdoor materials like wood/fabric/wovens.”
5. If you really want to amp up your backyard space I suggest adding in some of the earthy elements such as fire and water. A fire pit is always cozy and makes the space more usable year round. A fountain makes a space more serene and peaceful and doesn’t always have to break the bank- a simple bubbling basin is all you need to get the effect.
6. Cooking = An outdoor space is much more versatile when you bring the kitchen with it. It doesn’t have to be an over the top redo to get a little of the kitchen outside- even a small grill and a table to eat around makes such a difference. Food really does taste better outside…
Finally, Traditions makes the best point of all “most importantly – select low-maintenance, no-fuss products and materials. Outdoor spaces are meant to be escapes, not another maintenance nightmare!”
Just in case you’re doubting any of my points I thought I would add a real home to show you exactly what I am talking about. Here are some beautiful backyard redos by the very talented designers Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs and Sarah Andrews from Traditions.
If you are more in the DIY decorating and have limited funds to create your new outdoor room, where do you go in Charlotte to achieve the look on a budget? Classic Attic in the backlot of PRSC (Park Road Shopping Center) always has great outdoor options- checkout some of their current selection below. Since this is a consignment shop, there is almost always something new in store and things sell quickly! While there, you can check out the new Midwood Smokehouse and grab some container plants at the Blackhawk Garden Center.
