Published: April 18, 2011, By Abbe Fenimore

Taking It Outside

The temperatures are rising here in Texas so now is the time to enjoy the “Spring” weather before the triple digits set in.  Spring time is the perfect time for updating your patio or outdoor space. But maybe your outdoor space leaves little to be desired and still has a bit of the blahs from this past Winter that keep you from enjoying the space.  Think of your outdoor space or patio as an extension of your home; it should still be comfortable, welcoming and stylish.  There are many ways to update your existing space and even if you on a tight budget, adding a new rug or throw pillows can really brighten up the area.

Here are a few of my top pics for easy outdoor updates.

Outdoor rugs are a great way to define your sitting out dining space and can be a great opportunity to bring color and pattern. Outdoor rugs have come along way and if the idea of grabbing a standard khaki and rust rug from your local hardware store isn’t getting you motivated, take a look at these ideas.

Chains Outdoor Rug in Green:

Lloyd Outdoor Rug in Chocolate

The Florin Blue rug brings in a modern pattern

Adding new outdoor pillows can also be a quick way to update your outdoor space. Many designers now have their own outdoor fabric line so creating a stylish look in your outdoor space is easy.  Trina Turk has a fabulous line of indoor/outdoor fabrics available through F Schumacher that can be used to recover your existing outdoor furniture or for a few new pillows.

Above: Trellis Print | Santorini Print | Arches Print

Don’t have access to Trade Only fabrics? Retailers like Horchow and carry pillows made from Trina Turks outdoor fabrics too.

One of my online design clients came to me with her her bland patio and was looking for affordable ideas that would bring in color and liven up the space.   We added a few pillows to bring in pattern, grounded the space with an area rug and added a few colorful garden stools as side tables. We updated the patio with a budget of $1500 and the impact was huge.  See more Before & After more details HERE.

BEFORE: The space was lacking any personality and the layout was not working for my clients. Images Via: Studio Ten 25

AFTER: The new layout and additional pieces really make the space feel updated and my client’s are excited about using the space and entertaining.

Large outdoor spaces can also be a challenge when selecting furniture and accessories.  This client’s outdoor space has multiple patios that wrap around the Mediterranean style pool. In order to create a cohesive look and feel, we purchased  mixed pieces from the Lloyd Flanders Napa outdoor furniture collection from The McGannon Showroom in Dallas.

For the small patio we choose lounge chairs that swiveled and rocked so guest could lounge comfortably. We also placed a chair and a half in the large corner to balance out the space and create a place for guests to kick their feet up. The coordinating chaise lounge  pieces were a perfect fit for the pool area.

Images Via: Studio Ten 25

For the main patio, we created a seating area around the fireplace and used the same swivel/rocker lounge chairs along with the Napa sofa.  Neutral outdoor rugs with a pop of red tie in with the multi pattern pillows and create the understated look my client was after.