In the midst of the uncertainty that is happening in the United States and around the world, it is comforting to have a space that you can call all your own – one that reflects who you are, that provides peace, ensures your safety, offers restoration and inspires joy. Such a place is your home.
We’ve all been spending so much time in our homes though, so what do you do when you get a little cabin fever? How about spending more time outdoors? With Spring in full bloom, warmer day and longer evenings should certainly be enjoyed. How about making your outdoor spaces your sanctuaries, too? What if I told you that they could be and that you can essentially double the square footage of your home, create a different vibe, infuse new energy and help you keep your peace as you shelter in place?
An outdoor space can certainly be an extension of your home OR you can create it to have a completely different mood or vibe — you get to decide. Are you wanting to add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise traditional home? Or create a fun zen space that compliments a mid-century modern vibe as we have with this project?
Landscape designer: John Beaudry, Author of Garden Sanctuary
Photographer: Jim Brady
There are some key elements that can help make any outdoor space your personal sanctuary. Of course, there is comfortable and durable outdoor furniture and beautiful landscape design. Once you have those in place, there are still a few more layers that I want to share that will bring in your style, reflect your personality, and help create a space that you absolutely love
I always like to add soft elements like throws and pillows to every outdoor living space that we design. These softer touches help the otherwise cold and hard surfaces of concrete and stone feel more inviting and relaxing. Pillows are also a great way to add color and pattern. Finding a favorite pattern can be the inspiration for an entire space like the hummingbird pillow that was used to make the start of a whimsical vibe.
You’ll also want to add draperies to soften the lines of vertical structural elements. Draperies will also help bring what you would expect to find indoors to the outside. The fabric that you use is very important here. You want to make sure that you use 100% solution-dyed yarn so the curtains and pillows are appropriate and can stand up to the exposure to the weather. One design tip that we like to share is to echo the draperies used inside, like in the master bedroom shown, with the draperies on the patio. The repetition ties the two spaces together and makes a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors.
Another soft element we love using is an area rug. An area rug outdoors? Absolutely! Not only is it an opportunity to add more style, bursts of color, and fun or relaxing patterns, it also helps to soften an outdoor space, making it feel as cozy as indoors. And just like indoors, an area rug will ground and define the seating area. So depending on the space you have, you can use multiple rugs to help define separate areas of your outdoor living spaces.
