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There’s no time like the present to spruce up your outdoor space. Whether you have a fire escape or a sprawling yard, there are a few things you can do to make your space feel cozier. When it comes to decorating an outdoor space, Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at online interior design service Modsy, says it’s all about having comfortable furniture.
“Since many of us are stuck at home, we can leverage outdoor space to provide a reprieve and offer a change of scenery,” says Wood. “It’s important to get the fresh air you miss from those little moments of stepping out of the house now that there’s nowhere to go. If you can create an inviting outdoor space, it will make your home feel less cramped—offering a bonus room of sorts.”
Kendra Ovesen, vice president of merchandising at furniture rental site Feather, says you don’t need a ton of space to enjoy it.
“If you’re lucky enough to have a little yard or a balcony or a patio, make the most of it—add comfortable cushions, chairs, benches, whatever works for the layout you have,” she says. “The more inviting your space is, the more likely you are to take advantage of it. Even if it’s a tiny space, sitting outside and feeling the wind on your face, the sun on your skin, these are incredible indulgences.”
Ideas for decorating an outdoor space from design experts
1. ANTHROPOLOGIE POLKA DOT INDOOR/OUTDOOR POUF, $198
If you’ve got a fire escape you want to make comfier, Wood says to look for light items that can easily be moved in and out. “This Anthropologie pouf is perfect for creating a quick seat and easy to pass through the window,” she says.
2. World MArket CHARTREUSE VELVET TUFTED FLOOR CUSHION, $45
If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the ground, opt for this cushion from World Market. Keep in mind that this is designed to be used indoors, so be sure to bring it in when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements.
3. BARBET LOUNGE CHAIR, $459 or rent for $19/month
“For a small balcony or even a shared rooftop space, think versatility and dual-function furniture you can use indoors and outdoors,” says Ovesen. “For example, our Barbet lounge chair looks great in your home but is also perfect for outdoor lounging”
4. Society 6 Sling Chair, $120
Ovesen loves sling chairs as the softer curves will create a visual contrast to harder geometric lines of any other furniture you have. This one from Society6 is great because there are so many fabric options that you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
5. Sun Squad 7′ Cabana Stripe Beach Umbrella, $30
“Umbrellas are a key component to the perfect patio,” says Wood. “Having an umbrella allows prolonged periods outside and gives you the opportunity to work on your laptop—so your outdoor space can be just as useful as your indoor living room. I love colorful umbrellas as they remind me of a beach vacation (one day we’ll meet again!), this red and white one from Target is a great price point for a fun pop of color!”
6. OPALHOUSE BALTIC CABANA OUTDOOR RUG BLUE, $12
Wood loves Target’s Opalhouse outdoor rugs because they can add a pop of color and bring warmth to your space. This little rug is perfect for small spaces. A rug is especially useful for those that lounge on their fire escape, as it keeps things from slipping through the cracks.
7. MOMA SPAGHETTI OUTDOOR LOUNGE CHAIR, $200
“An ’80s classic, the spaghetti armchair is great for a quick sun session on the fire escape and can be easily taken to the beach or the park,” says Wood.
8. CB2 IDLE II WHITE SUN LOUNGER, $299
If you have space for a permanent lounger, take advantage of it. “I love the minimal simplicity of CB2’s Idle II Sun Lounger,” says Wood. “With the adjustable back it’s perfect for napping in the sun or reading with a marg.”
9. MIOMBO SIDE TABLE, $249 or rent for $10/month
“This is a fantastic place to set your morning cup of coffee or evening cocktail,” says Ovesen. “This will save you money and space because you don’t need to store it anywhere when it’s not in use.”
10. DASH & ALBERT CATAMARAN STRIPE DENIM/IVORY INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUG, $54
“You might not think to put a rug outdoors, but they add a great pop of color and make your outdoor living space feel as cozy as your indoor one,” says Wood. “Choose an outdoor grade rug that is meant to withstand the weather and easy to clean! Dash & Albert rugs are some of my favorites for outdoor use, they’re so easy to clean (just literally hose them down), and they add a preppy pop to any space.”
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