Summer Decorating Ideas - Outdoor Living Spaces

My personal preference is to keep summer projects simple and on the light side since there’s already a lot going on with summer activities from Memorial Day, 4th of July, pool parties, barbeques, picnics, and so forth. So I remind myself that my goal is to enhance and build upon the summer festivities, not create more projects that are going to end up looming over my head. So here are some ideas to start off the summer decorating series beginning with our first topic: 

Versatile exterior living spaces are enjoyed by many of us here in Florida. We use them for relaxing, patio dining, hanging out with family, entertaining friends and laying out by the pool. More and more we are bringing the indoors out with an ever growing emphasis on comfort and personal delights. In the same manner we romance our interiors we can carry out the process to our outdoor spaces. Spruce and freshen things up by adding color just as we do indoors with, say with changing out of some accent pieces, throw pillows, centerpieces and so forth. Seating areas also get treated in the same fashion by arranging and grouping vignette seating areas so they’re conducive for conversing along with their complementing side tables to set beverages upon. 

The Magic of Paint! Outdoor paints today are expanding into an endless selection. Rather then replacing, consider re-use of your existing outdoor furnishings. You can use paint to update an outdated color scheme or as a simple enhancement for example of a plain wicker set with say a soft trendy pastel color. Personally I like the look of the darker especially on the wicker/rattan style furniture, just keep in mind the darker colors absorb more heat from the sun (especially metal) unlike the lighter colors which reflect the light. They are also more subject to fading. In either case if you go the painting route, consult with your local paint professional to get the job done as simply as possible and with the use of the correct materials. When you’re done it’s time for the cushions and with comfort being the emphasis these days, consider adding overstuffed ones along with supporting pillows. 

Art. Additional outdoor paint applications could include accenting an outdoor wall to complement your setting or theme. If you don’t have a view, create one! Add a tropical mural, stenciling, or outdoor metal or ceramic wall art. Decorative framed tile groupings are fun too. The options are endless out there. Those plain white concrete garden statues many of us have can also be painted with a complementing color for a cohesive look and really pull the outdoor theme together. I am not talking a contrasting bold dramatic color just a light monochromatic hue in a lighter shade of the predominant surrounding colors perhaps from your pavers or decking. It will tie them more fluidly within your space. It’s these subtle yet minor touches and details that make a big difference. 

Area rugs. Weather resistant outdoor area rugs are in the trend mix too. The ones we have in the shop literally are made to absorb and dissipate liquids, be out in the rain, and are stain resistant. Spill red wine on it and where it goes we still don’t know but it truly disappears leaving no indication of any spill. Ask for us for a demonstration as we loving showing people. Very Cool! 

Outdoor lighting. Lighting is always a nice addition ranging from traditional styled outdoor lamps to whimsical novelty lights. Yes the ones that you can get with lanterns, palm trees, flamingos, grapes, chili peppers or just about anything you can think of today. Tacky maybe, but like anything else when use and applied in the right setting they can work and really add some character as well romance! A new favorite of mine are LED Tiki torches. Very neat and nice alternative to flame version, great for condo dwellers where you really shouldn’t be using open flames on the balcony! It’s incredible what these companies are coming out with today. 

Plants. We can’t forget about plants! Potted plants and palms, hanging baskets of flowers, orchids, ferns are always fun even if you don’t have a green thumb. For myself I can keep them alive for a while but then the inevitable happens. So what I do now is just leave my decorative pots empty without soil, so I can simply pop in what ever I like for the season. Leaving them in their original potting from the garden center and however long they last, they last. What can I say …I know its a bad habit….I’m a plant killer and need a garden club intervention, although I don’t think it would stop me . Honestly I do it for the beauty, warmth and color they bring to any space. There is good news, recently I have been able to expand their longevity and minimize my guilt with the use of a drip system! Drip systems have been around forever but it’s a whole new world to me and I love it, love it, love it! Right down to the title of the box it came in “The “Drip Kit for Dummies” by Orbit. For under $20 it had everything I needed. It was fun too and it simply hooked up to my garden hose. If you go looking for one at your hardware store my advice to you is to ignore the a la carte items. It only confused and deterred me. The dummy kit truly has all you need to get rolling…then go back and have fun with adding all the bells and whistles the systems have on the market today. 

Color Trend Update: Global Color Research™ Color of the Month: Powder Blue NCS: S 0510 B10G Powder Blue is the color of the month for May! The sunny days clear sky optimism of Powder Blue is expected to be making an appearance in the design and fashion worlds. It’s a color known for its calming and soothing effects, associated with purity, cleanliness, intellect, and synonymous with luxury. .Tiffany’s boxes are this color! Great for use in a off ice space for jobs requiring concentration and most popular amongst new moms for infant rooms.

Memorial day is upon us! It’s a perfect time to start sprucing up outdoors. Don’t forget to pop in some patriotic colors into the mix even it’s just with napkins, paper goods, or a simple arrangement of red, white and blue carnations. If you looking for more just drop by the shop where we are featuring a variety of spectacular, festive patriotic decor items. Enjoy!