Maximizing Your Outdoor Spaces This Summer: Because Your Backyard Deserves Main Character Energy

Alushia Fitzgerald
Jun 1
4 min read

Alright, bestie—let’s talk about outdoor spaces. It’s summer, which means it’s time to take full advantage of every square inch of your home—including the ones outside. Your deck, patio, front porch, or backyard? They’re not just places to plop a lawn chair and call it a day. They’re extensions of your living space and deserve just as much love as your interior.

So, let’s break down how to turn your outdoor areas into stylish, functional, and straight-up dreamy spaces you’ll actually want to use this season.

1️⃣ Treat Your Outdoor Space Like an Actual Room

Here’s the mindset shift: your patio is just another living room—it just happens to have better natural lighting. Your front porch? Think of it as a cozy entryway that sets the tone for your home.

To make these spaces feel intentional (and not like an afterthought), ask yourself:

✔ What’s the function? Lounging? Dining? Entertaining? A mix?

✔ What’s missing? Comfy seating? Shade? A focal point?

✔ How can I make it flow with my home? Keep the color palette and style cohesive with your interior.

Once you think about your outdoor space like an extension of your home, it suddenly becomes way easier to design it with purpose.

2️⃣ Create "Zones" for Maximum Use

Ever notice how the best interior spaces have clear zones for different activities? Your outdoor space should be no different.

☕ Front Porch = A Welcome Moment

Think cute bistro set, layered doormats, oversized planters, and cozy lanterns. The goal? A spot that feels like a warm hug every time you (or your guests) step up to the door.

🍹 Patio = Outdoor Lounge Goals

Picture this: A seating area with a sofa, lounge chairs, and an outdoor rug that makes your patio feel like a real living room. Add in a fire pit or an outdoor bar cart, and boom—you’ve got an entertainer’s paradise.

🌿 Backyard = The Ultimate Hangout Spot

Define different areas with pergolas, string lights, or even outdoor rugs. Have a dining area with a sturdy table, a lounge zone with a sectional, and maybe even a cozy fire pit corner with Adirondack chairs for summer nights.

The more defined your space is, the more inviting and usable it becomes.

3️⃣ Invest in Stylish Yet Durable Outdoor Furniture

Your outdoor furniture should feel just as inviting as your indoor pieces (because who wants to sit on stiff, uncomfortable chairs?). But it also needs to withstand the elements—because, let’s be real, summer weather is unpredictable.

🛋️ Outdoor Sofas & Lounge Chairs – Look for deep seating with weather-resistant cushions that actually dry quickly.

🌞 Dining Sets – Choose something durable like teak, aluminum, or composite wood to avoid fading or warping.

🪑 Accent Chairs & Ottomans – Lightweight but sturdy pieces let you rearrange seating depending on the vibe.

And let’s not forget: Outdoor rugs and throw pillows bring in texture and warmth—so your patio doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

4️⃣ Light It Up (Because Ambiance is Everything)

Lighting is the difference between "meh" and "magazine-worthy" when it comes to outdoor spaces. You don’t need one big light—you need layered lighting to set the mood.

✨ String lights – Instantly cozy and make everything feel more magical.

🔥 Fire pits & lanterns – Adds warmth (literally) and a soft glow for evening hangouts.

💡 Wall sconces or path lights – Functional and stylish—so you don’t trip over your own deck steps.

The right lighting transforms your outdoor space from daytime hangout to nighttime retreat in seconds.

5️⃣ Add Greenery & Natural Textures

Nothing makes an outdoor space feel alive quite like, well… actual life.

🌿 Potted Plants & Planters – Large leafy greens, hanging ferns, or even herbs for a functional touch.

🌾 Natural Materials – Woven baskets, rattan furniture, teak wood accents—these all add warmth and texture.

🌸 Seasonal Florals – Whether it’s a container garden or window boxes, fresh blooms make any space feel special.

Even if you’re not a plant person (no shame, not everyone is in their grandma gardening era), low-maintenance greenery like succulents, snake plants, or boxwoods add a polished touch without the stress.

6️⃣ Bring the Indoors Out

Want to know the trick to making your outdoor space feel extra inviting? Use indoor elements outside.

🛋️ Soft throw blankets & pillows – Perfect for chilly summer nights.

🖼️ Decor & Accessories – Think lanterns, ceramic vases, or even a weather-resistant coffee table book.

🕯️ Scent & Sound – A citronella candle (keeps bugs away and smells amazing) + a portable speaker with chill summer playlists? Instant mood.

Your patio or deck should feel like an extension of your home, not just a random space with plastic chairs and a grill.

7️⃣ Shade & Shelter: The Outdoor MVPs

Unless you love sweating through your summer cocktails, you’ll want to incorporate shade into your outdoor setup.

☀️ Umbrellas – Quick and easy, plus they come in every style imaginable.

🏡 Pergolas – Perfect for creating a cozy outdoor "room" effect.

🌿 Outdoor Curtains – Stylish and functional—great for blocking the sun and adding a breezy, resort-like feel.

A little shade goes a long way in making sure your outdoor space is comfortable all day long.

The Bottom Line: Make Your Outdoor Space Work for YOU

Your outdoor space should feel just as thoughtfully designed as your interiors. Whether it’s a front porch refresh, a patio glow-up, or a full backyard transformation, the goal is to create a space that feels like YOU and actually gets used this summer.

And if you’re staring at your outdoor space thinking, Where do I even start?!—don’t worry, we’ve got you. We offer design consultations and styling services to help you bring your vision to life (or figure out what your vision even is). Whether it’s a small tweak or a full outdoor makeover, we’re here to help. Let’s make your outdoor space a summer dream!