Interior Design Approaches Liven up Outdoor Rooms

Activity Leads to Arrangement

Just as you use furniture, decorations and art in your living room or den to create a flow and to give your room personality, you can do the same with a porch, patio or deck. Just like you do in the Functional Furniture Arrangements article, think about how you use your outdoor space before you get started. Do you like tanning in the sun, reading, entertaining or some other activity? Do you grill out often or enjoy dining outdoors? Or do you use your outdoor space for relaxing?

The type of activity that occurs on your deck, porch or patio will dictate how much room should be left open. An area used for parties should have a lot of space for mingling, while an area for relaxing could be much more cozy. At this point, also decide where to leave space for a walkway—preferably 2 ½ feet in width.

Furniture For the Elements

Once you decide what your space will be used for, decide on your furniture. Not only what pieces you need, but what style you'd like. Just as you do with interior furniture, try to find a style that matches the personality of the room. There are many style choices for your outdoor needs, from aluminum, for a more modern look, to wicker and teak for a more refined look. Outfit your space with seats, chaises, tables, hammocks and umbrellas to fit your needs.

If your patio furniture needs an update, try using a wood stain in an elegant darker color. Then add a nice, protective finish by sanding the furniture and painting with an even coat of spar polyurethane. This brightens the finish and protects it from the weather.

For more helpful tips on choosing the perfect outdoor furniture for your space, visit Lowe’s Creative Ideas: Furniture Alfresco.

The Focus of Attention

Now that it's time to start placing furniture, think about an important interior decorating concept: focal points. This is one particular aspect of an area that you want to highlight. Examples from interior rooms include fireplaces, windows, artwork, or a television. Many decks and porches have a view that should serve as the focal point. Give every seat access to the view; no one should sit with his or her back to it. Avoid placing any decorating accents between the seating area and the view.

Some patios, decks and porches don't have an obvious focal point, so you might have to make one. Here are some ideas for focal points that you can create:

• Find an ornate, urn-style pot and plant a rose bush in it for a striking centerpiece.
• There are many ways to incorporate a water display on your deck or patio. Fountains, koi ponds or even a simple birdbath can be inexpensively installed and provide a calming retreat.
• Climbing flowers are a beautifully natural way to add a focal point, as well as block the view of an unattractive aspect of your outdoor area. Install a lattice or trellis and train clematis or another climbing flower to grow up it.
• A fire pit or chiminea is a perfect way to add a little warmth, as well as a focal point. These pieces will also let you start relaxing outside earlier in the spring and later in the fall.
• A piece of furniture can be the focal point. Many outdoor areas are used mainly for meals, with the table as the focal point, but you can add more interest to it with decorative centerpieces, colorful umbrellas or an outdoor lamp.
• Try adding a pergola, a porch covering with an open-lattice ceiling, for a dramatic focal point. You can train vines to grow over the top or use it as a showcase for hanging baskets.

After you've decided where the focal point of the space will be, arrange your furniture in relation to it. Create conversation areas by grouping furniture together, creating more intimate spaces.

To keep your outdoor furniture in good shape longer, bring them inside when the weather gets colder. Before you store them, clean them with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ^® Extra Power.

Fill In With Beauty

Finish off your outdoor area with accent pieces. Inside, these accent pieces could include artwork, plants and interesting lighting techniques. Outside, you can fill in empty spaces with planters of colorful flowers or pieces of outdoor art created by local artists. Look for not only sculptures but also wall hangings and hanging sculptures or windchimes.

Add color and whimsy to your outdoor space by hanging pom poms around your patio. Glue silk flowers and butterflies to Styrofoam balls to create colorful outdoor decorative pieces. Add ribbon to the balls and hang around your outdoor space using iron potted planter hooks.

You can help define your space, as well as shield unsightly views, on your deck and patio by creating faux walls with fabric. Hang beautiful pieces of fabric from roof overhangs or balconies to create even more of an interior feel.

Add lighting and visual interest with some of the decorative lighting featured in our Creative Outdoor Lighting article. But the best way to finish off any space is with the good cheer of your friends and family.