SUMMER-READY OUTDOOR LIVING (THE RIGHT WAY)
Thoughtful tips for creating an outdoor space that feels both lived-in and loved.
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when the weather warms up—doors open, dinners drift outside, and your patio quietly becomes the heart of the home. But before we get too swept away in visions of al fresco evenings and sunset spritzes, let’s talk about where to begin.
START WITH A CLEAN SLATE
Truly. Before you layer on a single throw pillow or start browsing new planters, give your space a good clean. A simple wipe-down or pressure wash goes a long way. Winter tends to dull even the most charming corners, but once the surfaces are refreshed, everything you layer on top will feel that much more inviting. It’s like fluffing the pillows before guests arrive—small move, big energy shift.
PATIO MAINTENANCE MUSTS
Spring prep starts with a quick once-over of your outdoor upholstery. Mildew has a sneaky way of showing up where you least expect it. After that, check your planters—this is a great moment to bring in seasonal greenery—and touch up any chipped furniture finishes. These little tweaks go a long way in keeping the space feeling thoughtful and well-tended.
ADD SOFTNESS + LAYERS
One of my favorite ways to make a patio feel more lived-in (especially before the summer heat rolls in) is to add soft layers—throws, pillows, and textiles that make you want to stay a while. I personally love In2Green for their eco-friendly indoor/ outdoor throws that are both cozy and fun - a quick way to add instant personality.
SKIP THE MATCHING SETS
This one is a bit of a hot take, but one of the most common mistakes I see is a full matching patio set. Outdoor spaces deserve just as much design consideration as your living room. If you wouldn’t buy a furniture suite for your living room, don’t do it for your patio. Mix materials - pair a woven lounge chair with a vintage cast-iron table. Add texture, soul, and interest. It’s the difference between a space that feels like a catalog and one that feels like you.
LIGHTING CHANGES EVERYTHING
My favorite low-effort, high-impact update is lighting. Candles, lanterns, and rechargeable table lamps instantly shift the mood. Pop one on a side table, and suddenly the whole setting feels intimate and glowy. You don’t need to do much to make a big difference, and rechargeable lamps are the perfect, easy, low-maintenance addition to bring outside when the sun goes down.
DESIGN WITH ZONES IN MIND
If you’re working with a smaller space or a tighter budget, start by focusing on function. Even the most compact patio can feel intentional and layered when you create distinct zones—think a café table for morning coffee and a cozy chair with a side table for evening wind-downs. For larger patios, it’s all about balance: create intimate moments within the layout so the space feels equally inviting whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening for two.
MATERIALS MATTER (A LOT!)
Another hot take: I will never buy cheap outdoor furniture. Big-box sets that seem like a great deal usually won’t last you through the season… and end up costing you more once you have to pay for a replacement every year. Instead, I always recommend investing in powder-coated metal, teak, strong wicker, and performance fabrics like Sunbrella. They wear beautifully and don’t require constant care. Just a note: teak is incredibly durable, but it is high-maintenance—if you’re not up for the upkeep, powder-coated metal is a chic, low-fuss alternative.
WHAT’S TRENDING THIS YEAR
Curved silhouettes, warm wood tones, and bold geometric textiles are having a moment—and I’m loving it. It’s a look that feels elevated without being too serious - something along the lines of a little playful, a little polished. I always love thinking of an outdoor space as the perfect place to try something a bit bolder than you might indoors.
STYLE MEETS DURABILITY
My philosophy? Form follows function — but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun together. Start with timeless silhouettes and durable materials as your foundation, then layer in personality through pieces that are easy to refresh, like pillows, slipcovers, or an outdoor rug. While your core outdoor furniture should be built to last, smaller upholstered accents are the perfect place to play—and to swap out when the elements start to wear them down.
SET THE MOOD THROUGH MUSIC + LIGHTING