Wanna step outside for a sec? No, girl… not like that! With so much interior inspo going around, I thought it’d be fun to switch things up and share some exterior design! Without further ado, here’s a quick tour of our outside living sitch, and a little insight into how we created the design for our outdoor retreats.
Let’s start with the pool area, shall we? Granted, I completely understand that not everyone has a pool to design around. I mean, we didn’t until this year! But if you happen to have this backyard luxury, or even just a simple patio… then this part’s for you!
We’re New Englanders, so the pool/patio area is a warm weather enjoyment. When I think of summer, I think of whites and neutrals, and that’s what inspired my design aesthetic for this space.
I’m sure you can imagine that adding an inground pool takes up a pretty good chunk of land (think patio, fence, landscaping, etc.) and because of this I really wanted a minimalist and sleek approach to our layout. Of course we also have babies to consider, so our choices had to be kid-friendly (read: let’s skip the super hard, sharp edges like squared, concrete side tables). Instead, I opted for softer materials like woods & wickers, which are always a fave of mine!
Given that this area has quickly become the new “hub” for our outdoor entertainment, we also wanted a few smaller details that would accommodate hosting parties and/or late nights, including rock speakers, an oversized umbrella with LED lights and an abundance of citronella candles to keep the ‘skeeters at bay!
Another recent addition to our yard is a brand-spanking-new fire pit! This spot is pretty close to (and visible from) our pool area, so in order to set it apart from the rest of the yard we decided on using stone to create an “island” type appearance. With the fire pit in the center and just a few fun chairs, we were able to create a laid back spot that doesn’t compete with our pool space.
They say three’s a crowd, but not when it comes to functional outdoor areas! That’s why we also added a front porch when we renovated our home. This porch is seriously used on an almost daily basis, spring through fall – even with the addition of a pool! It was the first major outdoor living space we designed ourselves, and it’s the best spot for a morning cup of coffee, a nap in the swinging papasan, or a happy hour in the shade!
A porch is truly an extension of your home, so it was essential for me to keep the design cohesive with our indoor style. If ya don’t know by now, (hello, are you living under a rock?!) I’m all about texture, neutrals and comfort, so that’s the aesthetic that made its way outdoors.
Creating an outdoor oasis doesn’t require a large yard, patio, etc.! It’s all about maximizing the space you have with a few thoughtful touches. So whaddya think – ready to take it outside?!