It’s probably safe to say we’re all well-acquainted with the process of designing the living room inside a home. It’s the place where we invite family and friends to kick up their feet, have a drink, and dish about their day-to-day—and as such, we strive to make the space welcoming and comfortable (all while being easy on the eyes). We love this part of the home, but during the summer months when the sun really makes its debut, we prefer to take our time with friends outdoors. That said, we’re dishing out all of our deck décor ideas below and sharing all the tips you need to create the ultimate outdoor living room. And we’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill deck décor—here’s how to create an outdoor space that will be just as inviting, functional, AND chic as any indoor living room…
Have a clear design vision in mind.
Much like the process of decorating an indoor living room, having a clear vision of what you want your deck or outdoor space to look like before you begin is crucial. Whether that means sketching out a rough outline of where everything will go, creating a wish list of cohesive outdoor furniture and accessories, or something else, having a plan in mind from the beginning will help you avoid hiccups along the way. When it comes to designing a true luxury outdoor space, randomly selecting outdoor pieces you pass at your local hardware store just won’t cut it. Gray selected his pieces from Stori Modern, but we also love these modern options from Teak Warehouse and, of course, these coastal-inspired looks from Serena & Lily.
Combine form and function at every turn.
First and foremost, designing outdoors presents a unique challenge—all pieces that you intend to leave outside need to be able to weather the elements (whether left out in the open or covered up when not in use). But keep in mind, functionality and style can coexist! Just because you’re decorating the outdoors doesn’t mean everything has to be plastic. Opt for pieces that are both beautiful and durable, such as resin wicker, rattan, and teak wood, covered with outdoor-friendly upholstery. For an in-depth breakdown of the best materials to use outside, click here.
Don’t be afraid to add artwork.
You read that right… The outdoors may not seem like the friendliest place for your precious artwork, but believe it or not, it’s not out of the question! Gray displayed his Santa Monica Vertical print in an area that is covered overhead and relatively out of the sun and other harsh elements. And if you’re still nervous about your frame getting ruined by rain, wind, or direct sunlight, simply tap a nail into the wall so you can easily bring your artwork out for social gatherings, then stow it away in a safe place when it’s not needed. But one thing is for sure… displaying art outdoors will create a conversation piece for guests, and truly make your outdoor space feel like a complete room—not just your typical deck.
Don’t neglect the accessories.
Although the outdoors aren’t so fitting for shelves and shelves of décor accessories, that doesn’t mean you should ditch them altogether. A bare outdoor space can feel cold; dress it up with a few accents, such as water-resistant trays, hurricanes or lanterns, and gorgeous planters to add a touch of personality to your outdoor living room. And yes, even throw pillows have a place in the great outdoors!
Tie everything together with an outdoor rug.
Nothing acts like an outdoor design magician quite like a patterned outdoor rug. Your furnishings, accessories, and pillows may all be beautiful on their own, but a large area rug is truly what will tie your design together and create a feeling of home. Keep in mind that guests will likely be treading on your outdoor rug with shoes on, so select something that will not only weather the elements, but your guests’ foot traffic as well. We love patterned outdoor rugs for this reason, and a rich color like Gray’s marine blue rug is perfect for disguising any scuffs.
Make entertaining accessible.
Whether your goal is to kick back with your S/O in your outdoor space at the end of a long day, or invite droves of friends over for Champs and apps to celebrate summer, make sure your outdoor space and serving areas are seamlessly connected. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to have a full outdoor bar (although, we wouldn’t object!). Even if your space is small, keep an outdoor-friendly bar cart tucked away in the corner or set up some counter space to easily dish up food, drinks, or anything else you want guests to be able to access easily. This way, your deck will feel like a more complete part of your home when entertaining, rather than a disjointed add-on.
What tips would you add to this list?
We don’t know about you, but we’re dying for an evening al fresco right about now… For more design inspo, visit our interiors section on the blog HERE.
Happy decorating!
Xx Team GM
Photos: GrayMalin.com