Well, folks, it’s officially spring around Birmingham, which means our outdoor spaces are open for business! And by business, we mean sipping coffee, reading the paper, enjoying nature, and all those good things we love about the South.

If you’re new to Alabama, you’re in for a treat! We really do enjoy our seasons, and I have some great tips for styling the perfect outdoor spaces — for your own family or guests!

 

Outdoor Styling Tip 1: Wait Until Pollen Season is Over!

 

In case you haven’t heard (or seen), pollen has its own season around here. You might be eager to get your outdoor spaces styled and ready, but I highly suggest you don’t do anything until after this awful, yucky green goo is gone!

So let’s keep it to planning for now…

Outdoor Styling Tip 2: Plan the Space around its Function

 

Before you start, decide what the area will be used for. For example, my family has two areas:

One is for cozy sitting, enjoying nature, and having our morning coffee. The second is an area just for eating family meals. You can imagine that these spaces are styled a little differently!

 

Outdoor Styling Tip 3: Start from the Ground Up

 

Think of the ground first and work your way up! The last thing you want is to install a TV for game days… and then realize your couch works best on the other side of the patio…

An indoor/outdoor rug is a great place to start. These keep a space warm and are super easy to clean. Then you can style your seating arrangement — tables, chairs, couches, etc. — over the rug. This creates a sort of “room” within the space!

 

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Outdoor Styling Tip 4: Dress Your Outdoor Space Like an Indoor Space

 

Whether you have a patio, deck, or balcony, there is so much you can do to dress up the space for its enjoyment. Our first suggestion is to think of it like an indoor space.

These days, everything goes. If you want a couch, you can have a couch. If you want a bar and seating, you got it. And all of this can be done with materials that will stand up to the outdoors. (The modern age is good for something!)

You can read more on outdoor fabrics and materials here.)

 

Outdoor Styling Tip 5: Make Room for Entertainment

 

Our outdoor patio has a table and chairs but also a cute bar area. I used an old planter shelf and repurposed it for its new life as a bar caddy.

Hanging a TV is also a great option, whether just your family will be enjoying it or you plan to host at-home tailgates with your friends! At-home tailgate styling tips here… because we can. 😉

 

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Outdoor Styling Tip 6: Heat (& Eventually Cool) the Space

 

If you’re new to Birmingham, you might have already realized that our mornings and evenings can get a little chilly… but we certainly don’t let that hold us back!

We eat outside in all 3 seasons. One of those wonderful propane heaters is perfect for the cooler evenings. (A fan will also come in handy during the hot ones in summer!)

 

Outdoor Styling Tip 7: Add Some Curtains

 

Another thing that’s helpful is to add curtains to some places. These are great for keeping the sun from beating down on you and the rain from soaking the porch.

 

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Outdoor Styling Tip 8: Add Lighting

 

Have you noticed a pattern yet? We do not let little things like the cold, the heat, the rain, or the setting sun keep us from enjoying our outdoors!

Mount some outdoor lanterns for visibility or add a simple reading lamp for those quiet evening moments. Whatever your plans for the space, be sure to provide the light to keep the merriment going!

 

Outdoor Styling Tip 9: Add Greenery

 

This is the last step and the transition between your indoor space, your outdoor space, and the actual outdoors. Add some flower pots, herbs, or hanging potted plants. They’ll add some life to the space and give you that fresh breath of ahhhh…

Photo by Laurey W. Glenn (source)

Hopefully these were helpful, but not SO motivating that you’re going to ignore Tip 1. 😉

Have any questions? Need ideas? Or curtains? We’ve got you. Just give us a call and we’ll treat you like family.

See y’all next time,
Sheri and Style & Stitch