7 Outdoor Spaces for Every Style
Check out our editors' favourite outdoor spaces—all designed by our bloggers with Wayfair products.
Photo: Dear Lillie
As crisp spring mornings ease comfortably into the bright, carefree days of summer, outdoor get-togethers take centre stage. Our bloggers were eager to soak up the sun and went to work transforming their backyards and patios from underused (or never used) spaces to beautiful entertaining spots where they can enjoy the weather with family and friends.
These spaces prove that you don't need a large yard to enjoy the outdoors, and you don't need to spend a lot to create a space your whole family will be clamouring to spend time in. Take a look at seven of our favourite transformations below.
1. Preppy
Julia, of Lemon Stripes, knows what she likes. She's put her love of bold nautical stripes on full display with this preppy outdoor conversation area. Dark woven seating provides a crisp contrast to the bright white cushions and accessories. The chinoiserie-inspired garden stool and vases add a touch of glam and add variation to the aesthetic.
Get the Look: Can't get enough of this preppiness? For a colour palette, stick to navy, white, pink, and yellow. Use wide stripes and floral patterns for rugs and pillows. And when in doubt, monograms, monograms, monograms!
Tip! Elevate your outdoor dining with matching tableware. Here Julia uses blue napkins and striped straws to tie the whole look together.
Photo: Simple Stylings
Summer, of Simple Stylings, took on the challenge of her narrow porch and created two independent seating areas with one conversation set. By setting up a small lounge area on one side and a space to dine on the other, she was able to double the use of the space.
Get the Look: If you're working with a small or awkwardly-shaped space, choose furniture that can be easily rearranged to accommodate guests. Go with a neutral palette and only a few accent colours. Keep dual spaces cohesive by using the same rug.
Tip! Small spaces need items to do double duty. Garden stools are a great alternative to a large table because they act as either a coffee table, end tables, or can easily become extra seating for guests.
Photo: Lia Griffith
Lia Griffith, of her eponymous blog Lia Griffith, has an outdoor space nestled in the heart of the city, so it's only fitting that her decor match the sleek skyline. Dark grey, straight-lined chairs and modern square metal planters mirror the high-rises' angular silhouette. An orange-and-black palette was chosen for its bright pop of colour and ability to work in spring, summer, or fall.
Get the Look: Choose sleek black furniture with modern lines, and simple, unadorned statement planters. Here, boldly-patterned orange pillows, along with a trefoil area rug, bring a much-needed infusion of colour.
Tip! Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits aren't only great additions in the summer—they act as heaters in colder months.
Photo: Thistlewood Farms
KariAnne, of Thistlewood Farms, used raised gardens to surround her space with flowers. The best part about this accessory is that she can move them closer or farther from her conversation set—or into the shade or sun.
Get the Look: Let your natural flora and fauna shine. Stick to a black and white colour palette for furniture and accessories. Add wrought iron accessories like the sophisticated metal spheres.
Tip! If you've got a large yard, pavers and outdoor rugs help to delineate spaces, giving them their own prominence within the landscape.
Photo: Dear Lillie
Lillie, of the blog Dear Lillie, set up a cozy space to enjoy her lush, wooded backyard. A cross between Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the pages of Country Living , this fashionable and functional space has quickly become a new family favourite.
Get the Look: With neutral furniture, use a large buffalo check pattern in an unexpected colour and coordinate with a similarly coloured rug. Add globe lighting and an outdoor fireplace to create a glow. Finish the look with a splash of pink accessories, injecting just the right amount of femininity.
Tip! Get more use out of your outdoor patio by incorporating lighting! Not only does it extend the use of your outdoor space from day to night, but it creates a magical backdrop.
Photo: Shanty 2 Chic
Whitney, of Shanty 2 Chic, created a relaxing porch set- up with rocking chairs for everyone. With space to hold six or more people, the rustic spot is kept contemporary by artful touches, from the terracotta-potted succulents and the blue medallion pillows, to the modern grey and white striped area rug.
Get the Look: For a cool, calming look, choose furniture with light wood and keep textiles in the blue and grey family.
Tip! When entertaining family and friends, the more seating the better—but don't forget to give them a place to set down their drinks. Consider garden stools or side tables for seating that may be a touch too far from the coffee table.
Photo: Shanty 2 Chic
Ashley, of Shanty 2 Chic, created this kid-friendly poolside escape. Striated woven seating sets an elegant scene and matches the existing wood fence. A picnic table set up nearby allows wet children to sit, hang out, and eat their snacks while the adults enjoy the conversation set within full view.
Get the Look: Think about your family's outdoor needs. If you've got children, a large communal table that's low to the ground is a great addition! Not only can children sit unaided, but it provides a place for wet towels and drinks to live off the floor and away from the side of the pool.
Tip! Especially if you have children, think safety first. Make sure accessories (like Ashley's lanterns) aren't made of glass. Should something get broken, you want to any errant pieces that fall in the pool won't hurt little feet.
Photo: Shanty 2 Chic
