Do's and Don'ts of Design...Outdoor Living

The weather is warming up, and we here in Phoenix practically live outdoors this time of year. Follow these simple tips to create an outdoor setting you'll be proud to entertain in.

DO Treat your patio as an extension of your home.
If your style is contemporary, choose outdoor furnishings and accessories within that same style. This will create a more "cohesive" look to your spaces.

DON'T Forget color!
In years past, there was a very limited selection of outdoor fabric choices. Now, you can find just about anything your heart desires! From traditional, to neutral, to bold and beautiful, enhance your furnishings with bright cushions and accent pillows.

Added bonus - outdoor fabric works great for your messier areas like the dining room. Not only will you get something that looks and feel great - but you can even use bleach (without harming the fabric) to remove the toughest spills.

DO Create conversation areas much like you do inside your rooms.
Group 4 chairs around a low coffee table. For more intimate conversations, pair 2 comfy lounge chairs with a small table and an ottoman to share.

DON'T Clutter the patio!
Keep accessories simple. Add a few decorative planters with colorful flowers, a simple iron wall hanging, and an vibrant outdoor rug to complete the look.

Do's and Don'ts of Design...Bringing the Outdoors, In

DO Use natural textures.
Adding elements such as a sisal rug or chunky Abaca chair will instantly add texture and interest to your space.

DON'T Use primary colors.
Take a walk outside and soak in the colors of nature. Your paint choices should mimic the green of the leaves, the bark of the trees, or the warm brown of the dirt. Looking for great accent color inspiration? Think the beautiful fuschia of an bouganvilla, or the vivid orange of a marigold. Nature doesn't do bad color combinations!

DO Use Natural flooring instead of anything man-made.
Wood, cork, bamboo, and stone are all great choices.

DON'T Forget to open your drapes!
Natural light is the best way to bring the outside in!

Finds under $50...Bringing the Outdoors, In

Spring's arrival makes us all want to spend as much time outdoors as we can. What could be better than bringing those outdoor elements we love indoors so we can enjoy them 24/7?

Loving this contemporary lamp from Lamps Plus. Great style for under $45.
This pebble mat from Chiasso would work great in your bathroom, or even kitchen. Great texture for only $48.
Doesn't get more nature inspired than this shower curtain from Target!


Baskets are a great way to add instant texture to a space - with an added storage bonus! These open weave baskets are only $9.99 from Cost Plus!

Finds under $50...Small Patio - Big Style!

Here are some great finds to spruce up even the smallest patio!

Line the ceiling of the patio with various paper lanterns in different shapes, sizes and colors for a fun, festive and inexpensive lighting solution: Here are some great dining chairs from Ikea with tons of style - for only $49.99 each: Spread these tea lights all over the yard for added sparkle - for only $9.99 each you can afford lots of sparkle! What a great idea for a table centerpiece: These floral pillows from Pier 1 will accent the rug beautifully! Dull concrete? Why not brighten it up with this fabulous 4'x6' turquoise rug for only $24.99: