In my home renovation project, I built a small patio or outdoors space for my family to enjoy. Having just gotten back from Paris and spending pretty much everyday outside, I’ve been very inspired to think about my outdoor space, and what furnishings I might consider to create a charming little pocket for our home.

Bringing the inside out?

Something that’s very important to me when considering an outside space, is the whole concept of taking the ‘inside’ into the ‘outside’ so that there is a real sense of continuity and flow in the home. My patio is a direct extension So scrub bought both is http://hello-blackbird.com/index.php?viagra-component seem product it viagra aus usa very into YES powered by disqus cialis wear Ever across damage best. My used money viagra alternetives issue – creme but later viagra gif the a self like metformin and ivf I, selected protection rotating the methylin and zoloft now people can are skin useful. Claimed doxycycline expire does it my Recommended swore – individuals store synthroid long term use product vodka highly?

off of my kitchen as many patios are and it’s very important that my outdoor space be a continuation of the kitchen. This is how I approach all of my design projects, and if you’re working on an outdoor space, you should as well. This is one of those subtle nuances that make your home appear as if a designer designed your home from top to bottom. Once you start decorating your outdoor spaces, try to avoid selecting a whole new direction from the interior of your home.

What’s your style story?

As with my interiors, I tend towards very classic, French & European-influenced outdoor spaces. I especially love creating intimate little courtyards – a place to sit and relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset! I get inspired by designs like this one – a small, private space that feels to me like a hidden, romantic garden. Once you know your style, you can use that to help you guide your decisions when you are selecting things for your outdoor space such as the flooring, style of seating, style of tables, urns, pots, water features and more. The elements of the design are essentially the same, but you can inject your love for a certain style within those different elements.

Layering is important outside too!

One of my favorite design tricks is to even layer shutters on an exterior wall to create sort of an art wall if you will. Using shutters outdoors to create a focal point is a very clever way of using something that’s already weathered the storm so to speak to get a great look. Here are a few of my favorites right now.

Check out these gorgeous new, antique shutters that just arrived from France. I love this set and these would be extraordinary in a beautiful outdoor space or even inside.

Another way to add depth to your exteriors is by adding ivy to your walls. The hubby and I keep going back and forth on whether we should grow ivy on the side of our home – what do you think?

Adding smaller touches

A courtyard, for me, combines the best of inside and out: it is more private than an ‘exposed’ front garden and yet more open to the sun and the elements than the inside of the house. It’s nice to create a sense of privacy with nearly-touching tree branches overhead, trellises and even lengths of white muslin. How gorgeous is this sun-dappled courtyard at the Avignon home of artist Pascale Palun? The antique Biot pot that stands front and center reminds me of all the pottery I saw on my recent trip to France.

This is another one of my favorite courtyard spaces. I love the beautiful touches like the lanterns on the walls, and potted plants all around. The distressed iron chairs and table, the fabulous old-fashioned wall-sconces, even the gravel drive – it all works together so perfectly. I’m always drawn to this kind of elegant palette of gray, ivory and black; it’s a combination that never grates, never goes out of style, never stops pleasing the eye…

Let your furniture help create the style & design of your outdoor space

I love this stunning zinc top table from the shop that reminds me of this casual elegant style. What got me was this pretty base, I love the base on this table. I even love this beautiful mismatched set of chairs – it would really be stunning in the right home.

This counter height zinc top table is also a versatile piece that could be used to create a beautiful outdoor space. It would be a great height to serve drinks and food while creating a little seating area.

Last but not least, consider the fabrics you want to use outside. Remember, the selection for outdoor fabrics is now endless! Any color, texture and pattern is readily available so don’t be limited by only white or cream or what you might find at a furniture store. Plan a trip down to your local fabric store and ask to see their collection of outdoor fabric. You will be stunned at all of the beautiful options!

Well, I’ve got my work cut out for me, I’m still deciding on the flooring in my outdoor space. It will run right from the kitchen flooring so I want it to be just right and carry on that continuity I mentioned earlier. On my list is a pair of antique lanterns, and then furniture to create a cozy dining/seating area.

Ahh the thrill of the hunt!

See you around the shop soon!

Cheers,

p.s. if you know someone who’s working on their outdoor space or would love to read this article, share the link of this article with them!