With summer just around the corner, it’s time to dial in your outdoor hangout space. This year, it’s all about adding greenery to the experience. Want to be one of the cool kids? Check out these five tips for bringing your patio or balcony to life!
Envision Your Space
Begin by envisioning how you want your space to look. Are you planning on spending your time curled up reading a book under candlelight? Or do you want to add a modern spin to your chic downtown patio and create an area to host guests for dinner parties? Get an understanding of how you want your space to look and feel, and then start designing.
Pick Your Theme
This can be one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. Decide on a design that fits your style. Create a space that exudes the kind of vibes you want to immerse yourself in. If the thought of a quiet countryside setting brings you peace of mind, add a cobblestone path surrounding wildflowers and weathered wood. Or maybe you’re looking to add some feng shui to your outdoor space, and a Japanese-style garden with bamboo and moss would bring more zen to your life. If your favorite lighting is the full moon and you find yourself sitting under the stars, add some witchy herbs and flowers to vibrate positive energy around you. Create a sense of journey so every time you step into your special space, you’re transported.
Add Foliage
Start building the perfect backdrop to your outdoor space and add some foliage. No matter what theme you’re shooting for, you can find foliage to fit. If you have a cityscape patio with rustic brick walls, set up a trellis against the brick and watch climbing ivy grow and bloom up your walls. If you want to add beachy vibes to your outdoor Tiki bar, add potted palm plants to bring the tropics to you.
Pick Out the Perfect Plants
Once you have your vision and theme in mind, head over to your nearest nursery and start picking your favorite plants. Keep in mind the different ways to display your plants, and pick accordingly. Use potted plants to add dimension and pops of color. Make a vertical garden of hanging pots and fill them with succulents or herbs – just make sure there’s proper drainage. Use edible plants to create flair that’s also a delicious addition to your dinners. Use repeating patterns of plant types and colors to create textures and symmetry in your space.
Finish Off With the Final Touches
Add final touches to your outdoor hangout space to emphasize your theme. Glowing lanterns will elevate your personal zen garden. Add industrial string lighting to create a warm, yet modern atmosphere on your downtown balcony. Uplighting in large potted plants adds an element of dimension and colorful ambiance to your setting. Lamps and small lanterns will add warmth and coziness to your outdoor reading nook.
Want to see more tips on styling your outdoor space? Check out the Olympus Alameda blog.