Are you enjoying these longer summer evenings? I am, so much! I sat in my back veranda last evening for hours sipping homemade lemonade, listening to the fountain, and appreciating all the plants and trees in bloom. This is such a relaxing time of year, I’m thoroughly enjoying spending more hours outdoors now that I have done a quick and FREE refresh of my outdoor space. I hope you are enjoying your outdoor space too!

5 Quick Updates For Your Patio

1) Rearrange your outdoor furnishings, consider adding a few indoor touches if under a covering - or take them in and then back out when you are using the patio Serving trays on the table, throws, baskets, extra pillows all add to that "homebody" feel!




2) Soften the look If you have a covered deck area or porch, utilize the vertical space if you aren’t already. Install hanging planters, drape bistro lights across the ceiling (or create a ceiling with string lights if one isn’t already there), or even hang outdoor curtains to make your outdoor space feel more like a living room.



3) Fill your planters with sunshine, using layers of plantings.. Why not update your pots and place them on stands for height.



4) add an all-weather rug to anchor the space: Just as they do indoors, rugs can have a big impact on your outdoor living area, so even if that’s the only change you make this summer, your space will feel distinctly different. Because of the materials, they’re made out of, outdoor rugs are often much cheaper than those made for indoors. But if you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly idea or can’t find a rug you like, DIY your own! You can brush or spray paint a border or other patterns on a plain rug to make a bold statement in your space.



5) Extend your hours of use by adding lighting Sometimes all a space needs is an ambience refresh. Depending on how exposed your outdoor space is, you can get really creative with the lighting sources. I already mentioned hanging pretty string lights, but we’re also big fans of oversized lanterns and stone hurricanes for candles, which always provide the best lighting for evening gatherings. If your porch is covered, you could even bring a couple of table lamps outside.

Do you have some ideas to add?  Drop me a line and share what you've done.  Jonelle'