With warmer weather approaching, there is no better joy than spending time outdoors. Whether you have a quaint balcony or a sprawling backyard, creating an outdoor space that is both functional and beautiful can greatly enhance your time outside. 

After sharing our top picks for wooden outdoor furniture and our take on the best wood for outdoor furniture, we've consulted with a couple of our favorite interior design experts to bring you three essential tips for styling your outdoor space.  

Designers Jesse Bodine (Founder/Lead Designer of Bodine White), Sandra Cavallo (Old Silver Shed), and Jenny and Kate (Taylor Hills Interiors) come together again to share their best design tips for transforming your patio or porch into the perfect outdoor oasis.   

3 Expert Outdoor Living Tips

From fabric options to furniture selection, there's a lot to consider when styling your outdoor living space. As an extension of your home, outdoor spaces are warm-weather spots ideal for entertaining and relaxing. 

Read on to learn more about how to incorporate comfort, practicality, and style into your outdoor space!

1. Explore different materials for ways to express your style.

Including a diverse array of rich and unique materials creates a luxuriously layered space. With so many options out there for materials to incorporate into your outdoor design, we’ve included a few go-to’s to help you get started.

Fiqa Performance Fabric

The ultimate revolution in livable luxury, Four Hand’s newest outdoor performance fabric, FIQA performance upholstery effortlessly combines beauty and function for elevated outdoor space. 

This one-of-a-kind outdoor fabric is designed to resist fading, mildew, and moisture while offering a sleek and modern texture for an elevated touch.

Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Wood is an essential material for outdoor furniture, as it provides a natural organic feel without taking away from the elements of nature. The best wood for outdoor furniture according to our designers includes teak, cane, and eucalyptus for their immense ability to resist water damage.

Wood is the ideal material to help tie the natural surroundings of your outdoor space into your design. Incorporating your favorite wood pieces works beautifully with every style and provides a natural, organic feel to any outdoor space.

Whatever wooden outdoor furniture you choose, Sandra says the key to making your outdoor area feel inviting and comfortable is by adding the right cushions, textiles, and pillows to complement the surrounding natural elements.

Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Often made from synthetic materials that are resistant to UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes, wicker is highly durable and long-lasting. 

Wicker furniture can also give a more casual and coastal feel through its added texture, which can help create a relaxed and inviting outdoor atmosphere.  

Don't Forget to Mix and Match

The mix-and-match method is a wonderful way to add layered interest and personality to your outdoor area. This approach invites the eye to explore your outdoor design and take note of each unique texture it has to offer.

2. Style your outdoor space as you would an interior space or room in your home.

We really love the versatility we are seeing in this arena. Whichever outdoor furniture style you land on, the idea is to arrange your outdoor pieces as you would an interior space in your home.

Jesse Bodine, founder of Bodine White and Scout & Nimble, says she’s continuing to see this approach to outdoor living on the rise. 

The Modern Outdoor Sofa

Modern outdoor sofas are the perfect piece to blend indoor and outdoor styles. Their sleek and minimalistic design adds a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space,, making them an always-stylish choice.

Whether relaxing by the pool or hosting outdoor dinner parties, the right modern outdoor sofa can elevate any space for an updated feel that lasts through the seasons.

3. Layer up with rugs, pillows, and accessories.

Layering outdoor rugs, pillows, and accessories add a ton of interest and depth as well as extra coziness.

Elevating the Outdoor Experience

Jesse and Sandra along with Jenny and Kate interiors all approach designing outdoor spaces the same way they would an indoor space, relying on the finishing touches to tie everything together.

Whether you've got a wraparound veranda or a pint-sized patio, you can create an elevated outdoor living experience. By following these simple steps, you can design an inviting and functional area that also reflects your personal style. Your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home, a place where you can unwind, entertain, and make lasting memories with your loved ones.