Tips To Create A Fab Outdoor Living Space

An outdoor living room is a must in South Florida. But with summer approaching we all need a little nature lovin’ space. It must be cozy for quiet family time and for entertaining, it must be a great place to eat or read, and it must function at night and during the day — in short, it’s a needy environment! That’s ok, I love needy… it’s a design puzzle I love to solve. There are many different ways to achieve this, here are some of my tips:

1. Outlet Furnishings: The Restoration Hardware outlet in South Florida is a wonderful place to purchase great product at a discounted price. You are limited to what is on the showroom floor, but usually there is more than enough to choose from. For this outdoor, poolside sitting area I found neutral cushions and deep seating in a more traditional style. It was perfect for the small space available.

2. Pool Face Lift: This pool was dated and drab. I gave it an easy face lift with inexpensive, porcelain rectangular tile. Then carried that tile along the pool parameter just above the waterline. It didn’t cost much and it instantly updated the look. This project requires a professional pool tile installer but in a few days you can have a pool that looks new.  No need to go with the traditional tile recommended by a pool supply company.  Glass, porcelain or stone will all work, just wet a piece first to be sure you like the color when wet. The client had beautiful, expensive teak furniture that had grayed in the sun. I power-washed it and oiled it down to bring it back to it’s natural color. Then bought a few inexpensive pillows at Home Depot…voila!

3. Lounge Seating: This client had old, broken furniture that she bought years ago at a discount store. Investing in great outdoor furniture is smart. This is the type of product that takes a beating with weather and heat. This set I found at Carl’s Patio and I matched the color palette to some planters the client already had (see in the background). I also used a bamboo tree to camouflage an unsightly drain pipe. Then put up some outdoor drapery on the slider from the master bedroom to soften it up.

4. Sun Coverage: Most importantly, splurge on a great outdoor umbrella. This is a cantilevered commercial grade product and I had it mounted in concrete in the ground. It’s sturdy! This is a product that will last for at least five years without a hitch. Also the commercial grade fabric will stand up to the hot Florida sun without fading. So here is a great place to invest some coin.

5. Hanging Bed: Yep, I said it. A hanging bed is not for everyone but it should be! This lanai had a perfect narrow spot for a unique feature. This is a fully waterproof mattress and cover with great draining capabilities. Anti-bacterial and mildew resistant in every way. You need a master carpenter to hang this properly. I got this one at The Porch Swing Company.

6. No Real Wood! I always recommend to my clients to steer clear of real wood in an outdoor space. It rots, molds, bugs love it and it won’t last long. These are tables I had on my patio and they became infested with termites. Even with full coverage from the elements, it’s best to go with the new wood and rattan looking products made of resins, ceramics, and man made materials. Or just stick with metal finishes. Even though teak is beautiful and a hearty wood, it needs a lot of upkeep like regular power washing, sanding and oiling. Don’t we all want more time for cocktail hour and less time sanding furniture? Enjoy your summer!