As the weather is getting warmer, I find myself gravitating outside for my morning coffee and lingering a little longer at night after the kids have gone to sleep. I just love being outside, relaxing out in the fresh air, it really helps to put me in a good mood. We also just recently added a pool and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The kids have really been enjoying it… another reason that I am outside more… to watch them.
Since we will be spending so much time in the backyard this summer, I want my patio to be an extension of my home. I also have a great patio area at our barn, click here to see that post. Somewhere where I can relax and watch the kids while they swim, enjoy dinners with the family, & just get to enjoy being outdoors. Chic, Comfy, & Kid-Friendly is how I would describe my patio. I am going to share some of my top tips for how to decorate your patio for summer…..
How to Decorate your Patio for Summer
Choose Outdoor Furniture wisely
When decorating outside start with the main furniture pieces and then fill in with the accent pieces. My comfy outdoor sectional is one of my fave spots to sit with my morning coffee. My sectional is old and no longer available, but I found similar options. It’s resin wicker and the cushions are made from Subrella, so they can resist stains and sun. It stands up great to the elements but is also cozy and stylish. This spot is perfect for my whole family to sit and relax together.
My exact outdoor coffee table is linked here and my outdoor console table is linked here. Similar white garden stools I keep under my console table are linked.(Our club chair came with the sectional.)
Soften concrete with an Outdoor Rug
I love adding rugs outside to my patio space. I feel like it really helps to ground the space & makes it feel like another room in the house. They also help to define the different seating areas around the patio. I use the same tips for decorating with my outdoor rugs as I would inside. Some great places for your outdoor rug are 1) under your outside dining table or 2) under a coffee table & sectional/sofa like I have 3) or even under a grouping of chairs for a cozy conversation area. My rug was custom, but I love this neutral Ikat option. This blue option is so pretty too.
Add color & pattern with Pillows & Poufs
A great way to add pops of color are through pillow & poufs! My outdoor furniture is all neutral, so this is a fun way to bring in a little extra color. There are so many pretty outdoor quality options now. They also help to soften up an otherwise hard patio space. Poufs are great in general as they are so versatile. I love to decorate with pieces that can function in more than one manor. Poufs make a great place to put your feet up or can act as extra seating. You can place a tray on them and can use as an end table or a spot to place your drink. 
Enjoy meals in an Outdoor Dining Area
I love to BBQ and enjoy a meal outside with my family and friends, so a large table and comfy chairs is a must. I love my oversized round dining table! It is a new addition out here and although I cannot link it, I love this option that is less $ and looks very similar. My exact table is by Kinglsey Bate FYI. I love the contrast the round table has against all the other straight line furniture. It helps to soften the overall space. I paired the table with these fab outdoor dining chairs. We actually have these at our lake house as well. 
Layer in color/texture with Plants
By now you know my love of plants! Both real & faux, I decorate with both outside the same way I do for inside my home. Check out these affordable black, modern pots I have all around the front of my house and at the barn. Plants really help to add texture, color & soften up the hard lines of the patio. I love pretty planters overflowing with flowers, and they are easy to change out as the seasons change with new flowers. 
Outdoor Accessories are a must-have
This is the fun part! Where I get to bring in my personality! I love using accesories that you wouldn’t normally think to use outdoors, like mirrors, wall decor, and even a chandelier. My back patio is covered so I was able to add a large modern chandelier, a fun unexpected detail outside. I also have colorful artwork hanging on the wall. Again, it adds a pop of color and really makes it feel like I picked up my living room and moved it outdoors.
A mirror is another fun detail to add to your outdoor patio space. My exact mirror is from Ballard, but I can’t link it. This similar option is so good! FYI…My mirror is huge and crazy heavy, and Casey had to buy special concrete drill bits and anchors to drill into the brick.
I hope my how to decorate your patio for summer tips help to inspire you in decorating your own outdoor patio space. You will not regret it! Also, stay tuned for more reveals of my patio as I finalize all the new pool furniture, umbrellas and more! Subscribe to my blog here and follow me on Instagram @curlsandcashmere to see more of my daily posts!
Please send me pictures after you decorate your patio, I would love to see the transformation!
