Bringing the Indoors Out

It’s officially summer now, and whether you’re grilling or just relaxing with your family and friends, your outdoor space should feel welcoming and exciting. There is a misconception about interior designers and the outdoors. The outdoors is an extension of your living space. Why shouldn’t you have your designer tailor it to meet your needs?

 

Pantone predicts what colors will be popular during a season, according to them this season’s colors were inspired by nature; there is no better way to show them off than using them outdoors.

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Here are this season’s colors used in an outdoor space. Here the candles in the candelabra are the same color as the plants and flowers in the background. Blue and orange are contrasting colors and add interest to the space. The three garden stools, (available from a wide range of retail stores including Ballard Design & Wisteria) are arranged together to create a unique table.

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Lighting is just important outdoors as it is inside. There are more practical, durable options to the overused paper lanterns for outdoor lighting. Let your plants light up, or use sculptural elements to light a pathway. They are as functional as they are decorative. Here are some of the new products that look promising. They are decorative, functional, and unique.

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Extend your personal style to the exterior. If your style is modern you might like something like this. The neutral fence color is the perfect backdrop to emphasis the vines. The pergola and the furniture are similar colors to allow the eye to be drawn to the green cushions. The sleek furniture design is perfect for a modern backyard.

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Here is a great transitional outdoor room, it is an elegant mix of clean lines and classic detail. The pergola is traditional, but the furnishings and fabrics have a modern, updated feel to them. Even though the space is open to the elements it feels intimate like a special outdoor room.

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For a more traditional space, a brick patio, wood furniture and white trim are classic elements. The lighter wood tones give it an updated look, but has the timeless beauty of nature.

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Whatever your personal style or color preferences are, be sure to create an environment you can relax in and enjoy all summer long. And when in doubt, ask your interior designer for a little help!