Making the Most of Your Outdoor Spaces (Summer to Fall)

Here we are midway through summer and I have finally completed my outdoor spaces! Since being outdoors is our favorite thing, I needed to do some updates to make them livable through the summer months and into the fall. Having all the time in the world in 2020, we made a lot of the major changes last year. Still, there were a few things left before I felt we could really call it finished. Why it took me this long is a mystery but they are ready now so I thought I’d share them today!

Cozy Patio Retreat

This is my go to spot to start my day.  I am an early riser and the cozy feel of this space draws me here each morning. Selfishly, I like to spend the early hours alone with my coffee and my thoughts. It is much more private than the deck above and quieter than the front porch this time of day.

This space wasn’t used much in the past.  I think it was just easier to head out of the kitchen to the deck.  Besides, the patio was just a concrete slab with a few folding chairs.  There was nothing inviting about it all.   We finally got around to fixing that and it has become a favorite spot.

Patio updates

As far as I’m concerned, shoes are completely unnecessary items from May through September. Unless I’m heading out, I live my life barefoot so the first thing I wanted here was indoor/outdoor carpeting. So much nicer to walk on than concrete and a much warmer look.

Next, I wanted comfortable outdoor furniture. I do a lot of my blogging from this spot so comfort was essential here. We added a dry below system but it is not enclosed and a good thunderstorm can drench most of this area. Therefore, I went with an all weather wicker and so far so good!

Being right off the lower level living area and the guest room, it was important to me to provide a nice outdoor area for visitors as well. With the addition of the outdoor bar, it’s a great spot to visit with friends on a warm summer evening. The perfect place for drinks and appetizers before dinner on the deck above. It is always several degrees cooler here and the fans we installed last year pick up the slack.

Being Parrot Heads from way back, I used several of our Margaritaville accents to decorate the space. My favorite, perhaps, is the Margaritaville blender which is in constant use in the summer. A few signs and a clock set to 5:00 bring the theme home. Outdoor bluetooth speakers can play our favorite Jimmy Buffet songs to enhance the laid back atmosphere. Doubling as torches, the speakers add so much to the atmosphere here!

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Plants and flowers are a must for all outdoor spaces in my book! My ferns do so well on the patio. I’ve hung them in a couple of macrame hangers I made a few years ago. They would get way too much sun anywhere else in the yard but they are thriving here.

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A few parrot accents help create a tropical feel.

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The back porch has always been the home of my favorite Fairy accent from my most popular blog post to date, DIY Fairy Lantern.

Fall Patio Refresh

I love the patio in the summer months and I’m never ready to move inside until the snow falls. Therefore, I change a few things around to give it an autumn refresh when summer is done. We are all set now at least through mid October I hope!

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I’m happy with the end result! It’s the perfect spot for daydreaming too. Just ask Ari!

Front Porch Refuge

Our front porch is not at all the one of my dreams.  I’d love to have the beautiful covered wraparound that I see on so many of the blogs I follow.  That porch was one of the things we gave up in favor of the neighborhood we wanted for the kids all those years ago. 

But… for all the things it isn’t, there is always a plus to be found. In this case, it’s space. Space for a swing to watch the sunset from on a summer evening.  Space to add some pretty flowers to enjoy on a sunny afternoon .  It’s a great place to relax, read a book, or take a nap or more importantly, have a great conversation with neighbors whom we rarely see in the winter months.

Of course, since it faces west, it is not the place to be in the heat of the day.  The sun can be brutal most afternoons so I save this spot for early mornings or evenings.   With the addition of the swing and the canopy, it’s not only a comfortable place for a visit but it helps to shade the living room windows which in turn keeps the inside a little cooler. It’s the perfect spot to take refuge from a hectic, crazy day and swing into a calmer evening.

The coastal accents here, make it interesting to visiting guests and represents our love of the ocean.

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The annual fall refresh to the front porch is a bit more time consuming. Since it’s the first impression for visitors, I usually go all out. However, simply adding some fall flowers and a throw for cool nights and you’re halfway there!

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If the weather cooperates, we will enjoy our front porch for quite a bit longer!

Summer to Fall on the Deck

The deck is the place for almost every summertime meal. Whether we’re having a small dinner party or it’s just the two of us, we love having dinner outside every chance we get. Having replaced the rug, table, and chairs last year, all I really needed to do was add some flowers and plants.

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Dinner on the deck with friends is always a wonderful evening. Outdoor spaces can be the perfect setting to make some wonderful summer memories. We’ve made several through the years!

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We will use our outdoor spaces as long as possible. Changing the accents in the fall keeps it fresh for the new season.

One last addition allows us to enjoy the deck in the afternoon hours as well! The oscillating outdoor fan is my favorite purchase this year!

Autumn is Coming

As much as I hate to acknowledge it, summer is slipping away so quickly it seems. I love the Autumn months but I’m just not ready yet! Although I can usually enjoy our outdoor spaces through the early months of fall weather wise, I’m loving the green surroundings too. But… as always, I will embrace the new season and I know I will be excited to bring in the fall colors I love so much when it arrives. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying every minute outside. Be sure to check out the Create the Look section as several of the items you see here are available for purchase there.

I will be adding several printables to the Library for fall in the coming weeks. Printables are always a great way to welcome in a new season. They are free to all subscribers and can be accessed by adding your password. If you haven’t joined us yet, I sincerely hope you do. Completing the form below will give you immediate access to everything you’ll find in the Printable Library. In addition, the weekly/bi-weekly newsletter keeps you up to date on all the latest in seasonal home decor.

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you soon!