Spring is Coming: Planning Ahead to Brighter Days
Groundhog Day- what a peculiar …can I call it a holiday? But that little beast stuck his head out of the hole on February 2nd and predicted an early end to the recurring snowsuit struggle. Only six more weeks before the morning routine of the sunscreen struggle begins and that makes me hopeful for brighter days to come, literally and figuratively. In Canada we have the privlege of experiencing all four seasons but that means when the seasons change you must be prepared for the warm weather before it arrives to really maximize the enjoyment of these outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer months. If you are looking forward to some outdoor entertaining and looking to plan a new, or update an existing outdoor space here are some tips to help get that oasis ready for spring:
Define the functions you need from your outdoor area before purchasing furniture: Our outdoor areas can be used as living spaces, kitchens, dining rooms and playrooms. Design your backyard considering each function you want from the space and source materials and furniture with those uses in mind. Think of these spaces like you would its indoor equivalent - don’t forget providing a place for guests to put down drinks within reach of each seat, just as you would the living areas in your home. If you need space to provide you with double function e.g. dining and lounging, you will want to consider how to furnish for both functions. For example, select tables that can be extended for large groups or retracted when no meal is required. Or consider committing to different styles of hosting dinner parties (tapas, buffet style) to eliminate the need for a large formal dining set, allowing room for a sectional and chairs to maximize the comfortable seating.
Remember outdoors can be unpredictable! You want to be able to use this well designed space on hot humid days, when there’s a chance of showers, and sometimes late into the evening. Do not forget that need for sun and rain protection such as retractable awnings, sun shades or umbrellas, as well as proper lighting so you can enjoy your space long after the sun has gone down. As in interior design, layering lighting will provide a more intimate atmosphere, so consider using a mix of illumination such as outdoor fixtures, string lights, solar lights and candles.
Carry your colour palette outdoors: If you want your outdoor space to seem like an extension of your indoor space, carry out the same design style and colour palette from inside your house to your outdoors. If you are concerned about changes to your design style or palette and want to invest in quality outdoor furniture, stick to neutral colours (creams, beiges) and simple lines for those more pricey items such as tables and seating. Include the other colours or styles that you are less committed to using them in flowers, cushions and accessories.
Bring the indoors outside: Area rugs, lamps and lighting fixtures, potted plants, throws, drapery and art are all decor we consider extensively when designing our indoor spaces, so why not do the same when we design our outdoor spaces? Rugs, curtain panels and throw pillows for outdoor living spaces are readily available and can help define your zones, carry out your design story and elevate your design to something most people expect from an indoor space. When entertaining and the weather allows bring some of your indoor decor out to set the mood: art, lamps and throw blankets can provide a softer, homey element to your outdoor party.
Area Rug: Wayfair.ca, String Lights: Canadian Tire, Solar Lantern: Wayfair.ca, Outdoor Curtains: Home Depot, Side Table: Article, Throw Blanket: Amazon.ca, Cushions: Lowes, Umbrella: Lowes, Dinnerware Set: Wayfair.ca.
In the spirit of preparing for brighter days I have begun the planning for our outdoor areas. This includes asking my husband every few days if he has found someone to build us our new deck. Planning also includes the much more enjoyable job of sourcing items to inspire our soon to be backyard oasis where I have big plans to sittervise (verb: to supervise from a seated position @busytoddler) my children and entertain friends and family while the warm weather allows. We currently have a small, covered patio in our backyard that is accessed through our family room. Our plan is to extend this patio with a deck that will connect to the new patio door that was installed in our kitchen/dining room this fall. This deck will provide us with much needed space for outdoor dining and entertaining and I am hoping this can be completed this year and not put off another year because of labour or supply shortages (fingers crossed). Here is a round-up of the furniture pieces and accessories I’ve found so far as inspiration for my existing outdoor space that we use as a conversation area (note my many layers of lighting). Links provided below.
Exterior Fixture: Wayfair.ca, Throw: The Bay, Indoor Outdoor Pillows: Tonic Living, Melamine Tray: Amazon.ca, Table top lanterns: Real Canadian Superstore, Outdoor Curtains: Home Depot, Sting Lights: Real Canadian Superstore, Bar Cart: Ikea.ca, Side Table: Ikea.ca, Indoor-outdoor rug: Ikea.ca, Loveseat and table: Walmart.ca, Rocking Chair: Walmart.ca, Lanterns: Indigo, Black planter: H&M Home.
Don’t get me wrong. There is plenty to like about our winter months here in Canada, but I know I am not alone in welcoming this spring and all the glorious opportunity it will bring. If you are also looking ahead to the warmer months, take some time to plan your own outdoor oasis and make sure you are ready to fully enjoy once spring has sprung!
