Inspiration & Tips for Decorating Outdoor Rooms
As I am sitting here writing this, I am wishing. yes wishing for summer weather to arrive here in Portland, OR because I am ready for it! Once the nice weather arrives in the Northwest, we need to take full advantage of it, and creating comfortable and inviting outdoor living spaces is a great way to do it. You may be waiting until you feel you have a decent budget to work with, however you don’t need to. While there are some items that are worth investing in quality, there are many ways to save when creating outdoor spaces.
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Above: In this gorgeous wooded setting, there is no need to invest in a patio or deck. Additionally, the pergola can be a do-it-yourself project, utilizing materials from your own backyard (or a friend’s). Saving in these areas allowed these homeowners to invest in quality furniture that will stand up to the test of time and outdoor elements.
Cozy up your wide open space with accessories and throw pillows…
Create comfort outside
Lighting is an important element of outdoor spaces, and can be as simple stringing lights from a tree…
Outdoor lighting is key in outdoor rooms
When you’re dealing with an expansive outdoor space, think in terms of the functionality needs you have for the space, i.e. dining, lounging around a fire pit, cooking, kids play area, etc…
Think of functionality when creating your outdoor space
Plan your space as you would an indoor room
Outdoor draperies are a great addition to an outdoor space for several reasons– They can provide shade, privacy, comfort, and sophistication…
Outdoor draperies add comfort, privacy, shade, and elegance
Add a pop of color with a wide variety of outdoor fabrics available these days
Container gardens are another key element to outdoor rooms
An outdoor room does not need to be a room per se. The outdoor setting in itself can frame your space for a beautiful setting. I love the idea of dining out in the open…
Dress your outdoor table for comfort and elegance. Source: House Beautiful
Get creative with the wall space in your outdoor room…
Accessorize your outdoor walls! Source: House Beautiful.
Great outdoor wall accessories. Source: HGTV-Designer-Linda Woodrum.
Great idea… An outdoor accent wall! Source: Architectural Digest, Johnathon Adler.
Save on furniture costs by eliminating the need for dining chairs…
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Save money by eliminating the need for chairs
You can also cut costs by building your own fire pit. Here’s an idea that I want to try…
This looks better than a store-bought fire table
Here ‘s a great DIY lighting idea from Lowes…
Source: Lowes Creative Ideas
If you have a cracked patio, rent a jack hammer, break it up, and create a stone patio such as this one…
This patio style can be a DIY project
I’ve created a broken stone patio before, and it’s important to also rent a rolling device to level the ground first, such as this one…
Be sure to level the ground before placing a broken stone patio down
For more creative ideas and photos of outdoor rooms, click here.
Click here to view Ideas for Creating an Outdoor Oasis in Your Backyard with shade structures and cabanas.
Also, please feel free to “like” my Facebook page for quick tidbits on decorating ideas.
Devine Decorating Results for Your Interior 
I love the idea of using the wall space> gotta start thinking of what would make ‘good art’.
Yes, it’s so easy to overlook that area!
The first few photos are my opinion of paradise, especially the second one. I can’t wait to one day have that kind of space of my own.
Hang in there… It will happen!