How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Space

Are you dreaming of an outdoor room that feels like an extension of your home? Today, I’m excited to share tips on how to create a cozy outdoor space. It’s time to turn the hard edges of your patio or deck, into a welcoming, inviting, comfortable, outdoor room.

Our deck is the main project that we’ve been working on this summer. Kudos to my husband for spending hours outdoors {in the horribly humid Kentucky heat}, over the last two weeks, cleaning and sealing our deck. It feels like a fresh new space, ready for a touch of comfort.

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Cozy Outdoor Spaces: Pillows

One of the simplest ways to make any space feel casual and comfortable is to mix and match throw pillows.

Not all of these fabrics and pillow covers {read a little bit more about how I chose the fabrics} are designed for the outdoors. Our deck is covered, so that is a risk I’m willing to take. They get limited sunlight and are sheltered from heavy rain. If you don’t have a covered patio, you could also use an outdoor storage bin for pillows and cushions that aren’t weather-proof {that is what we did in our last home}. Then, just pull them out when you are enjoying the space.

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My formula for mixing pillows for our deck was was texture + pattern. The ticking cushion and natural linen Kentucky pillow have a casual texture which is fitting for the outdoors. The gray and turquoise pillows feature a bold pattern that gives the space a little more color and modern style.

Cozy Outdoor Spaces: Blankets

Old, thread-bare quilts or lightweight throws make mornings and evenings comfortable, even if there is a chill in the air.

It drives my husband crazy, but sometimes I feel cool even in the dead of summer. I just don’t like to have chilly legs, you know? We keep a worn blanket on our deck for those cool breezes — and for snuggling with the kids.

Cozy Outdoor Spaces: Rug

Our newly stained deck boards look lovely but outdoor spaces feel softer with a rug at your feet.

We’ve owned this outdoor rug nearly 5 years, and it has held up really well. It’s easy to care for and clean. If I were buying an outdoor rug today, I’d probably choose something besides brown since the deck boards are brown {though it looked great against the gray deck in our last home}.

Cozy Outdoor Spaces: Seating

Depending on how often you eat outdoors, choose between a dining table or coffee table. When it comes to the seating, though, think comfort. Most likely, if you eat outdoors in the evening there is a good chance you’ll spend additional time relaxing and talking. When you pick out the chairs for your dining set, consider how comfortable it will be to linger several hours after dinner.

Our chairs are perfect for lingering. They are incredibly comfortable with deep seats and thick cushions. Granted, they aren’t necessarily perfect for everyday dining since they are designed primarily for comfort, but we relax in them more often than we eat meals in them. It’s always important to consider how you’ll be using a space when you choose the furniture.

Cozy Outdoor Spaces: Lounging

Chairs are wonderful, but sometimes you just want to lounge.

My dream lounging spot is an outdoor sofa, and maybe someday we’ll be able to invest in purchasing one. Until then, our porch swing is a pretty wonderful spot to rest.

Tell me about your outdoor space and how you’ve made it cozy. Does it feel like an extension of your home? I’d love to hear!