Outdoor Living & Entertaining Tips: Learn how to create an outdoor oasis with these 7 tips.

Hello Friends!

Can you believe it’s summer already? Me Neither!

I don’t know about you, but summertime always beckons me to spend more time outdoors, especially in our own back patio or in the garden.

Today, I’m joining my three sweet interior design friends for our 4th Edition of Designing Women Tell All. This month we’re discussing Outdoor Living and Entertaining.

You can find our 1st Edition on 2023 Interior Design & Decorating Trends here, our 2nd Edition All About Kitchen Design here, and our 3rd Edition Living Room Spaces here.

Where Our Backyard Started…

When we moved into our home 16 years ago, one of the first home improvement projects we decided to tackle was our backyard. Thankfully, the previous owners left us with a blank slate, so the options were limitless. And believe me, I was full of ideas!

Oh the grand ideas I had for this big beautiful backyard…

I had grandiose ideas of a beautiful backyard oasis – complete with

• a built-in pool & poolside lounging space
• a covered patio large enough for outdoor living & dining spaces
• a well-appointed outdoor kitchen
• gorgeous, lush landscaping surrounding the pool and back of house
• and large flowerbeds along the back fence.

Unfortunately, my grand ideas far exceeded our budget at the time, which I knew they would, but I like to swing for the fences. I like to have a master design plan that I can work towards, as time and budget allows.

How It’s Going…

In Spring 2008, we broke ground for the new pool and patio, as well as the pool flowerbed, and I was able to squeak in the outdoor furniture too. BUT…the covered patio portion, outdoor kitchen, and fence line flowerbeds would have to wait until an undetermined date. Maybe Spring of 2024???

Outdoor Living & Dining – At Home with Kristy

Summer 2020 – Minor Updates: New Cushions, Outdoor Rug, Pillows, and Accessories

Outdoor Living – At Home with Kristy

Outdoor Living Accessories – At Home with Kristy

Outdoor Dining – At Home with Kristy

Outdoor Dining Tropical Tablescape – At Home with Kristy

Outdoor Dining Tablescape – At Home with Kristy

Outdoor Dining Tropical Tablescape – At Home with Kristy

Outdoor Living Spaces – At Home with Kristy

Truman’s 2nd Favorite Spot to Lounge in The Sun. His Top Favorite is By Poolside!

7 Tips for Creating An Outdoor Oasis

1. Decide on The Purpose: What type of outdoor space(s) do you need? An outdoor living space to unwind and relax? A dining space for al fresco meals? Poolside lounging? All of the above? Will these areas be used primarily for family or will you be entertaining family and guests? Do the spaces need to be kid and pet friendly?
2. Plan Size and Layout: When designing your outdoor space(s) use the same thoughtfulness as you would inside your home. Examples: (a) keep outdoor dining near the kitchen for easy access; and (b) consider the number of people that will be using space – family and guests.
3. Create a Master Plan: Once you’ve decided on the type of outdoor spaces you need, now comes the fun part! This can easily be a DIY project if you’re creative, but if not, no fear…Call in the professionals! Creating a master plan is great for a few reasons: (a) it allows you to see all of the possibilities and nail down the ones that are your “must haves” and “wish list”; (b) it allows you to see all of the building materials together so that you can visualize your space; (c) it allows you to get a cost estimation on all parts.
4. Hardscape Surface Options: There are a number of hardscape surface materials to choose from – stamped concrete, flagstone, outdoor rated porcelain tile, wood and composite wood, and more. The materials you select will be dependent upon your design aesthetics, budget, timeline, and availability.
5. Choose Quality Furniture: Outdoor furniture choices will be dependent upon the intended usage – poolside lounging, relaxing, dining, entertaining, or a combination of all – but I always suggest purchasing the best quality you can afford. Keep in mind that higher quality goods won’t need to be replaced for years. Other factors to consider – comfort and practical use. Comfortable outdoor furniture will get far more use than uncomfortable pieces, so I recommend you do the sit test!
6. Keep Sun Protection in Mind: Consider adding umbrellas or covered patio areas for sun protection
7. Create Visual Appeal: Make your outdoor living and entertaining areas an extension of your home’s interiors by using a similar design style and color palette to create that seamless transition. Use architectural pieces to create focal points and a statement. And don’t forget to add your personality in there, too!

Meet The Designing Women

Crystal of Sweet Valley Acres is a northern girl, living in Canada. She’s been an artist and dreamer since birth, and loves creating beautiful spaces in her home and garden for her family and friends to enjoy. She also loves pushing her builder husband, Bentley, to his very limits when it comes to building and renovating. After 33 years of marriage and taking on 11 homes that were the worst house on the block and turning them into show stoppers along with three new builds later, Crystal has a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition, she has won many awards for garden design and used to own a home and garden decor store for many years. This month, Crystal is showcasing her beautiful outdoor entertaining spaces, complete with fabulous lake views. 

Outdoor Living Space – Sweet Valley Acres

Lynn of Living Large in a Small House, lives on lakefront property in Illinois. She has a BA in Interior Design and was the owner of a full-service interior design studio for over 10 years. She specialized in high-end residential new build and renovation interior design, working as a team member with architects and contractors. Since 2000 she has consulted exclusively for friends and family. This month, Lynn is sharing her all of her beautiful outdoor living space.

Outdoor Living Room – Living Large in A Small House

Sheri of Savvy in the Suburbs, lives in Texas, not too far from me and we’re friends in real life! Sheri had a very successful interior design business for many years and is now enjoying fluffing her own nest, spending time with her family – three married children and five grandchildren, and growing in her relationship with the Lord. She relishes family time and believes in the old adage: God first, family second, all else third. She’s enjoying the opportunity to share this truth as well as her years of design expertise and love of all things home. This month, Sheri is sharing expertise on how to create a French Country Farmhouse feel in your family room.

Outdoor Courtyard – Savvy in The Suburbs

And Yours Truly, Me!

For the past three decades I’ve been designing and decorating luxury model homes and private residences, and loved every minute of it…well, mostly!

I’ve recently semi-retired, but I’m still very passionate about interior design and decorating. And now that I have a little more time on my hands, I finally have the chance to share my 35 years of knowledge with you!

If you would like to know more about my credentials and a few fun facts about me, you can find that here.

Well, that it about wraps it up for today! Thanks so much for dropping by!

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