Expand your square footage with by creating outdoor rooms!

When you live on the coast, it is pretty much a given that you’ll be spending more time outside than

Focus On Your View

It is why you have a house by the shore isn’t it?  The ocean is the draw here and you don’t want to compete with it (you can’t by the way).  The ocean offers endless hours of entertainment whether you’re just watching the clouds and waves roll in or people watching, there is always something to see.  Focus your space to it so that the view is front and center.

Be sure that the furniture you choose allows you to see the “scenery.”  We’ve all been to those hotels or vacation rentals where there is a wonderful deck or balcony but when you sit down, you have a great view of the deck rail!  Keep this in mind when choosing your outdoor furniture.  Depending on zoning rules and regulations, you may not be able to alter the deck rail height but you can choose different height chairs to maximize your view.  A pub height table  or captain’s chairs may be just what you need.  Also clear glass or steel cable railings can really help improve viewing.

Bring the Inside Out

Furnish your outdoor rooms just like you would your living or dining room.  You’ll want a mix of sofas and chairs.  Include side and coffee tables for drinks and games.  Use ottomans so guests can prop their feet up and relax.  Outdoor dining should include of course a table and chairs but also consider pieces that allow for serving.  Be sure to consider numbers.  How many guests will you be entertaining? Be sure you have adequate seating for them – if you entertain a lot and have lots of people in and out you may want to have more than one outdoor dining table for example.

Decorate the Space!

 Accessorize your outdoor rooms.  This is what adds that level of comfort and makes the space even more inviting.  Add outdoor rugs, soften furniture with pillows and add those décor items.  Accessories complete the look in outdoor spaces just like they do indoors. 

Also consider adding fire and water!  Fire pits make for cozy evenings in cool ocean breezes and the sound of water from a fountain is very relaxing even in addition to the sound of the waves.

Incorporate Nature

Use shells and driftwood to your advantage.  They make wonderful décor accessories.  Fill glass hurricanes with sand and shells and add pillar candles for quick and easy centerpieces.  Add greenery by filling pots and urns with plants and tropical foliage. 

Protect from the Sun

During the day, the sun can be glaring and HOT.  You’ll want to be sure you have some type of protection to make your outdoor room a comfortable place to be.  An awning, arbor or umbrella will protect you from the sun’s rays and offer a cooler place to enjoy the outdoors.  Remember in hot climates, the north side of the home will be the coolest if you can take advantage of that.

Illuminate

Lighting is important and while you may not want it as bright as indoors – you don’t want to compete with the stars; you will want to be able to see the food you’re eating.  Candles in lanterns are wonderful for soft mood lighting and so are Christmas or patio lights strung through trees or across the space.  Outdoor lamps are a nice addition as well.  Tiki torches can help with any bugs but be careful where you place them because of the fire hazard.

Enjoy your time outdoors – it is easier when you have a comfortable place to relax and great company to enjoy it with!