How to Design a Soothing, Serene, and Stylish Outdoor Retreat

The greatest benefit of an outdoor living space is that it fosters something we can ALL use right now – improved mental health! Relaxing, getting some fresh air, and spending time with loved ones (or maybe a bit of alone time) is a great way to de-stress and calm your mind.

If you’re anything like me, you’re suffering from screen fatigue (how many zoom meetings can we take?!?) and desperate for a break. An outdoor space, whether it’s a postage stamp-sized terrace or a substantial plot of land, can take you away from your computer and into a whole new positive mindset. What do you envision for your perfect tranquil outdoor space?

If you’ve been dreaming about an outdoor retreat, there’s no time like the present to make it a reality. And it’s not as daunting as you might imagine. Let me share the 5 easy steps I use with my clients to create the outdoor space of your dreams that is both serene and stylish.

Step 1: Envision Yourself in the Perfect Outdoor Space

This is the fun part! Close your eyes and walk through the perfect day. A “blue sky” day, where you have all the time, money, and support you could ever need to create whatever your heart desires.

No limits, no obstacles. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with? Tap into all of your senses. What do you hear? See? Feel? Smell?

Now, where in this perfect day, do you feel the most tranquil? Describe the setting.  Write it all down because these dreams will become the foundation of your design.

Got it? Great! Now it’s time to translate these big dreams into your reality. Go back through your “blue sky” day and identify which parts resonate the most with you.

Is it that balcony looking out on the garden as you have your morning coffee? Or the swimming pool filled with laughing kids? Or maybe the comfortable seating around the fire-pit as you share a great bottle of wine with dear friends and take in the stars above.

This is your dream, so dream BIG! Now, let’s make this dream real!

Step 2: Plan Each Layer Carefully from the Ground Up

Designing an outdoor space is really no different than working in any room INSIDE your home. You’re still dealing with the same spatial components – floor, walls, and ceiling – and you’ll still want to take scale into account.

Start your dream outdoor space with a level site and lay your floor. It can be a hard surface, gravel, grass, or even a low-growing ground cover that releases a wonderful scent when it’s walked upon.

All you need outdoors is a suggestion of walls – a hedge, a garden, a fence, or even a balcony railing can do the trick.

Ceilings are great for protection from the elements, so consider a trellis, umbrella, or pergola to offer shade and shelter from the sun and rain.

Step 3: Consider Your Personal Style in Outdoor Furniture

Now that your outdoor room has been “built,” it’s time to consider the furniture. The key is to choose furnishings that are as functional as they are comfortable and attractive. The offerings for outdoor furnishings now are astounding! 

Think beyond what you grew up with – new materials allow for furniture that looks as “at home” in your living room as on your patio. If there’s a look that you’re drawn to, I guarantee you there is an outdoor version to be found.

But above all else, select your outdoor furniture with comfort in mind. (They don’t call it lounge furniture for nothing!)

Step 4: Embrace Outdoor Fabrics for Extra Comfort

Just like a room inside your home, your outdoor space comes to life with fabric. And today’s outdoor fabrics are fade-resistant, waterproof, and available in a full range of colors and patterns.

Design tip: You can make the outdoor space feel like an extension of your home by using the same color palette that’s featured in the interior. I’ve even been known to specify outdoor fabrics for indoor spaces – that’s how great they look!

Use these fabulous fabrics for cushions, throw pillows, and rugs to layer in comfort and softness.  P.S. – Be sure to have plenty of throws on hand for a chilly evening!

Step 5: Accessorize with Personal and Beautiful Final Touches

When it comes to accessories for your outdoor space, let your vision be your guide.

For al fresco dining, consider statement lighting – be it candlesticks or chandeliers. Hang weatherproof art on the walls that expresses your personality.

Design tip: Surround yourself with art that you love. If you don’t love it, don’t hang it!

Hang a mirror – there’s no rule that says mirrors are only for interiors. Roll in a bar cart. Their small size makes them perfect for just about any patio or porch.

And my number one go-to? Fresh cut flowers. From your garden or the local grocery, this is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your space.

We all need a place of refuge – a tranquil space, a soothing space, a serene space. And no one knows better than you what tranquility looks and feels like for your particular space.

I love to help my design clients articulate their dream vision and help make it come to life. If you’ve got a vision in your head, NOW is the time to make it happen! And if you’re struggling with articulating your vision, I’m here to help. Drop me a line or give me a shout!

In the meantime, I’d love to keep this conversation going and send you both a free guide and my monthly newsletter. Thanks!

Cheers,
Peg