Creating Lounge-Worthy Outdoor Spaces
With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to get the yard or patio spiffed up at your short-term rental. Whether you have a large yard to play with or simply a small balcony, here are some of my favorite tips to create a lounge-worthy outdoor space.
Make a plan. Before you start ordering patio furniture or digging holes for new plants, think about exactly how your guests will use your outdoor area. Is it chiefly for dining? If so, some shade is ideal, so think about where the sun shines during the dinner hours. Sunbathing? Then you’ll need to determine the sunniest spot for lounge furniture.
Bring the inside out. One trick to creating a perfect outdoor space is to blur the lines on what is indoor and what is outdoor. Making your outdoor space as comfortable and inviting as your living room doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Adding outdoor rugs, throw blankets, potted plants, and overhead lighting are great ways to bring cozy elements outside. If your porch is covered, consider using living room furnishings, such as this wool rug and rocker, outside.
Choose the best furniture for your budget. Outdoor furniture ranges from budget-friendly to pricey, so there’s something available at every price point. If you love the look of RH furnishings but don’t have a few extra thousand dollars on hand, never fear. Most items from luxury brands get copied within a year or so of when they hit the catalog, so do a search for “RH dupes” and you’ll likely find some affordable options. Pay attention to reviews and the materials used to make sure your purchases will last more than one season.
Resin wicker is low-maintenance and will generally stand up to the elements. Teak furniture is beautiful, but the wood requires maintenance over time. If you’re not going to put in the effort to maintain it, then there’s no point in investing in it. There’s also a nice variety of outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic available these days, and many of those pieces hold up well over time.Layer with lighting and textiles. Whether the focus is on lounging or dining, lighting and textiles can transform the space from ordinary to cozy and inviting. LED lanterns hung from a pergola or placed on the ground add ambiance while poufs and outdoor pillows add interest and make a space feel complete. Market lights can be left out year-round and make it easy to enjoy evenings outside. Solar lights are a great option as well, especially since you don’t have to worry about wires or plugs.
Don’t forget the tiki bar. Okay, maybe a tiki bar isn’t your style, but it’s important to add your personality for a truly complete space. Whether that’s an outdoor speaker for guests to play their favorite Pandora station or a s’mores station set up around the firepit, creating an ideal outdoor space is all about what makes your guests get outside and write 5-star reviews!
For more suggestions about furnishing, decorating and branding your vacation rental property, just give us a call at 805-729-2410 or email us here. We’d love to help!