BY: MALLORY ABREU; PHOTOS: (PATIO) KELLER + KELLER; STYLING BY: KARIN LIDBECK-BRENT
HOME OUTDOOR LIVING
54 | April 2019
DECKED OUT
Turn your patio into an outdoor living room with potted plants and
accessories that will encourage your guests to linger long into the night.
BUILD LAYERS
Start with the
largest seating, then
add tables and
accessories. Shake up
a matching set with
a surprise element like
a vintage side
table or woven poufs.
CONSIDER
THE SUN
If evening is your prime
patio time, position
furniture so the setting
sun doesn’t blind
you. If midday is
popular, arrange seats
to get shade.
LIMIT UPKEEP
Outdoor cushions will
withstand the elements
but aren’t invincible.
Cut down on your
time wiping off debris
by buying a cover for
when your seating
isn’t in use.
LIGHT THE
NIGHT
Subtle sources of light
improve ambience
after dark. Landscape
lights in planters,
candles on tables, or
string lights in trees
cast a gentle glow.
Landscape
designer Emily
Richardson
layers outdoor
textiles and
clusters potted
plants to create
an inviting
gathering spot
on her Cape
Cod, MA, deck.
MAKE
IT SOCIAL
As in any living room,
an L- or U-shape
seating arrangement
encourages
conversation. Try to
give each seat its own
spot to rest a drink.
