Does outdoor entertainment hold the same special place in your heart as it does for us? It elicits memories of carefree holidays, sun-dappled picnics, and endless summer nights. However, styling your patio or garden in a relaxing eco-friendly environment can be easier said than done.
Create a layered and thoughtful outdoor space that will allow you to host friends and family without worrying about season or reason. We have a treasure trove of tips to turn our outdoor spaces — often balconies, courtyards, and even petite gardens — into cozy alfresco havens.
Choosing the right eco furniture, decor, style, and accessories for the outdoors differs greatly from the indoors. Making the wrong choices can keep us from fully enjoying the ambiance of an outdoor space. From furniture that's not only durable but sustainable to picking timeless pieces, we have covered everything you need to know to create an eco-style outdoor design.
What is Eco Style Outdoor Design?
From snagging top-notch materials and finishes that exude opulence to opting for a minimalistic design that adds a touch of modern grandeur to open spaces — outdoor eco styles are all about creating a refreshed ambiance perfect for unwinding and relaxation.
Whether the goal is to spend quality time with family, impress your friends with a sophisticated and modern space, or design a layout for your client that screams eco-style, these are the aspects you would need to focus on:
- Plan with intent and creating a strategic design.
- Foster openness in your outdoor space that allows free movement and a breathability.
- Bring in earthy charm by making your outdoor space an extension of nature with elements like plants, wood, bamboo, brick, and more.
- Keep the space luminous around the clock.
- Ensure the setup and take-down process is seamless, making your space enjoyable daily.
- Opt for a color palette that harmonizes with nature. Soft, in-sync colors that complement the natural surroundings.
How Do You Create an Eco-Style Outdoor Space?
Design Purposefully
To begin with, prioritize your design elements based on how you'll use the outdoor space. For instance, if your goal is to host your friends and family, your eco furniture should include comfortable seating and ambient lighting throughout the day.
Think of color, design, style, space, and aesthetics before picking your next piece of furniture or accessories. Make sure your minimalistic indoor spaces seem in-sync with the outdoors.
Cut the Clutter
The outdoors are meant to be airy. You need to be able to bask in the sun and breathe fresh air. Be extremely mindful of cutting back on what your space has but doesn't need. Minimize everything, allowing you free movement and a breathability factor.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The "more is less" approach in eco-style creates a calming feeling to the home for you and your loved ones.
- Open spaces do not mean your spaces look clinical, but you must find the right balance.
- Select accent eco furniture that builds the character of your space without interfering with its openness.
- Lightweight furniture with a sleek design, straight lines, and a neutral color palette would be the best pick.
Add Earthy Charm
Eco-style outdoor design favors a lot of natural materials and plants. Plants can liven up your space and give you peace of mind. They really help connect the environment to your outdoor space. You can use plants in various assortments like trees, bushes, and even wall climbing plants.
Choose eco furniture crafted from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, teak, or timber. Not only do they promote the natural aesthetic of your outdoor space, but they also introduce a sustainable and earthy feel to your decor.
Keep it Luminous and Light
Focus on how to keep your outdoor sanctuary well-lit. If your main source of illumination is the sun, eliminate any elements casting excessive shade in the area.
The following may result in undue shading and may require repositioning:
- fences
- screens
- umbrellas
- overhead structures
- pergolas
- awnings
- tall trees
You can consider adding bistro string lights at night for a more beautiful look.
Picking the Right Eco Furniture
Outdoor eco furniture is one of the hardest decor decisions to make. Not only does it have to complement your existing space, but your furniture also needs to be durable and weatherproof.
Let's take a look at some inspiration:
Hospitality Rattan Soho 3 PC Chaise Lounge Set
Easy-to-move and stack chaise chairs are the perfect seats for sunbathing and sharing summer moments with your partner over a sip of fruity iced tea. Earthy tones inspire its color scheme, and the organic appeal of the Rehau Java Brown fiber will seamlessly enhance the visual appeal of eco-style outdoor space.
The thin sheet of Plexiglas in the table's structure maintains a lightweight and airy feel, contributing to the overall sense of openness.
Lloyd Flanders Fairview Loveseat
Inspired by both nature and contemporary aesthetics, this loveseat creates an inviting outdoor space that you, your family, and your friends will all love. Accentuate your poolside patio by choosing from tones like bark, woodland, and hickory, or embrace the freshness of sea glass, denim blue, and stillwater. The carefully crafted shapes, from the flowing lines to the well-defined structure, showcase both form and function.
Tortuga Outdoor Jakarta 5 Piece 48" Teak Round Dining Set
For entertainers seeking to create an intimate dining space to elevate their alfresco area or for those who appreciate the finer things in life — this set brings the warmth of natural wood to your outdoor space. It also boasts a seamless blend of clean lines and natural curves.
Available in Lloyd loom white, linen, matte white, fawn, terracotta, and more, it can match existing pieces for a relaxed vibe.
FAQ
How can I ensure the outdoor spaces are enjoyable all year round?
Design outdoor spaces with flexibility in mind, allowing them to serve various functions throughout the year, such as dining, entertaining, or relaxation. Use all-weather and modular eco furniture, heating options, shade solutions, layered lighting, and outdoor textiles.
How does light-colored furniture uplift the outdoors?
Light-colored furniture reflects natural and artificial light, contributing to a brighter and more open space. With light colors and natural hues, you can maintain a timeless look for your exteriors, providing designers with the creative freedom to incorporate modern artwork and vibrant decor that will stand out.
How can you create a relaxing garden?
To help with relaxation, incorporate water features into your garden. You can also add relaxing furniture like chaise chairs and loungers. Mixing a variety of plants into the space is also known to soothe.
Conclusion
Outdoor space design has become more sophisticated and refined as we spend more time entertaining, making exteriors the true extension of our interiors. Whether hosting events or creating outdoor spaces for yourself, loved ones, or clients, durable and versatile eco-friendly designs are a must-have.
Looking for the best outdoor eco furniture? Discover rare and sunny pieces on Modern Wicker to accentuate your outdoor space. Need help finding the perfect pick? Contact us for assistance.
