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Outdoor Living 2019: Trends to Inspire You
- August 29, 2019
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The good weather is finally here, so now is the time to think about what to do with your outdoor space for the summer.
Whether you have a smallish city balcony, or a large backyard deck or patio that allows for a more elaborate design, you can definitely get inspired from the current trends to create an outdoor living area where comfort and relaxation reign supreme.
Here are a few points to get you started.
Outdoors, like indoors
For some years now, the concept of interior design has been extended to include the outside the house. This tendency is even more popular in 2019, and takes shape in a variety of ways.
Balconies, decks and patios are considered as the continuation of the primary dwelling. The idea of creating “rooms” according to their vocation is transposed outside: a dining room to enjoy meals peacefully, a well-equipped kitchen to end having to run into the house constantly, or even a living room to kick back and relax.
Since the exterior is now considered part of the house, it naturally is subject to interior design trends.
For a refined style outside, modern minimalism is the design choice. Furniture with pure lines, pale colours and few accessories characterize this style, which, due to its simplicity, matches well with various types of houses.
Photo credit : Jardin de ville
In contrast, the bohemian or nomadic style stands out and charms with its vibrant mixture of textures, colours—ideally bright—patterns, etc., with the goal of creating an exotic, yet relaxing environment.
Increasingly stylish furniture
Furniture intended for outdoors has become increasingly design conscious. Outdoor furniture could even be brought inside, and compete with other design elements. Ideally, it is light, easy to move, to both be able to organize your space as you see fit and follow the sun’s rays across the patio.
Wood is still a very popular material for outdoor furniture, particularly exotic wood such as teak and ipe—which are rot-resistant and extremely weather-proof—as well as metal and braided resin which are everywhere. Metal structures allow for openwork furniture that is discretely elegant and can be enhanced with large cushions to create a contrast effect, and increase their comfort. Braided resin furniture offers good stability and a touch of the exotic to any décor.
On patios in 2019, suspended elements are also on trend. Add a swing, or a hammock for a fun, comfy element in your little paradise.
Earthy, or flashy colours
As for inspiring colours to choose for the design of your balcony or backyard, here are a few ideas that should please almost everyone.
Since natural materials are still very popular, it goes without saying that their colours are also on trend. Various shades of wood and stone influence a palette that includes tones of brown, grey, beige as well as rose, coral and terra cotta.
However, there is something new to counterbalance this trend: at the other end of the spectrum, a choice of vibrant colours are sure to stimulate your senses and energize your exterior décor: bright orange, turquoise, fuchsia, and lemon yellow are welcome on the deck or patio, sometimes all at the same time.
Green is also a natural for outdoor spaces this year, as an ode to the welcoming natural elements that protect your spaces: emerald green, but also olive green, forest green, and others.
Multiple accessories
Directly related to the fact that the outdoors is treated like the indoors, accessories are increasingly important outside.
Besides big, soft, comfy cushions found on lounge chairs, or bunched together in a relaxing corner, other accessories are also important to enhance the practical, and esthetic aspects of your design.
So, accessories to transport food and drink are left outside, as are sideboards, which are always practical when you want to reduce coming and going.
Otherwise, poufs, carpets and works of art complete the picture and contribute to the impression of enjoying an outdoor room.
In order to enjoy your patio once night has fallen, all sorts of lights can be used. A string of lights, solar lamps, mobile lanterns, there is a wide choice to fulfill your needs and desires.
Photo credit: Marie Claire France
Plants take to the heights
Plants can be included in your outdoor space in a variety of ways.
To enhance your patio or deck, plants and flowers are still popular. But this year, they should be suspended from various structures, using either planters and hooks, or attached to a trellis to create a wall, made of plants.
Plant walls can also be created from herbs and garden plants, to use your space not only to relax, but also to grow food. A wall is only one possible option, which is interesting for smaller spaces. However, if the size of your yard allows for it, creating a garden in your backyard can become a Zen experience, that is lucrative, delicious and ecological.
For a bit of shade and to help with heat islands, think about a plant pergola that will surround you with greenery and coolness, and protect you from the sun.
Creating a space outside that is as beautiful, inviting and practical as one inside helps you to make the most of the few months of warmth and beautiful weather.