Hello friends! It's been a minute since I've written you all a love note. I faced some health issues over the spring and summer that challenged me and prevented me from having as much time to blog as I hoped for, but I'm happy to say that I'm back in the saddle!
One topic that has been on my mind is outdoor living. It might seem strange to start talking about this in September, but for many of us in the PNW, the outdoor living can stretch through most of the year. I mean, we go hiking in February around here. With just a few tips you can create a stylish and comfortable outdoor living area that you will use all the time.
I live with my husband in a cute little rental cottage that I've made it my mission to "cozify". Today I'm sharing some things that I did to make it feel like a pnw garden cottage escape.
Now when it comes to rental living, you're limited on how much you can do to "fix it up" and how much money and time you want to throw at something that you're leaving behind and not investing in. It's this weird blend of what can I live with, and what can I NOT live with, in rentals. Chris and I aren't staying here forever so I wanted to keep it simple but pack a big punch. So this is what I did to make my front porch into an outdoor haven that makes me smile every single day.
1) Get some comfy chairs that you LOVE sitting in
These beauts are plastic Adirondack chairs from home depot. They are simple and effective. They fill the space which is important. You don't want dinky little chairs that get swallowed up and lost. Make sure they are comfortable!
2) Plants, plants, plants!!
I'm a freak for potted plants. My happiest place is in or near a garden. I just want them to surround me allllll the time. They just add so much don't they? I've gone for mostly foliage the last few years. I feel like it gives a natural timeless European look like it's been there all along.
3) Do invest in quality throw pillows and ottomans.
They make everything look better. These pillows are by Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel, one of my favorite designers. I chose lighter colors for my space because my house has cedar siding, so it already provides a dark earthy backdrop. I think the white pots, pillows and ottomans give it that fresh punch needed to brighten it up. You can find my hygge living serene ottomans here.
4) Add something aged and unique for interest
My husband found this old whisky barrel for sale for only $50 at a local brewery. They usually sell for like $3-500! We use it like a bar height table and I just love what it adds to the space.
5) Get yourself an outdoor area rug
Area rugs create a softening aspect that makes the hardwood floor or porch in this case more inviting.
It's a bringing of the indoors out. This rug is washable and I can easily sweep off leaves and dust that collects on it.
6) Last but not least...lighting!
I had to include the night view of our porch. We love sitting out here with friends and family in the glow of our little propane fire and hanging garden lights. We've even used this little fire in the morning over cups of hot coffee on the weekend. It is a game changer for adding atmosphere. And as you can see it's tiny! You don't need to have a large space to have the glow of an outdoor fire.
All these tips can be applied through the colder months too. Depending on your space and climate you can make this setup last much longer if you add the fire and warm fuzzy blankets. We're not afraid of cold weather living, that's the only way we could go out to eat in 2020. Ha!
I hope this inspires you to make your outdoor living areas more inviting year round. And I'm always here if you need a little extra help!
Cheers,
Katrina