5 tips to a beautiful, sustainable outdoor living space

May 9

Creating an outdoor living space is a great way to expand your living area and enjoy the beauty of nature right in your own backyard. We were excited to be selected to design the front porch and second floor balcony spaces for the Junior League’s Designer Showhouse last month. It was a great opportunity to showcase all the options from outdoor sofas and pillows to weatherproof drapery. Outdoor living spaces can maximize your living area and allow you to connect with nature. By following these steps, you can create a functional and inviting space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

**Choose a location**

Consider the size of your yard and the amount of sun and shade your chosen location receives. You may also want to consider privacy and proximity to your indoor living space. This screen porch has ghost screens on the exterior, allowing it to be opened or closed based on the season, aka, bug activity. On the interior sides occupying the main home, walls are created from bi-folding and nesting doors that allows a complete indoor-outdoor living space concept!

**Define the space**

Use outdoor rugs or patio pavers to create a defined space for your outdoor living area. You may also want to use planters or hedges to create a natural boundary. Adding a focal point to your outdoor living space to draw the eye and create visual interest. This can include a fire pit, water feature, or outdoor sculpture. In our show-house space on the second floor balcony, we used outdoor rated curtains and an outdoor rug to create a casual lounge space that could be utilized year round.

**Select outdoor furnniture**

Select furniture that is designed for outdoor use, such as weather-resistant sofas, chairs, and tables. I suggest natural and sustainable products like teak, eucalyptus and bamboo over synthetic options. They are often a more luxurious aesthetic and tend to last longer as well.
Remember to consider the amount of space you have (measure, measure and measure again!) and the number of people you want to accommodate.
Don't forget to include outdoor lighting to extend the use of the space into the evening. In this screen porch we selected some beautiful pendants above the table as well as outdoor wall sconces along the buffet wall. Adding permanent outdoor lighting adds a level of luxury to your design!

**Add some decorative pieces**

Add some personality to your outdoor living space with outdoor decor. This can include outdoor pillows, throws, and decorative accessories. On the front porch of the Junior League Showhouse, we added swings, exterior lanterns and even an outdoor four legged friends to personalize our space.

**Incorporate greenery**

Incorporating plants and greenery can help create a natural and peaceful environment. Use potted plants, hanging baskets, or a vertical garden to add greenery to your space. Look for larger flowing plants like upright or Boston ferns.

Kristin Bartone

With 25 years of experience in residential and commercial design and architecture, Kristin is a distinguished leader in the industry. As an advocate for sustainable design, she champions the idea that every designer should create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and inclusive. Kristin delivers bespoke, timeless solutions that blend her expertise in neuroaesthetics with a deep understanding of neurodiverse needs. Her approach ensures that each project is both beautiful and highly functional, reflecting a commitment to creating enduring spaces that resonate with all who experience them.

https://www.bartoneinteriors.com