Dreamy Outdoor Living: 3 essential pieces to get the look

Outdoor living has come a long way from a few scattered chairs across a patio and a cool-chest full of drinks. The idea of transforming an outdoor area into an extension of your home is one of the biggest “rising trends” for the summer of 2018. People want the same amount of comfort and convenience from their porches and decks as they do their living rooms. No matter the size of your outdoor space, adding a few essential pieces will create a space that lures your family out nightly and provides an environment your guests won’t soon forget.

Let’s talk about three essential pieces that will bring uniformity and appeal to any outdoor space. 

PLANT ROOTS

Rugs can make a huge difference to an outdoor space. They provide warmth and intimacy by creating a boundary between the room itself and the rest of the elements. It defines the space and sets the tone for the rest of the furniture and decorations. Durable, natural textiles, like jute, are a great choice as they clean off well. However, if you’re wanting bold colors and patterns there are many weather-resistant rugs which offer easy care. Mac & Mabel offers a selection of rugs that may be just what you are looking for.

SIT BACK

Once you have a clearly defined area, look for furniture that will add charm and style but most importantly, comfort. There are a plethora of options available to match the discerning tastes of anyone’s style. What will make this space feel as cozy as an indoor family room is the comfort level, so look for wide chairs that allow ample room to curl up your legs, like Mac & Mabel’s Acapulco Rocking Chairs. 

Stylish benches and stools can also add textural variety and provide additional seating. We are loving this year’s trend of hanging chairs! They’re both space efficient and add a subtle statement that will pull together any room. Mac and Mabel’s Padded Cotton Swinging Chair and Walton Stick Stool are great options that fulfill both requirements of comfort and style.

HIT THE LIGHTS

To truly mirror the intimacy of a regular living room, nothing sets the mood like the overhead and tabletop lighting we opt for indoors. Exterior lighting should be practical but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and stylish. Nowadays, there are so many lighting options, so its just a matter of finding the right set that’s suitable for your exterior. String lights are an affordable way to provide soft lighting. Hanging pendent lamps cast a warm, gentle light on outdoor living spaces and can enhance the feeling of luxury living. One of our favorite ways to add light to a space is incorporating soft tabletop lights—a variety of candle lanterns, for example. Mac and Mabel has several options to choose from, but the Rustic-Style Wood Candle Lantern is an option that will compliment almost any space.

Whatever you choose to do with your outdoor space, a fresh-air living room is an easy and much less expensive way to extend your home, your time spent outdoors and perhaps even provide the feeling of a mini vacation — just steps from home. For more information on our favorite outdoor pieces, click here!