Everyday outdoors
When Will Taylor – design author and blogger behind Bright.Bazaar – took on his beach house’s outdoor space as his next project, he knew he wanted to bridge his love of sleek Scandinavian design with his beach town’s coastal vibes. He shares his tips on creating a relaxed, inviting alfresco space for living, dining, and unplugging – all with modern outdoor furniture.
Make it inviting
How do you create a living area that’s inviting yet airy? “When it came to the living area, it was all about how to create a relaxing conversation space that will be easy for people to sit and chat and relax, but didn’t obstruct the view from the French doors into the backyard,” Will says.
Once Will discovered the Terassi Coffee Table – generously sized but low to the ground – everything else fell into place. The relaxed Terassi 3-Seater Sofa helped to define the living zone in an open area to make it feel cozy and cocooning. Will added a rug to anchor the space, then pulled it all together with bright accessories as finishing touches.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up
“In my mind, there is no wrong or right,” Will says. Across the Terassi Sofa, he situated a pair of Palissade Lounge Chairs – a material mix that offers a striking contrast. “It’s warm and tactical, then modern and striking.” He brought that approach to the greenery as well, mixing and matching planters of different shapes, sizes, and textures to create a modern outdoor garden.
He also blended sleek Scandinavian design with laid-back beach vibes. “I took inspiration from the coast in terms of its natural elements – the colors, the materials.” He balanced sleek lines with plenty of natural textures like rattan and solid teak wood, plus different shades of blue throughout.
Keep it light
Will’s tip to making every inch of your outdoor space count? Go light. “Choose pieces that you can easily move depending on what your needs are.” He also relies on smart modern outdoor storage pieces, like the Sommer Console in his outdoor dining area. “When we’re not entertaining, it can house everything we need for the day, from sunscreen to ice buckets to the PC Portable Lamp.”
Alfresco living, all-year round
- Layer up. “Invite lots of textiles into the space – plenty of throws and additional pillows to make the seating areas feel more inviting as the temperatures drop.”
- Find your light. “Atmospheric lighting options make outdoor areas feel cozy and inviting as the nights draw in. An adjustable lamp like the UMA Sound Lantern (with speaker built-in!) is a great option.”
- Add warmth. “If it's safe to do so, adding a fire pit is a fantastic option for providing additional heat so you can enjoy outdoor spaces into the cooler months. That way you can enjoy your outdoor lounge area on balmy summer nights and be making s'mores over the Thanksgiving holiday!”
What’s your outdoor style? — Take our quiz to discover your summer style and invite a little bit of the season into your home.
