Outdoor living is one of the biggest living trends of recent years. Patios, balconies and gardens are increasingly being designed as fully-fledged living spaces – with cozy lounge furniture, outdoor rugs, atmospheric lighting and homely accessories. These six tips will help you create an outdoor living room at home.
The patio has long been more than just a place for barbecues. And balconies are no longer just a place to park flower boxes, herb pots and laundry racks. As part of the outdoor living trend, outdoor living areas are increasingly competing with the living room indoors.
What we used to know only from luxurious vacation resorts or design hotels is now finding its way onto domestic terraces, balconies and into private gardens: instead of classic garden furniture, spacious lounge landscapes dominate, outdoor rugs create a cozy atmosphere, and even curtains, side tables and decorative lamps are now part of the permanent repertoire of many outdoor areas.
The desire behind it: more quality living in the open air. Outdoor living stands for the idea of moving living, relaxation and enjoyment outside. Patios, balconies and gardens become places to read, work, eat, celebrate and relax.
What makes an outdoor living room
But what actually makes for successful outdoor living? The decisive factor is not individual pieces of furniture, but the interplay of different elements. They ensure that the patio, balcony or garden don’t look like an outdoor area, but like a real living space.
Why lounge furniture is at the heart of outdoor living
Comfortable seating is at the heart of every outdoor living room. Spacious lounge sofas, modular seating landscapes and cozy armchairs with soft cushions are in demand. Visually, they are often almost indistinguishable from indoor furniture. Natural materials, organic shapes and light colors also create a homely atmosphere.
Modern outdoor furniture is specially designed for outdoor use. Frames made of aluminum, stainless steel or weatherproof wood as well as water-repellent covers and quick-drying foams ensure that the furniture can withstand rain, sun and temperature fluctuations. Tip: During longer periods of bad weather, it is still advisable to store the cushions in a sheltered place or provide them with suitable covers so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
How outdoor rugs make balconies and patios more homely
Hardly any other element changes the effect of a patio as much as a rug. Outdoor rugs structure surfaces, define seating areas and immediately make the outdoor area feel more homely. Unlike classic indoor rugs, they absorb hardly any moisture, dry quickly and are usually easy to clean. This makes them ideal for making patios, balconies or gardens look more homely without having to compromise on functionality.
Outdoor living with curtains: More privacy and a vacation feeling
Lightweight fabric panels on the patio or balcony may seem unusual at first glance, but they are one of the most important outdoor living trends. They create privacy, provide shade and give the outdoor area a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of vacation homes or boutique hotels. In addition to their decorative effect, outdoor curtains also serve a practical purpose. They protect against prying eyes, low sun and light winds and make even small balconies much cozier.
Which lighting makes an outdoor living room cozy
As in the living room, lighting also plays a central role in outdoor areas. Mobile battery-powered lights, lanterns, solar lights or fairy lights create a pleasant atmosphere and make patios and balconies a cozy place to be even after sunset. Tip: Warm white light not only creates a cozier atmosphere than cool light, but also generally attracts fewer insects.
Which accessories make the difference in outdoor living
Cushions, plaids, side tables, ceramic vases or lanterns lend personality to the outdoor living room. They bring color, texture and individuality into play and ensure that the outdoor area does not look like a collection of garden furniture, but rather like a thoughtfully designed living space.
The furnishings inside the house are a good point of reference. If you continue colors, materials or styles from indoors to outdoors, you create a harmonious transition between living space and outdoor area. Natural materials such as wood, rattan, ceramics and linen looks are particularly popular at the moment.
Which plants are perfect for the outdoor living trend
Plants also play an important role in outdoor living. Large potted plants, grasses or small trees structure areas, create privacy and lend balconies, patios or gardens a natural homeliness. They function in a similar way to furniture or room dividers indoors.
Practical: Some plants such as citronella, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, mint or eucalyptus not only look beautiful, but can also help repel insects. Whether as potted plants on the patio, scented candles or in the form of essential oils – they combine functionality and comfort in a particularly natural way.
Why we are celebrating the outdoor living trend
Outdoor living combines living comfort with the experience of nature. If you consciously design your patio, balcony or garden, you create an additional living space in the open air. An outdoor living room is no substitute for a vacation by the sea. But it can make everyday life feel a little bit more like a vacation.
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