Outdoor living spaces provide an escape and change of scenery for relaxing or family connection. Your outdoor space should offer what your family needs the most. Read on for tips on creating a thoughtful outdoor living space that works for you and your family's needs.

1. Plan your outdoor space first.

Let's imagine how you want to use your outdoor living space. Do you want a space to entertain friends and family? Or do you see yourself starting the day with a cup of coffee each morning? What do you picture when you look at your current outdoor space?

2. Layer from the ground up.

Piecing together your outdoor space is very similar to how you would layer an indoor room. Start by choosing an outdoor rug that matches your vision and selecting quality outdoor furniture. Do you want a couch set, dining table and chairs or a hightop table? There are options for every type of space you envision. Next, we can select pillows and cushions that can stand up to dirt and water while finishing off the space with accessories that add to the function of the space.

3. Choose the right materials.

Outdoor furniture has to stand up to heat, moisture, wind and rain so finding a solution that works for you can be a challenge but if you know what to look for, narrowing down your options will be a breeze. A hard wood that has been treated like teak or white oak are great options for a popular raw material. Aluminum and concrete also stand up to the elements. For fabrics, it's also important to find something that won't fade. Synthetic fabrics hold up much better than natural ones do.

What's next?

With a little bit of planning, your dream outdoor living space is within reach. If you want to remove the hassle of creating your own plan, our e-design would be a perfect fit. Follow along for tips and product suggestions.

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Until next time,

Megan