I’ve talked quite a bit about how our backyard is a space we are living with but have long-term plans for. There are some big things that need to happen, but I’m trying to not let that stop me from creating a space we love to spend time in the pool is definitely a huge attraction, regardless of the rest. I’ve created several areas that are great for outdoor dining, but I had yet to put together a space that was perfect for just relaxing by the water.
Last year this corner off the pool housed these two loungers and a big arborvitae in a black planter. It was a nice little set up, but no one ever sat here. No one. Regardless of watering the tree all winter it died, and that ivy I planted that everyone said would grow so quickly hasn’t made it up the tired, weathered, broken fence yet. Despite the surroundings, I knew I could style this little space to be more inviting.
So I headed to At Home to pick up some much needed decor elements. Have you been to an At Home? Oh my word, it’s the size of Walmart but only home decor. It’s a domesticates dream and a place I could spend hours in. Their outdoor section is unmatched in selection, and Milly and I wandered the aisles piecing together this little corner. Outdoor living has become such a huge trend over the last several years and there are definitely some tricks to getting “the look” so let’s talk about how to keep things pretty and inviting, yet comfortable, shall we?
I already had the chairs and cushions, which was a great start, but I knew I needed some green to liven things up. I’ve tried to do the big evergreen tree here and didn’t have luck. I am already watering about 30 potted plants a day, so when I saw this faux boxwood hedge from across the store I knew that would be my starting point. It’s green and lush with zero maintenance, worth the investment!
Next I had to address the sun. If people aren’t in the pool they’re drawn to shade, so an umbrella was necessary to make this corner comfortable enough for people to linger to. You can never go wrong with black and it seemed like the right choice in contrast with the cushions. I love the simple, classic stand – it almost looks like a ceiling medallion.
Just as rugs help define a space inside the home, they do the same outside. Rugs and trays work very similarly: they take a bunch of items and make them feel like a collection. Black and white is a classic combination, but what keeps it feeling really sophisticated and timeless not 80s is to add in some natural color and texture. This jute rug does just that and feels really nice underfoot.
A side table was necessary for drinks and the like, and this faux concrete one is such a beautiful shape. The coral bowl makes a great catch-all for sunscreen and glasses. Most people stop there when it comes to outdoor living, but I say a little decor is what will send your space to the next level. Because it’s outside, you want no fuss but a few items that are interesting. The traditionalist in me was immediately drawn to the Roman bust and the black dodecahedron juxtaposes her nicely.
For someone who usually spends a ton of time searching for items to put together a space, it was so rewarding to hit up one store and call it a day. It’s now my favorite nook in the backyard…you know where to find me this weekend!
What elements do you think are important for any outdoor living space?
*I’m really honored to be a part of At Home’s Inspiration Team for 2016. This post is in partnership with them, but all thoughts, opinions and selections are my own.
I love this! Please come style my backyard pool!
Thanks, Carrie! It was fun to do. 🙂
Ivy: First year, it sleeps. Second year, it creeps. Third year, it leaps! (Don’t give up..) Your space (your house!) looks great. btw, since you posted re: busts for library shelves, I see them ‘everywhere’. Have you noticed busts done in wax? Budget friendly 🙂
Oh, that’s a fun saying! I’m hopeful then. 🙂 I would love to find some wax busts, that’s for the tip, I’ll definitely start adding that to my search!
What a lovely outdoor space you created. Don’t despair on the ivy. There is a charming saying about ivy (and perennials) . . . the first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, the third year it leaps! I always enjoy your posts. Thank you.
I’ve never heard that, I love it! Thanks for reading, Melissa!
OMG! ❤️ at home…. Traveled 3hrs from NJ to get to the store in PA! I picked up the Best Gnome lol! I’ve been searching for over a year for just the right one! The selection at home has is amazing! It’s your Decor Super Store! I sooo wish they had more stores! Your space looks heavenly! Great Job Gwen! Happy Summer!
Thanks so much, Meryl! So glad you’ve had the chance to go to one…you’re right, they have so much amazing stuff!
Question, I often see outdoor designs such as yours with a rug. I love the look but what about rain and the rug and fabrics you’ve chosen? Will a jute rug hold up to rain? I have an old concrete patio and think a rug would be perfect there but haven’t been able to find an answer to the question of rain and sometimes mold.
In truth I’m not really sure how this will hold up. It’s indoor so I don’t know, but I just really loved the texture it brought so I was willing to try it. BUT any outdoor rug I’ve used I’ve had amazing luck with. They’re practically indestructible and anything that’s ever been spilled on ours has washed out in the rain or bleached out with the sun. I love them!
Beautiful work, great source for furniture – thank you for sharing and I’m so happy that you have a giant swan!
Thanks! Micah got that for Milly. 🙂
I love AT HOME….I shop the Naperville/ Aurora Il store…I’ve been amasing a Chinoisere collection. THey have some great objects,the hot pink pagoda door stop navy blue pillows…brass…bamboo style frames/ mirrors & blue& white garden stools for my foyer! Love it there!❤️??
Sounds beautiful, Mary! Yes, their selection is so incredible!
How did I not know about this At Home? We are in desperate need to update our deck furniture (once we stop the corner of the deck from sinking) and this looks so promising. That side table and black object are fab…I have a soft spot for geometric shapes.
Me too! They have some really great things at very reasonable prices…I think most of it is on sale at this point too!