Turn a Conservatory, Porch, or Patio into an Extension of Your Interior
Take advantage of your outdoor space by blurring the edges and turning it into an extension of your interior decorating scheme.
Outdoor decorating has become a massive trend for homeowners, but unfortunately, many of decorating magazines feature unrealistic outdoor rooms complete with fluffy couches, expensive fabrics, and even beds. Their creations are beautiful stuff for photographs but completely unpractical in the real world. Rather than go for picture-perfect, shoot for something practical that makes your conservatory, porch, patio, or sunroom wholly functional and a bit luxurious as well.
Indoors Out
You get the best outcome by blurring the lines between the indoors and the outdoors. Continue your already established colour scheme by bringing some of those colours into your outdoor furniture. Outdoor-safe fabric has changed throughout the years, and it’s much more attractive and comfortable than it once was. To get something that will complement and match your existing décor, you will probably have to make your own or have custom-made upholstery for your outdoor furniture. Paint flowerpots to match and use potted flowers and plants on both the inside and outside to bring it all together.
Define your Space
Your space may already be defined by the borders of your conservatory, patio, deck, or sunroom, but by separating them even more from the actual yard or garden, you create a more connected room to your home. Establish decorating borders with fences, benches, potted plants, or stones to define better what you consider outdoor living and “wilderness.
Embrace Fabrics
As mentioned above, the fabrics that are outdoor-safe are much different from their ancient predecessors. Look for many colours or bright shades to create some inviting excitement that draws people to the area. Add table linens, throw pillows, upholstery, and anything else you can think of to add beautiful vibrant fabrics to your décor.
Sturdy Furniture
Opt for comfortable, sturdy outdoor furniture that provides good support and looks great. No more plastic lawn chairs from the 1980s, but substantial furniture that looks good enough for the inside. This investment should pay off for you over time, as it will last longer and hold its shape superbly.
The Ground Below
Pay attention to the ground if you want to add luxury to your porch, conservatory, or patio. If you’re outside you’ll have to clean it often to keep it looking good, if you’re inside add some soft throw rugs to cushion your feet. Go a step further and have some fantastic tile or stone slabs installed to give your extra room a formal feel.
Add Lighting
Add some unexpected lighting with beautiful sconces, lamps, lanterns, or even chandeliers. You can opt for electrical lighting or candle lights but having a good light source extends the hours of use you have with your outside room.
Think Luxury
You don’t want to put anything too valuable outside, nor do you want to have something that is too fragile exposed to the elements, but you can find items that look expensive and feature details that make them feel luxurious. Treat yourself and your family to the little luxuries that they will love and keep them interested in an outdoor room. For some luxurious conservatory designs, see Transforming Conservatories.
Be practical when establishing your outdoor room by taking advantage of improvements in weather-resistant materials and buying modern styles that are sturdy and rugged. Try to continue your indoor decorating scheme, whether in a significant or simple continuation of colour or theme; this will give your outdoor space a more inviting interior appeal. Finally, keep it cosy and convenient. No matter how much you spend making it look incredible, no one will use your outdoor room if it’s uncomfortable, unappealing, and impractical.
