Spring is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor spaces for spring! As we spend more time outside, we want to create inviting and comfortable outdoor living spaces. I'm sharing 5 simple decor ideas to create cozy outdoor spaces and the mood board for my own patio.

1/ Add comfortable seating

Comfortable seating is a must-have for the patio - you can go for a lounge or dining set, whichever works for your lifestyle and the size of your space. Consider getting multi-functional furniture like a conversation set that can also serve as a place to enjoy snacks if you have a small-sized patio. When selecting furniture, choose a simple and streamlined silhouette and find pieces with thick cushions and deeper seats for a higher-end look and comfort.

Caldera Aluminum Outdoor 3-piece Sectional / West Elm

Risley 4pc Conversation Set with Coffee Table / Target

Jett Polyethylene Wicker 6-Person Seating / Wayfair

Maui Loveseat & 2 Lounge Chairs Set / Castlery

2/ Define your outdoor space with an area rug

Just like you define your indoor rooms with a rug, you can do the same for your outdoor patio. You can cover up the ugly concrete patio with a beautiful rug, which will instantly upgrade your patio. Choose an outdoor rug with the look and feel of an indoor rug and big enough that at least the front feet of your furniture sit on top of it. 6’x9’ or 8’x10’ rugs are the perfect fit in a medium-sized patio with normal-sized lounge sets.

Mcgee & Co

West Elm

Joss & Main

Pottery Barn

3/ Add greenery

You can spruce up your patio by adding some greenery, whether it's planters or lush landscaping around the perimeter. The plants will instantly cozy up a patio just like they do an indoor space. Of course, you can also use artificial plants or trees if you are not good at keeping the greenery alive. Fill large planters with tall plants to divide a space or create privacy on patios. You can choose a variety of sizes and shapes that you can cluster planters to add visual interest to the space.

Design: Techne Architecture + Interior Design, Photo: Tom Blachford

4/ Dress up your furniture with pillows and throw blankets

Add outdoor pillows to your furniture set to soften the space with comfort. It can connect interior and exterior living spaces with similar color schemes, patterns, styles, or themes. A unique mix of materials and patterns on pillows gives an outdoor room a sophisticated, designer look. Keep the look balanced by pairing busy patterns with simple designs using the same background color or monochromatic shades of one color. Throw blankets can add practical and warming touches to your seating. Casually drape over a sofa or lounge chair for an easy-to-grab outdoor essential.

Crate & Barrel

Photo: Nina Holst

Pottery Barn

Target

5/ Light it up

Outdoor lights and lanterns create ambiance in your outdoor space. It instantly makes the space inviting. You can plug string lights into the smart plug for scheduled settings and easy control with your phone. In addition, you can hang natural woven pendants to add interest and texture to the space. Place outdoor lamps around the area if your patio is completely open and you can't hang any lighting. Adding outdoor lanterns and candles is an effortless way to add an inviting touch to your outdoor vignette. They blend well with any decor style and can line a walkway or set an evening table aglow.