creating an inviting outdoor space with overstock.com.

white shirtdress. loafers.

Now that the weather has gotten super nice in Connecticut, we’ve been spending so much time outdoors.  I spent every summer of my childhood running around barefoot outside, and it still feels so natural to be out in the fresh air during the warmer months, especially now that we live in a farmhouse out in the country.  Our outdoor space wasn’t a huge priority to me when we lived in Seattle because it rains so much, even in the spring and summer, that it felt like a lot of effort for a little return.

Now that we’re living in a place with more traditional weather, my brain is on fire with tons of ideas how to transform our outdoor space.  Yesterday evening, it was so beautiful, the kids and I decided to surprise Craig with a little Italian dinner al fresco.  I made my famous lasagna, some french bread and a caesar salad, and the kids and I moved our dining table out into our outdoor area so we could eat out in the fresh air.  (I’m so glad my older 3 kids are big enough to help me with these kinds of shenanigans I come up with now.  It’s so nice to have 6 extra hands.)

I picked up some fresh flowers at the grocery story and we even pulled out our gingham cloth napkins, cause sometimes you’ve just got to be fancy on a Tuesday night.  It really took barely any more effort than setting the table for dinner any other night, and it was such a fun surprise for Craig.  Plus we all loved eating outside, and really enjoyed being surrounded by all the newly green trees and the sound of chirping.

While we sat around the table eating lasagna, Craig, the kids and I talked about what we want to do with our outdoor space.  We’d like to put a pool into our backyard eventually, and a great big patio right off the french doors coming out of the breakfast nook.  I would like a nice big pergola to hang outdoor string lights on, and I’d love to create two separate areas within the patio: one for eating and one for relaxing.

Even though I don’t think we’ll get to an outside renovation until next summer (there are way too many things that need attention inside the house), I still enjoy coming up with pretty plans for my spaces, inside and out.  I think it really helps me keep our home design more cohesive, and helps me avoid wasting time and money on something that doesn’t really fit our style.

Here’s some of the inspiration I’ve been gathering for the last couple weeks:

To me, I think there are a few key aspects to designing the ideal summer outdoor space.

First, creating a place to eat.  There’s nothing like dining outside.  It’s one of my favorite summertime traditions.  If you have a great patio table, you can eat outdoors every single night in the warm months and it’s heavenly.  When we lived in Arizona we ate outside year-round, (except in the extremely hot months) and it was great.  Thanksgiving al fresco is an experience everyone should have.  I am seriously obsessed with patio tables. I love taking an eclectic approach rather than buying a set, and to do that just find a great table that you love and then buy chairs that create a cool statement.  Since my house is a very traditional farmhouse and our design focus is modern farmhouse, I love the idea of incorporating industrial metal chairs (these are a set of 2 for only $100) and a great big wooden farm table.

Second, creating a place to relax.  I love relaxing outside, especially with a good book.  So creating a space where we can just kickback and chill, enjoy the sunshine and read is a huge priority.  I love some of these amazing outdoor sectionals I’ve been seeing lately, they are seriously so pretty.  But I don’t love patio furniture with lots of cushions, because it seems like no matter how careful you try to be with them, they always get wet and dirty.  (Maybe that’s just me being lazy though.)  I love adirondack chairs because they are classic, pretty, super comfortable (especially if you are short like me) and they are very low maintenance.  No cushions to upkeep/worry about.  (Plus I love that their history is deeply rooted in this part of the country.)  And adding a few outdoor pillows to the space can make it feel cozy without over complicating it.

Third, great lighting and accessories.  One of the best parts of having a great patio space, is getting to hang out there in the warm summer nights.  Great lighting makes evenings outside feel like magic.  A pretty farm inspired sconce and a string of lights, and maybe a lantern or two for some candles,  are the perfect addition to a well designed outdoor space.

I’ve been browsing Overstock.com for the last couple weeks, putting together ideas for our outside space.  I love Overstock because they basically have everything you need to get your patio space up to par and at really great prices.  (I should mention too, that their shipping is FAST.  I ordered two rugs from them a few weeks ago and I kid you not, they were at my door less than 3 days later.)

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far for our outdoor space:

Umbrella. Pillows. Market vases. Adirondack chair. Adirondack table. Steel planters. Outdoor light. lantern. outdoor string lights. table. chairs. metal bins.

   Overstock.com has everything you need to get your patio or backyard prepped for summer, and right now, you can find some amazing deals during their Memorial Day Sale which started yesterday and runs until May 29th. It’s one of their biggest events of the summer,  so if you’re looking to get your backyard primed for summer living, this is a great time to shop. They have discounts on outdoor rugs, patio furniture and accessories, as well as garden decor, and tons of other great pieces.

Also, just a side note: During the Memorial Day Sale sales period(May 16 – May 29) Overstock will be matching all customer donations to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation that provides scholarship grants to the children of fallen Special Operators.

Are you giving your outdoor space a face-lift this summer?  What do you plan to do?

*created in partnership with Overstock.com