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1. List it
What do you need and want out of your patio or deck space? Entertaining, grilling, lounging? Prioritize the list from “must have” to “would be nice to have.” Think of what kind of furniture is needed for each item on the list.
2. Measure it
Knowing how much space you have to work with is key. Draw your area on a piece of paper (grid paper is great, one square per foot) and cut out pieces of paper to represent furniture. 2×2 squares to represent chairs, 6×2 rectangles to represent dining table, and so forth.
3. Try it
Arrange the paper furniture in various ways so you can see how they might work in the space. You may not have room for everything you wanted; this is where your priority list comes in handy. Remove anything that makes the space seem overcrowded or lacks function.
4. Shop it
Shop online for items you love, and pull the photos into one Pinterest board so you can see them all together in one place to make sure they coordinate. If budget doesn’t allow you to buy everything at once, use the board as a goal and watch items until they go on sale. Or, browse local antique shops for similar items at bargain prices.
5. Style it
Once you have everything purchased, place it in the space just like the plan you designed. Add accessories like pillows, containers and plants to bring color and texture to the place. Then sit back and enjoy your design prowess – you are a design rockstar!
Catherine Arensberg is an exterior designer who specializes in finding ways to create your ultimate outdoor space, no matter the budget. Browse more of her work here: catherinearensberg.com
