by Hilary Walker
While much of the rest of the country is coming down from a summer high of outdoor fun and patio entertaining, we have been stuck indoors all season. Sadly, the notion that summer is for outdoors just doesn’t hold true in Texas and so, as temperatures drop, we anxiously wait for that pleasant day to come when spending time outside is bearable for more than a few minutes. Considering this: What better time to spruce up your outdoor area than now?
I visited Greg and Chantal Hickman’s East Dallas home a couple weeks ago for Our Style Stories and was completely charmed by their Austin-inspired back patio. They employed a few key tactics for beautifying their outdoor living area that would translate brilliantly (and inexpensively) into other homes and styles. Jump for the tips.
Number 1
Scout out old cans and carts, chairs and tables, and any other sort of outdoor friendly vintage furniture from estate sales and flea markets. These gems have already seen the test of time and chances are, if the material is sufficient for outdoor use, they will continue to wear well.
Number 2
Incorporate color into your design. Just because it’s an outdoor space doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to earth tones. In fact, this is actually the perfect place to go bright and bold! Greg and Chantal went for aqua blue chairs and a purple/magenta outdoor rug.
Number 3
Strung lights aren’t just for college dormitories and European cafes. They look great in outdoor areas too! But word from the wise, spring for the quality kind like the ones hung here above Greg and Chantal’s dining table. The Christmas variety just don’t cut it style-wise.
