16 Outdoor Decorating Ideas That Make Your Space Look Less Inviting
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No matter what the space is, the smallest details can really make a difference in creating an inviting outdoor space. Unfortunately, some design choices can make your yard or patio feel not so welcoming.
From highly over the top decorations to impractical layouts, these can make your outdoor a place people want to avoid. No matter what you’re looking for, here’s a guide to the outdoor decor ideas that might be doing more harm than good.
Too Much Clutter
Decorating to the hilt can overstuff your senses and turn your space into a mess, rather than a place of relaxation. It’s nice to personalize, but make sure items are meaningful and placed at a distance. It’s too many trinkets and accents that make it hard to relax or enjoy the natural surroundings. This means to limit the amount of decor that fills the space so that the space can breathe.
Cold, Harsh Lighting
Too bright white or harsh lighting can make your outdoor space seem institutional instead of cosy. Don’t use floodlights; opt for warm-toned, dimmable lights that will give off a soft glow. This kind of lighting draws people in and makes them feel comfortable rather than like they’re in a parking lot. The lighting choices that you make are extremely important to the overall vibe.
Uncomfortable Seating
Outdoor furniture may be stylish, but it also needs to be comfortable. Hard, unpadded, or awkwardly designed seating will discourage guests from sitting altogether. Go with cushioned seats and test furniture for comfort before you get too far in. Pieces that invite you to lounge and relax are the first pieces of a welcoming outdoor space.
Overly Formal Layout
A layout that feels too rigid or structured works best indoors but can be stifling outdoors. Let it be flexible to seat. An outdoor setting with too much order tends to feel unnatural and prevents people from getting comfortable. The relaxed, slightly spontaneous layout is also beneficial to outdoor areas.
Excessive Use of Dark Colors
Furniture and accessories can be sleek while dark, but dark furniture can make a room feel unfriendly or too serious. Dark colors, in particular, can make a small area feel like it’s small as well as being oppressive. Choose light or neutral tones that reflect sunlight and offer the sensation of openness. They will probably make it brighter and make the area more cheerful.
Too Many Lawn Ornaments
A few lawn ornaments can be charming, but too many quickly become visual clutter. If you want to relax instead of feeling like you are in a display case; statues, fountains, and other ornaments can ruin the mood. Spread them out or scatter them about, but choose a few thoughtfully. This will keep your space open and sharp.
Artificial Plants Overload
Low-maintenance artificial plants can be great, but using too many can make a space feel fake and sterile. Natural greenery and the textures of live plants make outdoor areas look best. If you have to use artificial plants, keep them to a few accent pieces and not all of the plants. Real greenery is the best of the best.
Blocking Natural Views
Extensive blocks or very tall plants located at the perimeter can insulate the space from natural views, making it feel quite enclosed. Some privacy is good, but closing them out creates a boxed-in feeling. Place and position privacy screens or plants strategically so you don’t lose the view of the scenery or the openness.
Bare or Sterile Surfaces
Concrete patios without rugs or cushions, for example, feel cold and uninviting. Adding a few warm touches, like outdoor rugs or throw pillows, can make a big difference. Adding color and texture to these items creates a cozy ambiance. Filling empty spaces thoughtfully can make the area feel complete.
Choosing Style Over Function
If they’re not used, design elements that prioritize aesthetics over practicality can quickly become eyesores. Take, for example, decorative fire pits that can’t be lit or seating that’s too fragile — they don’t have a real purpose. Buy things that don’t only look good but help you feel more comfortable and useable in a space. The key to making the area feel practical and a functional extension of your home.
Harsh or Barren Landscaping
Sterile and lifeless landscapes or yards with too many stones and insufficient greenery can make your outdoor space uninteresting. Protect the space by balancing hardscapes with softer elements like flowerbeds or potted plants, which bring warmth and an inviting element. It doesn’t take many splashes of color and natural textures to make a big difference.
Ignoring the Power of Shade
Sunlight is wonderful, but staying outside for long in an entirely open area with no shade is uncomfortable. Add umbrellas, canopies, or pergolas to establish shaded areas, offering people the opportunity to relax without overheating. Shade options give comfort and make the space even more balanced and user-friendly. A welcoming outdoor area is a balance of sun and shade.
Neglecting Seasonal Elements
How about planting all-weather flexible plants that you can use throughout all the seasons? By decorating with seasons in mind, you can keep the space feeling relevant and welcoming all year round. That way, the area never feels out of place or uncomfortable.
Overgrown or Untended Plants
Plants are lovely, but if they’re not trimmed or growing out of control, it can give a space the look of being messy. Keeping the area looking fresh and inviting is something that regular plant maintenance can do. Even if you want a lush, overgrown vibe, make sure it’s intentional, not neglected.
Excessively Large Furniture
Big furniture pieces can take up a lot of space, leaving you feeling like you’re in a room a little too small for yourself. Select furniture that is in scale with your outdoor area so that there’s enough room to move around. Large furniture can be imposing in smaller spaces and can discourage people from remaining there. Proportions balance create harmonious surroundings.
Ignoring Personal Style
Sometimes, trying too hard to match trends results in a space lacking personality. According to Fobres, an outdoor area should be an extension of your home and represent your style. Instead of only paying attention to what’s popular, include pieces that mean something to you to add a touch of personality.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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