Nobody likes to admit this, but what you wear says a lot about you, and people will judge you based on it. The same goes for your space. Have you noticed how your style tends to show in more than just your clothes? That’s because your personal style is part of who you are, so of course it’s not limited to just what you wear.
Your deck, patio, wallpaper, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures… They’re all extensions of your identity, and they reflect what you like. Or at least they should in an ideal world, where money isn’t an object and we can all have whatever we like.
But money aside, everything around you can carry just as much personality as the interior of your house and even your closet.
The details you like can live outside, too, so if you’ve already built a sense of style, why not stretch it a little further? Read these tips for extending your style past the back door.
Disclosure: Sponsored post.
Style Is a Holistic Expression
What you wear is just one of the many parts of your style as a whole. Your style shows up in the way you speak, how you decorate your home, how you choose the things you surround yourself with, etc. Whatever your taste, those same preferences can (and should!) shape your outdoors, as well. If you’re a minimalist, that might mean a deck with smooth lines, simple furniture, and no extra clutter. If your style is more relaxed and earthy, that could show up in layers of cozy fabrics, hanging plants, and worn-in wood.
The point of all this is to recognize your style, but not the one that hangs in the closet. When you do, your outside space can be more than just a place to sit.
Outdoor Style in Action
Once you have a good sense of your style, it becomes a lot easier to design your outdoor space to reflect it. Think of this as setting up another room in your home, only this one gets sun, wind, and a view.
If I were you, I’d find a deck builder near me at this point because a custom deck would allow you to design it so it fits your style. Otherwise, you need to work around it, which can still be fun, but it can also be a whole project. Personally, I’d go for the first option.
The materials you decide to go for will do a lot of the talking right away. Warm wood, for example, feels very classic and inviting. Metal is sleek and modern. Stone adds a natural, grounded feel. Even the color of your decking or pavers can impact the mood. Do you go for soft greys, deep browns, or sandy tones to keep everything light?
Next is furniture.
Expressing Your Style with Outdoor Furniture and Decor
If you’re into clean, minimal aesthetic, a patio cluttered with oversized pieces is your worst nightmare. Low, streamlined outdoor funiture is a good option, and it’ll go perfectly with your preferences. If you prefer comfort and texture, you can bring out fluffy cushions, a vintage chair, and create a bunch of cozy spots to lounge. Outdoor rugs, pillows, and throws are where you can really let your personality show because you can pick your favorite colors, patterns, and textures.
And you can’t forget about lighting to set the mood. Dim and cozy, bright and festive, something in between? Along with lighting, you’ll also want to throw in some plants in the mix. That can be just a few tidy pots, but it can also be a wild mix of greenery. Again – it depends on your style.
Real-Life Style Cues to Inspire Your Space
If you like the idea of everything you read so far but don’t know where to start, start by thinking of how you naturally dress yourself. That alone can give you some clues. Minimalism, for example, is currently the most popular style, especially for interior design. If you’re a minimalist, you stick with clean cuts, neutral colors, and nothing too flashy in your wardrobe and, most likely, your home decor. That can all translate very well outdoors with sleek furniture, clean layouts, black planters, and soft grey tones.
Maybe you lean more towards something vintage and romantic? Soft florals, lace, little antique details, wrought iron chairs, soft cushions, old lanterns… You get the picture. All this can work outside. If you’re someone who feels most comfortable with natural fabrics and earthy colors, you’re a naturalist. This look comes to life with raw wood, stone, potted herbs, and wild greenery.
Then there’s the bold maximalist, which some people also like to call chaotic. A bold maximalist mixes prints, colors, textures, and doesn’t hesitate. You’ll see layered rugs, bright cushions, and a mix of patterns.
The great thing is that it all seems to work together so the space still looks put together.
Conclusions on Extending Your Style Past the Back Door
So… Do you have an idea of what to do with your backyard? If you still don’t, go to your closet and see what shows up the most. Even if it’s just one color that repeatedly sticks out, that’s still a start. You can also scroll through your Pinterest boards and notice what keeps showing up.
The pattern you’ll see in both cases is your style language, and once you can read it, you’ll design your backyard like a pro.
Photos: N. Mölders
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