Create a Country Inspired Outdoor Space

When designing your outdoor spaces, it's hard not to take inspiration from country lifestyles. When our pace of life seems to be constantly racing, it's no doubt that we dream of simpler times full of sweet iced tea and lazy afternoons. Anyone who grew up on a farm will certainly be quick to tell you that the country lifestyle has just as much, if not more, work than a suburban dwelling. But, let's keep our dreams idealistic and create country-rustic-wonderful outdoor living areas to enjoy!

The best outdoor space to decorate for country living is a large, hopefully wrap-around, porch. If you are lucky enough to have a big porch to work with, there's no need to gloat! But, do consider yourself incredibly lucky. Everyone else out there, don't sweat it. Gazebos, pergolas, and other outdoor spaces can just as easily transition to country living.

Use Functional Storage: It's hard to say "southern" without adding "hospitality" after it. My grandmother can tell you that part of living in rural areas of the south is always being ready to entertain guests. While, you may not agree with being quite so available, make your porch or outdoor area transition to a gathering space as quickly and easily as possible. Keeping outdoor buffets and patio shelving stocked with outdoor dishes, table clothes, and even table games will make hosting get-togethers no problem at all. One way to truly harness country charm is to make it obvious that your porch or outdoor space is not just an area you occasionally use... but one of the central spots of your home. The more functional and lived in it is, the better.

Mix Bright Whites with Color Accents: Using bright clean whites will make the whole area look sunny and dazzling. You can do this by using white wicker outdoor furniture or painting your patio furniture white. Don't go overboard, it's not a hospital, but mixing white garden benches or picnic tables in with your designs will recall that white washed country charm. Then, add focal points with light blues and deep greens. Don't feel limited into only adding a blue patio chair or maybe a green outdoor table, weave these colors throughout your outdoor dishes, table dressings, center pieces, and ever flowers.

Don't Skip the Porch Swing: There are few pieces as essential to a country porch as a porch swing. Luckily, your options are endless. Whether you choose to paint a wood porch swing white or one of your accent colors, choose a classic wicker, or even just stick with the natural wood... it will add immediate appeal to your outdoor space. Plus, besides its stylistic perks... a porch swing is just a wonderful addition to your home! Sway away your cares as you devour that book you've been meaning to read, catch up with a friend, or even just close your eyes and listen to the wind blow.

Mix Rustic and Refined: My mother's house is bursting at the seams, all full of outdoor furniture and "stuff" that my great grandmother saved for my grandmother, that my grandmother passed along with a bunch more "stuff" to my mother, and now I am laying in wait for all of it, plus more, to be passed on to me! Sound familiar? No self-respecting country porch would go out and buy all new furniture and decor, so don't be afraid to use patio furniture that is well loved. You can paint it to add color and hide some major wear-and-tear, and continue to use it and enjoy it. But, of course, every generation keeps accumulating more wonderful decor! Mixing older rustic pieces with highly styled luxury makes a perfect balance of comfort and fashion. Prize your keepsakes and show off your style!

Add Some Green: You certainly don't need to have the best tulips on the block to have a great country porch. If you're an avid gardener, pull those container gardens and planters up into your space and fill up those window boxes. Using green ferns and other plants will create warm and inviting spaces. While brightly colored flowers will add those "simply nice" touches we all love. Not into digging your hands in the dirt? Stop by a farm stand or other garden supply center and fill vases or old mason jars full of fresh cut flowers to enjoy their splendor.

And, if you're really passionate, you'll add the last perfect finishing touch: a big woven sun hat with a brightly colored ribbon and a tall glass of sweet tea. Ah, sounds perfect to me!

Have Fun,

Hazel.