How to Create Spaces for Outdoor Living

As spring turns to summer, it’s time to get your outdoor spaces prepped for the fun times to come this season! Whether you’re regularly hosting dinner parties, pool parties, or family barbecues, spending time outdoors is a great way to unwind and connect with friends and family. We’ll walk you through how to create inviting spaces for outdoor living and entertaining.

A family sitting and talking at an outdoor seating area — Create a dedicated seating area for friends and family to relax and connect

Outdoor Lounge

For visits with friends and family, having a well-arranged place to gather is essential. Maximize your space with a sectional so the whole family has a comfortable place to relax. Sunbrella partners with a variety of retailers who create outdoor furniture using Sunbrella fabrics – the ideal choice for durability, comfort, and cleanability!

Incorporate fun patterns to your outdoor lounge area, like this ottoman upholstered in CW Stockwell’s Martinique™ Indoor/Outdoor Fabric by Sunbrella. This lush, botanical pattern is the perfect statement piece that ties in the greens and blues used for the sectional, lounge chair, and throw pillows shown above.

Two children jump on outdoor pillows and cushions as two adults watch — Extend your backyard fun with lightweight chairs and cushions

Backyard Fun

Having lightweight chairs, cushions, and outdoor pillows on hand is a great way to enjoy a spacious backyard. This can help to create separate seating areas in a large outdoor space to keep kids and parents alike entertained. Use pops of color like a bright yellow pillow paired with neutral greys or classic stripes for a fun, eclectic look.

You’ll love these coordinating accent fabrics, pictured in the chairs and accent pillows above:

White and navy striped fabric swatch — Lido Indigo

Bright yellow fabric swatch — Cast Citrus

Green and blue waffle weave fabric swatch — Principle Lagoon

Lido Indigo is a classic navy and white stripe, shown above on the Teak Sling Chair from Serena & Lily.

Cast Citrus is a vibrant chartreuse fabric with a finely textured, heathered weave construction that provides depth and dimension.

Principle Lagoon is a colorful, textured fabric with a waffle-weave look. A multitude of colors in a range of greens and blues allows this fabric to pair well with many colors.

Canvas Haze is a soft denim blue fabric that offers elegant style and versatility.

A man and a dog playing by the poolside — Make sure to have plenty of poolside seating for every member of the family

Poolside Comfort

There’s nothing better than a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Having poolside seating is important for those enjoying the water and those choosing to stay dry for the day. Sunbrella fabric pillows and cushions are mold and mildew resistant, keeping your poolside beautiful and comfortable for many summers to come! Incorporate fun, tropical patterns like Calm Laurel and Principle Lagoon shown here on the Contempo Teak Lounger from Teak Warehouse.

If your outdoor space gets a lot of afternoon sun, you’ll want to think about adding shade for comfort. Umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings can take the edge off on a hot summer day by providing shelter from the sun.

Outdoor Dining

Whether you are hosting regular dinner parties or just preparing for the occasional get-together, it is important to create space for a designated outdoor dining area. Keep your dining area closer to the house for easy access to the kitchen, while lounge areas can be set farther way.

Use colors and patterns to bring your interior style outside. Modern stripes like Relate Ivy bring an update to a classic green and white stripe with a pale blue accent stripe for a pop of added color.

Create Your Outdoor Oasis

Whether you are looking to bring a small refresh to your space, add to your existing outdoor area, or give your backyard a total makeover, the most important detail is to make it uniquely your own. Create your own outdoor oasis with Sunbrella for outdoor living.