Designing the Perfect Outdoor Living Space with Mary Tobias Miller
As the warm sun beckons us outdoors, there's no better time to create an inviting and functional outdoor living space. Interior Designer
Mary Tobias Miller has a distinct style that seamlessly blends elegance with comfort, encouraging us to embrace the beauty of the outdoors. In this blog post, we’ll explore Mary’s vision for the perfect outdoor oasis, focusing on essential elements, design tips, and inspiring ideas to make your outdoor living space a true retreat.
1. Incorporate Cozy Seating
At the heart of any outdoor living space is a comfortable seating area. Mary believes that creating an inviting atmosphere starts with carefully chosen
furniture. Opt for a mix of comfortable sofas and chairs if not a sectional upholstered in weather-resistant fabrics. Layer seating options with soft cushions and
throw blankets, enabling your guests to relax and unwind. Make sure your coffee table is eat and feet enabled because that’s what guests will likely be doing out there. Consider including a stylish outdoor rug to define the seating area and add warmth to the space. There are now waterproof and weather resistant options.
2. Embrace Nature with Thoughtful Landscaping
Mary emphasizes the importance of landscaping in connecting your outdoor space with the natural environment. Incorporate native plants, colorful blooms, and lush greenery to create a vibrant backdrop. Mary often recommends creating visual interest through varying heights and textures—mixing tall grasses with low flowering plants creates a dynamic look. For a touch of elegance, consider adding garden sculptures, a bench or art pieces that complement your landscaping.
3. Create Areas for Different Activities
A great outdoor living space accommodates various activities. Whether it’s dining, lounging, or entertaining, Mary suggests designing distinct areas for each purpose. A well-planned dining space, complete with a sturdy table and comfortable chairs, can host meals al fresco. Alternatively, create a cozy nook for quiet evenings by the fire, with comfortable seating, lanterns, and blankets. You can have a functional fireplace with stacked wood to add on or you can have an attractive gas log that turns on with a switch. By dividing the space into functional zones, you can enhance the usability and charm of your outdoor environment.
4. Outdoor Cooking and Dining
For Mary, outdoor cooking is an essential part of the outdoor living
experience. A well-equipped outdoor kitchen or grill station can elevate your al fresco dining experiences. Choose high-quality
grill options and consider adding a small prep area, sink, or even a mini-fridge to make cooking enjoyable and convenient. An outdoor dining table adorned with beautiful settings, flowers, or seasonal centerpieces is perfect for entertaining and allows you to savor meals surrounded by nature. Don’t forget to have beautiful
tablecloths; napkins,
candleholders and serving pieces for the evening. This is something
Abode specializes in if you need some help. We also have non breakable melamine serving pieces that make sense outdoors especially if by a pool. Maybe you have a covered porch that you can take over should the weather look iffy. Always pop in candles and fresh flowers. Most importantly, feed your guests well and don’t let them be thirsty - from the minute they arrive have appetizers set out in various places and more than one location to get something to drink. In less formal gatherings - guests are only too happy to fix their own beverages - especially if you provide them with everything from sparkling water with limes to (if the budget allows) a couple of fancy beers, wines, champagne and liquors. CHEERS !!!
5. Lighting for Ambiance
As the sun sets,
lighting transforms your outdoor space into a magical haven. Mary suggests layering lighting options to create ambiance and
functionality. Add a dimmer to any overhead lighting on covered porches, scatter lanterns around with large pillar candles burning - Abode now has wonderful
battery operated candles that look real at a distance and come with timers. Candles candles everywhere contribute to the romanticism of any gathering. We now love the colorful battery operated table and side lamps - also offered at Abode. They usually have 3 different settings but I prefer the warm white option. Never ever use daylight bulbs or settings. These bluer options will make your guests look deathly ill or worse - “OLDER” Consider installing built-in lighting along pathways and flowerbeds. Extend your view with uplit tree and flower beds. Instead of a sea of darkness it extends your space visually into an outdoor room. These will spotlight key features in your garden or back yard for a beautifully illuminated outdoor experience.
6. Personal Touches and Accessories
Mary’s design philosophy emphasizes the importance of personal touches
in any space. Incorporating meaningful decor elements—such as family
heirloom pieces, artwork, or local crafts—can add character and narrative to your outdoor setting.
Decorative pillows and throws can reflect your style and add comfort, while outdoor-friendly art pieces can enhance your landscape. Each piece tells a story and contributes to the overall atmosphere of the space. Beautifully planted ceramic pots are a lovely focal point.
7. Provide Shade and Protection
To maximize enjoyment in your outdoor living area, consider how shade and protection from the elements can be integrated into your design. Mary recommends incorporating umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings to create shaded areas where guests can cool down. Depending on your climate, outdoor heaters can also extend the usability of the space into cooler evenings, ensuring comfort year-round. I think the portable less expensive options make sense price wise and actually put out more heat than some more expensive ceiling options.
Creating the perfect outdoor living space is about blending style, comfort, and functionality—At
Abode home and
Mary Tobias Miller Interior Design - we try to feature items to help you achieve your goals for good design and comfort. By incorporating cozy seating, thoughtful landscaping, diverse activity areas, and meaningful decor, you can create an inviting outdoor retreat that reflects your lifestyle and allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Treat your outdoor relaxation spaces like you indoor spaces to the extent you are able to make it unique and uniquely yours. As you embark on this design journey, remember to embrace personal touches and create an atmosphere that not only showcases your creativity but also invites connection with family and friends. Embrace the outdoors and let your outdoor living space become a cherished haven!
