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Outdoor Living Spaces: Updating the Patio with Summer Color

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In this post: Do your outdoor living spaces look the same year after year? Here are tips and tricks to update your patio decor using inexpensive accessories in summer colors.

Today I’m joining with 6 other bloggers as part of the ‘Summer Colors Blog Hop’, hosted by my friend Jennifer from Town and Country Living. We are talking about adding summer color to our homes and exploring how we each perceive summer color. Please be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enjoy Monday’s posts linked below, then be sure to come back all week to see the remaining tours.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

Is your patio decorated exactly the same every year?

Several years ago in our old house, we bought an outdoor dining table with floral printed chair cushions. It was very pretty the first year. And kind of nice the next few years. But after a while, it got really boring. The same print. Every. Year. And it was too busy to style much else.

So I began to hate it.

If this is you or you’d like to avoid a similar experience, read on. Today I’m talking about how to update your outdoor living spaces with accent colors, particularly what I perceive as the colors of summer.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

Now to start off, it certainly helps if your large furniture purchases were bought in neutral colors. Our sectional couch has a rattan frame and natural cushions. The tables are cream and teak wood, which allowed us to go in any direction color-wise.

At first I was non-committal and for each event I chose a completely new palette, allowing the pillows to drive the color direction. Mostly I dragged outside a selection of indoor pillows and needed to put them away when the event was over. You can see the patio styled that way in sunbaked colors HERE, in lilac and yellow HERE, and in florals for fall HERE.

But ultimately I wanted outdoor pillows that could stay out all summer and I made the commitment to go with blue and white. I bought planters to match and eventually added a blue rug to really pull the space together. It looked fabulous and much like an outdoor living room and you can see the result in my OUTDOOR LOUNGE post.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

Still, as pretty as blue and white is, I began to worry that I would get bored with this pairing year after year. When it was just pillows they were easy enough to swap out, but now I had committed to a rug, too.

The simple solution was to find accent colors that could work with my palette and I enjoy picking a color story each year to update the look. Last fall I updated with BURNT ORANGE accents, but this year I chose to use vivid summer brights in yellow and fuchsia.

Here are 6 ways to add summer color to your outdoor living spaces.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

1. Flowers – Ok, this one is the most obvious and, in my opinion, the most fun! It’s also where I start. If you choose a color palette and buy accessories, and then get to the nursery and nothing fits with it, you’re stuck. So I always pick my plants first and work everything else around it. I selected fuchsia impatiens and yellow begonias, knowing both would look lovely with my chinoiserie pots.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

2. Books and magazines – A great way to add color both inside the house and out is with books and magazines. I love to sit outside and read, so this makes perfect sense, and when I’m entertaining I try to find selections that are not only interesting to thumb through, but co-ordinated with my palette.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

3. Tabletop items – You’re going to be serving anyway, so why not utilize dishes and drink ware to further display your pop colors? The yellow pitcher is perfect for serving sangria or punch and the pink glass bowls would work with ice cream or fruit. You can also use colorful stemware and patterned plates, plus napkins and serving platters. In fact, the options are limitless. 

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

4. Throw blankets – I actually didn’t receive the throw I had ordered, so I used a shirt for the photo here, but it serves the same purpose as the throw that’s on its way. A dash of color tossed on the seating, throws are also useful for when the sun goes down.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

5. Fruit and other food items – Never underestimate the styling benefits that food can offer, whether it be a bowl full of lemons or bananas, or something else that goes with the colors that you chose for your own patio. I wouldn’t limit my actual menu this way, but to make a statement for when guests arrive, a well placed platter of color can go a long way.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

6. Pillows – Initially, I wasn’t going to include pillows on the list because I already owned mine, but this is a super easy way to add color. Even if, like me, you already have a group of pillows, there’s no reason not to add a new one or two to work with your expanded palette.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

What I haven’t yet mentioned, but also needs to be considered, is the color in your natural setting, from the exterior of your house to the trees and natural elements nearby. If you have a huge red bush, you’re not going to be able to ignore it, so better to work with it as part of your design. In our case it’s all green trees and natural siding, so it’s not a major issue that limits our styling.

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

And what if you have floral cushions like I had with that early dining table? 

What I didn’t realize then is that you could simply work the same concept but do it in reverse. Rather than using several colors to add interest to a simple palette, instead pull out one individual color from the pattern for your accent, using a different one each year to highlight in your patio decor.

If you love summer as much as I do and enjoy spending time outside, these inexpensive tips and tricks will keep your outdoor living spaces looking fresh and new year after year!

Outdoor living spaces summer color - designthusiasm.com

Outdoor Living Spaces Source List – To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options.

(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)

Please enjoy the posts linked below!

Monday’s Posts

Summer Colors Tour - Monday Features

Town and Country Living | Shabbyfufu | Sand and Sisal | On Sutton Place

Summer Colors Home Tour - Monday

Savvy Southern Style | Happy Happy Nester | Designthusiasm

Tuesday’s Posts

Summer Colors Home Tour - Tuesday

Tammy Damore – Saw Nail and Paint – Finding Silver Pennies – Southern Hospitality

Summer Colors Home Tour - Tuesday

Duke Manor Farm – Shabby Art Boutique – Sincerely Marie Designs

Wednesday’s Posts

Summer Colors Home Tour - Wednesday

A Burst of Beautiful – StoneGable – Maison de Cinq – The Wicker House

Summer Colors Home Tour - Wednesday

Worthing Court – My Soulful Home – Craftberry Bush – Housepitality Designs

Thursday’s Posts

Thursday-Summer-Colors-Tour-1

House by Hoff – Zevy Joy – Maison de Pax

Thursday-Summer-Colors-Tour-2

Unskinny Boppy – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia – Vinyet Etc.

Friday’s Posts

Summer Colors Home Tour - Friday

Home Made Lovely – The Happy Housie – She Holds Dearly – Little Glass Jar

Summer Colors Home Tour - Friday

Becky’s Farmhouse – So Much Better with Age – City Farmhouse

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26 Comments Filed Under: Homestyle, Summer Decor   Tagged With: outdoor living spaces

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Comments

  1. Janet says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 6:59 am

    Everything is so lush and green and it brings out the beautiful blues that I would never get tired of! Looks like a great place to relax in.

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Monday, May 28, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks, Janet! It’s such a small space but we tried to include everything we need… 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kim says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 7:53 am

    Lory, I love the added pops of pink and yellow to the blue and white. What a pretty outdoor area to sit and enjoy those magazines or books and a cold drink.

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Monday, May 28, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks, Kim!! So thankful summer is finally here… 🙂

      Reply
  3. [email protected] Housepitality Designs says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 8:33 am

    I have always loved seeing your beautiful, beautiful deck….must say that I so LOVE the rug! Love the way it grounds the area with that gorgeous shade of blue. Love the pops of the yellow and pink. Have a most wonderful day, hopefully enjoying the beauty of your deck!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Monday, May 28, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      Thank you so much, Shirley!! It’s so nice to hear that because it seems like such a difficult space to make homey… 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ann says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 8:50 am

    I love that you added pops of color to your blue and white base…perfect for summer. I hope you get to spend lots of time in this lovely space…without your computer!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Monday, May 28, 2018 at 12:52 pm

      Haha, thanks Ann! I hope so too!!

      Reply
  5. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 9:06 am

    Blue and fuchsia is one of my favorite color combinations! Your deck looks so fresh and inviting and your flowers are beautiful! I haven’t even bought any for my deck yet. With all this crazy rain, I was afraid they would drown out there in my containers. Hopefully the sunshine will return and stick around for awhile. Enjoy your Memorial Day!
    Shelley

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Monday, May 28, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      Thank you and so true, Shelley! Not sure they made it thought this weekend, so I may be doing another color story next week… 😉

      Reply
  6. Lurlie says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    The patio is so beautiful and comfortable-looking. I love the hot pink and yellow accents with the blue and white- they give a real tropical feeling.

    Reply
  7. laura janning says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    you have the perfect backdrop for such a gorgeous patio.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    Love all your beautiful details and fun, bright colors! Your outdoor space is perfect for summer. Thanks so much for being on today’s tour!

    Reply
  9. MaryJean says

    Monday, May 28, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    First, I love your patio! It looks great! Second, you said something about not having to bring pillows in the house. Do you leave your pillows and cushions outside even in the rain? I have no awning for my patio so everything would get wet if I didn’t bring them in the house. I wonder if they are outdoor fabric would it be safe to leave them outside? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 2:12 pm

      Hi MaryJean,

      Thanks for your kind words!! Yes, the blue pillows are all made from Sunbrella fabric which is the same thing the outdoor furniture cushions are made from. So I do leave them outside, unless we’re expecting a really heavy storm.

      Best,
      Lory

      Reply
  10. Janine says

    Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 12:48 am

    Love your patio! The pops of blue and pink are such a fabulous combination of colors. You have just the perfect amount of color to accent your neutrals! I just want to come over and visit you!

    Reply
  11. Kim - Sand and Sisal says

    Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Hi Lory! I’m loving all the bright pops of color! It make the deck so cheerful and inviting! That garden stool is amazing too!!!!

    Reply
  12. Susan says

    Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    Lory, your deck is gorgeous and the blues and bright pinks are so fun for summer. I am inspired!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 2:09 pm

      Thank you so much, Susan!!

      Reply
  13. Amber Ferguson says

    Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 11:42 pm

    Such pretty pops of color!

    Reply
  14. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Love your pop of color! The flowers are amazing!

    Reply
  15. Danielle says

    Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    I adore all the colors you’ve used for your deck. It’s so happy and inviting xx

    Reply
  16. Sheila says

    Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:21 am

    Your patio is so dreamy Lory! I love your sectional, and the addition of all your brights with the blues really make it perfect for summer. I wouldn’t mind sitting out here and reading that’s for sure 😉

    Happy Summer to you!

    Sheila
    xo

    Reply
  17. Sliding Wardrobes says

    Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 7:40 am

    The porch is so excellent and open to looking. I adore the hot pink and yellow accents with the blue and white-they give a genuine tropical inclination. Thanks for sharing this amazing post.

    Reply
  18. Mary says

    Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 8:55 am

    The great thing about blue is that it can be paired with so many other colors and never get boring. It acts as a neutral almost. Your outdoor space is lovely and vibrant!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 9:25 am

      That is so true. Thank you!!

      Reply

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I enjoy seasonal, even thematic decor, but I'm not I enjoy seasonal, even thematic decor, but I'm not a fan of kitsch. ⁣
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So when I set a table for an occasion, I like to infuse it with a certain amount of elegance, no matter how relaxed the holiday tradition is.⁣
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If you enjoy celebrating St. Patrick's Day, you might appreciate this pretty spring tablescape with emerald greens that would work perfectly for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration!⁣
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Check it out at the LINK IN BIO.
There's just something about vintage style that I' There's just something about vintage style that I'm so drawn to and when someone has that certain knack for putting things together, magic happens.⁣
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Such is the case with my friend Deb @bvintagestyle who lives in an enchanting historic home that in her creative hands is utterly gorgeous!!⁣
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Deborah's a talented DIYer with wonderful taste and you simply must check out her page for yourself!  I know you will love it!
Have you ever heard the story of my gold chenille Have you ever heard the story of my gold chenille couch that I hated from the moment they delivered it? What about the one about the turquoise southwestern wall unit?⁣
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Oh yeah, I've made some pretty big decorating mistakes over the years! ⁣
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Today on the blog I'm talking all about the biggest and most common mistakes people make, how to avoid them and what to do if you find you've made one yourself!⁣
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The room in the house that's most used deserves to be treated as such and given the most attention. ⁣
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Check my LINK IN BIO for ideas to keep your family room beautiful and practical, too!
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I love the way they let in the light but allow for privacy, too, are convenient to use and add a note of polish to any room.⁣
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Affordable plantation shutters are great for lightening up your home and can be used seamlessly on both door and windows.⁣
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Here's the most fascinating thing about my friend Here's the most fascinating thing about my friend KariAnne @thistlewood.  She's full of energy and personality and tons of smarts!  She wears red lipstick and is one of the most encouraging people I know.  If you're feeling sluggish, go get a does of inspiration from KariAnne because she's always more awake than anyone else.⁣
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