10 Designer Tips for Upgrading Your Outdoor Spaces

Whether dining on the patio, partying by the pool, or sipping something sweet on the front porch, Southerners love to gather outside for a good hang. That’s why outdoor spaces should never be an afterthought, but rather an extension of your home — warm, welcoming, and deserving of the same attention to detail as the interior. We asked some of our favorite designers to share their tips for creating outdoor spaces that feel purposefully put together, just in time for summer!

Plan with Purpose

The first step in any project, from refreshing a well-loved porch to designing a patio from the ground up, is knowing exactly how you want the space to function. “Before you place a single chair, ask yourself, ‘What do I want to do here?’ and let that answer guide everything,” says Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design in Nashville.

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Consider Your Style

If your home leans heavily toward traditional styling, a sleek, modern outdoor space will feel out of place — and vice versa. Brad Ramsey of Nashville’s Brad Ramsey Interiors says indoor and outdoor spaces should flow seamlessly for a “consistent overall vibe.”

“When that connection is established, the space becomes more immersive and ultimately more enjoyable for entertaining,” he explains.

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Make Seating Strategic

A dreamy outdoor retreat doesn’t necessarily require a major furniture investment. In fact, you probably already have everything you need. You may just need to rearrange it. Think about cozy seating areas and vignettes that make interacting effortless.

Rather than pushing furniture to the edges of the room, which can feel disconnected, Jasmine Chambers of Jasper in Nashville recommends pulling the seating toward the center of a space and arranging the sofas and chairs to face one another.

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Sara Ray, of Nashville-based Sara Ray Interior Design, leans into visually defined spaces. “Create distinct zones for dining, lounging, and conversation through thoughtful furniture placement,” she advises. One easy way to create intimate areas within a larger room is to use rugs. “Rugs make the overall layout feel more cohesive, functional, and inviting.”

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Think Outside the Box Store

If your outdoor refresh requires a few new pieces, avoid matching sets and embrace a more curated look. For covered outdoor areas, Amber Thomas of Nashville’s Providence Interiors loves a good contrast moment. She starts with a clean-lined upholstered sofa and layers in unique chairs and rustic or antique accent tables. “This adds juxtaposition and prevents the space from feeling like you bought everything out of a showroom,” she explains.

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Marcelle Guilbeau likes using furniture in unexpected ways. One of her favorite tips for creating a “boutique resort” look is to use a daybed as a sofa on a patio or porch. “It is, in my experience, the piece that makes people say, ‘I never want to go inside,'” she says.

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Find a Focal Point

Every well-designed space should have a focal point, and there’s no better anchor than an outdoor fireplace to provide a sense of warmth in more ways than one.

A portable fire pit is a fun and budget-friendly way to go, but if you want what Jasmine Chambers calls a “truly transformative element,” consider a custom masonry fireplace. She explains that it’s “not just a feature; it’s where conversations happen, evenings stretch longer, and favorite memories are made.”

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Comfort is Key

A peaceful porch loses its charm if the seating is uncomfortable. Fortunately, we’ve moved past the days of stiff chairs and flat cushions. Today’s outdoor seating options combine high-end aesthetics with plush comfort, allowing you to sink into carefree luxury.

“Cushions vary widely, and choosing ones that feel good to sit on (and that hold up over time) will instantly elevate the experience,” says Amy Mobley of City Hill Design, Memphis. “The goal is to create a space that is comfortable, durable, and easy to enjoy.”

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Add Accessories

Incorporating accessories into your outdoor space is a quick way to take it from ho-hum to homey without breaking the bank. “Sculptural brass objects, stacked coffee table books, or a copper tray all signal that this space was designed, not just furnished,” says Beth Haley, of Beth Haley Design in Nashville. A stunning piece of wall art can also inject personality.

Pro tip: Make sure it’s printed on metal or canvas to withstand seasonal humidity!

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For a quick porch pick-me-up, drape a soft throw over a chair or add playful pillows to your sofa for maximum impact with minimal effort. Ridley Wills of Nashville-based Wills Company recommends combining pillows in different stripes, colors, patterns, and textures to add depth and character.

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Layer Your Lighting

Nothing transforms a space like the right lighting, and it can be a fun and inexpensive way to set the mood. For a casual, warm glow, try layering candles, string lights, and lanterns. For something more elevated, Jasmine suggests landscape lighting, wall sconces, and strategically placed architectural uplighting to subtly highlight the space’s best features.

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Help Your Pool Make a Splash

Summer and pool parties go hand-in-hand, but before you take the plunge, consider the landscape. You want a pool to enhance the overall aesthetic — not compete with it. “The materials and style should feel connected to the location so the space feels natural instead of forced, ” says Heidi Houdek, of Heidi Houdek Interiors in Austin, who designed her personal pool to look like it melted into her Hill Country back yard.

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Heidi relied on natural, organic materials to get the look she wanted. Standout features include Lueder stone pavers that allow the lawn to extend right to the pool‘s edge, and handmade, hand-painted tiles along the waterline that add depth and variation as the light changes.

Discover Your Green Thumb

Adding fresh blooms to outdoor dining and coffee tables is a budget-friendly way to punch up an otherwise plain area — no gardening experience required! But if you do have a green thumb, Kelly Neely of Kelly Neely Interiors in Birmingham says planters with seasonal flowers keep spaces lush and vibrant.

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Marcelle Guilbeau intentionally incorporates both potted and planted flowers to add depth to her designs. “They do different things, and together they create a layered, living landscape that changes with the seasons,” she says.

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Remember that designing a beautiful outdoor space isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a place where long afternoons and even longer conversations go hand in hand (and perhaps where “professional lounger” becomes your go-to personality). Whether you’re diving into a new pool or sinking into a few plush pillows, your personal oasis is within reach. Go ahead and embrace the calm; your summer self will thank you.

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For more exterior (and interior!) design inspiration, check out our home features!