11 October, 2018
Creating the perfect Southern-inspired patio is about so much more than worn-wood, refurbished antiques, and lush greenery; it’s about soul, memories, and comfort. A Southern patio should be crafted in such a way that even a quick glance at it evokes nostalgia, comfort, and the ability to leave life’s troubles at the door.
In this article, our experts will teach you how to create such a patio with a variety of Southern-inspired decorating tips for your outdoor space.
Cozy Furniture
Comfort is the most important factor when it comes to creating the perfect Southern patio. You should provide your family and guests with ample room to kick back, relax, and share their stories. Classic Southern patio furniture is mainly comprised of five different factors:
- 1. Wicker
- 2. Soft cushions
- 3. Mixed patterns
- 4. Knitted throws
- 5. Overstuffed pillows
Keep these design tips in mind as you assemble the perfect collection of Southern living outdoor furniture. Create the ultimate place of comfort and relaxation with a deep-seated loveseat or sofa dressed with pillows and a large knit throw, a couple of luxurious loungers, wicker end tables to hold glasses filled with iced tea, and a wicker coffee table adorned with plants and trinkets. You can even take your patio to the next level of comfort by adding an outdoor hammock.
Meaningful Accents
No Southern-inspired home is complete without meaningful collections, trinkets, and memorabilia. Add a personal touch to your patio space with items that bring you happiness and peace. While this will make your patio feel more personalized and true to your sense of style, these trinkets are also great conversation pieces. Add items that you’ve collected from your travels, treasured gifts from your closest friends and family, and those oddball decor pieces that have accumulated over time.
A Dining Area
Achieve the full effect of Southern living outdoor furniture by providing guests with a comfortable place to enjoy their meals. The right outdoor dining collection will serve as a welcoming place to create lasting memories with your family for many years to come.
And, don’t forget to dress the table with mismatching dishes, mason jars, and a nice centerpiece to tie the whole thing together.
The Right Colors
Colors play a massive role in achieving a patio space that feels both relaxing and inviting. Deck your Southern-inspired patio with warm colors like chestnut brown, deep cherry red, or a rich olive green. Once you’ve laid the warm foundation, add pops of bright, cheerful colors like yellow, turquoise, blue, and bright red. The combination of warm and bright colors will create an environment that is soothing and welcoming.
Lush Greenery
Potted plants, trees, bushes, flowers, vines—all of it is amazing. Surround your outdoor patio with lush foliage to provide a place of seclusion and beauty. Add a stout, patterned vase of hydrangeas to your wicker coffee table, hang pots of English ivy from hooks overhead, and decorate any remaining surfaces with your favorite foliage.
If you don’t have the gift of a green thumb, don’t worry. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants out there that can survive almost any condition including philodendrons, coral bells, and the ever-so-dainty common daisy.
Plenty of Detail
The final trick to achieving authentic Southern decor is to add an abundance of detail. These details can be found in the tassels of the rug, the trinkets on the end tables, the floral pattern of the tablecloth, the hand-painted flower vases, or the trim around the door. Southern decor is nothing if not intricately detailed with memories and darling patterns. If you feel your Southern patio is looking a little bare, all you need to do is add a few painted vases, mugs, dishes, or pillows to complete the effect.
We hope you found these Southern patio decorating tips useful, and that you enjoy the process of designing this new lovely space for your home.