Your home should always be your very own paradise, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. In a place like Philadelphia where you only have about seven months of sunny warm weather each year, you have to make the best of every moment outdoors. No matter the size of your budget, you can create an amazing outdoor paradise at your Philly home—just keep the focus on three details: shade, seating, and aromatic scents. Here are some spring decorating ideas to keep in mind when creating your paradise outdoors.
Finding the Shade
As they say in real estate: location, location, location. The location where you decide to arrange your outdoor paradise is important. Walk around your property and look for the spot that gets the most shade—even at high noon. It could be in the front or back yard or even on your front porch, if you have a classic Philly rowhome. It might be under a large tree, or even at the side of the house. Bring a pen and paper to sketch out your ideas once you find the location. When you first see your ideas come alive on paper, they’re more likely to come to fruition.
Find the best shaded location to enjoy mornings, afternoons, and nights outdoors. You want a place where you can have long, luxurious conversations with friends and family without worrying about the sun’s potentially harmful rays. If you can’t get enough shade in any location, purchase extra-large adjustable outdoor umbrellas. When arranging your outdoor area for maximum shade, remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so the amount of shade constantly changes throughout the day.
As for the Seating
Your next step is deciding on the seating. When you think of being in paradise, you’re reclining and relaxed. Your outdoor chairs and lounges should be just as comfortable as the sofa, love seat, and recliners that are in your home. Look for furniture that has comfy waterproof cushions that resist mold and mildew. Invest in one or two chairs that provide maximum comfort—that includes a foot rest or reclining feature, a high back, and cup holders for your drinks. Looks aren’t as important as comfort when it comes to patio furniture. Get an even mix of single and double-seater chairs for entertaining company. The more comfortable you make the seating outside, the more excited you will be to spend time outdoors.
Aroma Is Everything
Your sense of smell has the power to please and inspire you, so make sure that your outdoor paradise has an array of aromatic natural scents. You can achieve this in a visually appealing way with plants and flowers. Here are some ideas for aromatic greenery in your outdoor paradise:
- Herbs (cilantro, basil, lemon grass, verbena, peppermint, sage, thyme and rosemary)
- Clove currant
- Artemisia plants
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Honeysuckle
- Begonias
- Gardenia
- Lilies
- Hyacinth
- Iris flowers
You can plant a medley of plants and herbs in several pots or use one pot for each individual plant. Arrange the pots near your outdoor seating arrangement, but not so close that the smells become overpowering. Every day that you go outside to relax, you’ll be enveloped in the fragrant smell of nature and the sight of beautiful plants.
These spring decorating ideas will help inspire you to create your very own back yard oasis. The key to turning your outdoor space into a paradise is to make it as enjoyable and entertaining as your indoor spaces. Think of it as just another room of your house to decorate.
Image Source: Flickr/John Menard
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