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How to Create a Soothing Outdoor Sanctuary on Your Patio

By 04/22/2020May 11th, 202018 Comments

When you’re stuck at home, spending time outdoors can be like a mini retreat. Before all this, you may have taken your patio for granted… and now that Spring has arrived, you may be finding ways to enjoy it a little more this season.

This year I couldn’t wait to set up my patio outside. As soon as we had some sunny days on the forecast, I had everything power washed! It’s been too cold to sit out here most of this month but it’s ready. . . and waiting for me to enjoy the second it gets warm enough.

How to Create a Soothing Outdoor Sanctuary on Your Patio

Also, I moved around my accessories (they rotate all through the house all year) and was kind of enchanted with my three fat candleholders and how great they looked with my oversize faux coral from the Pottery Barn.

Set of 3 candleholders, similar here and here | Coral similar here

Creating a look and a feel outside, just like you would inside, makes your house feel even bigger! Treat your outdoor patio just like a room, adding a mirror, sofa table, and accessories.

My x ottomans aren’t covered in outdoor fabric, but they work outdoors all summer because they are under cover so they don’t get wet. But they have definitely faded and need to be re-done at some point!

Shop (similar): Console Table | Candle Pillars | Faux Stems | Mirror | Flatware Caddy | Tray | Ceramic Urn | x Stool

Organize outdoor entertaining basics like flatware and dishes in a caddy – even if you are just entertaining your own family right now, you’ll be glad to have easy access for your al fresco dining.

Airy Spring Summer Dress with Blue Flowers from Zara

My kale was flowering so I picked some for one of my (hundreds) of vases/vessels.

And, if you’re working from home right now, take your home office outdoors. This is where you’ll find me all summer long with my laptop (below):

Shop (similar): Sectional | Garden Stool | Natural Throw Pillows | Lime Green Chair

Include plenty of soft goods to create a cozy and inviting space… a blanket for those chilly evenings after the sun goes down, lots of throw pillows.

Airy Blue Flower Spring Summer Dress by Zara

Shop (similar): Sectional | Cozy Fur Blanket | Coffee Table | Outdoor Rug | Lime Green Chair

Shop (similar): Outdoor Dining Table and Chairs | Rug | Mirror

Create Soothing Outdoor Patio

  1. Cozy Fur Throw | 2. Neutral Outdoor Rug | 3. Outdoor Sectional | 4. Outdoor Pillows | 5. Teak Coffee Table | 6. Flower Garden Stool | 7. Mirror | 8. Black Ceramic Pots | 9. Lemon Stem | 10. Green Petal Stem | 11. Outdoor Dining Table | 12. Outdoor Dining Chairs | 13. Ceramic Urn | 14. Melamine Plates | 15. Flatware Caddy | 16. Glass Lantern
*This post contains affiliate links

Dress is from Zara | Slides: Hermes, Dupe here and actually way more comfy | Pedicure: Nonexistent

Melamine outdoor dishes, similar here 

Shop My Favorite Must-Haves for a Soothing and Functional Patio Space

 

 

And, heads up, those who have purchased the Masterclass, you will be receiving 2 new modules including the What would Maria Do with THIS House? which is available TODAY (below).  I just finished taping it this week!

For example this house:

 

Just a reminder, this is how to access your account:

  1. Go to: MariaKillam.com/my-account
  2. Enter Your Username and Password
  3. Forgot your password? Simply follow the “Lost your password?” prompts on the page to reset it.

Module 15 will launch on May 15 and I’ve been waiting for Spring to hit to ask for photos. It’s called:

What would Maria Do with THIS Porch, Deck, Fence, Paving?

I’ll be covering outbuildings in this one as well.

And I’m looking for REAL LIFE situations, so send me the one you need colour help with to my gmail where all my Ask Maria posts go here.

If you would like to learn how to choose exterior colours with confidence go here to purchase the Masterclass. 

My 500 white tulips are almost ALL in bloom, I’ll take photos soon!

Related posts:

Do’s and Don’ts for Decorating with Black Outside

First Rule of Design; Boring New Equals Timeless Later

My New Spring Boxwood Beds; Before & After

159 pins

18 Comments

  • Colleen says:

    So pretty but oh I wish mine was covered. Even so, my front covered patio chairs are covered in pollen! Too early to set out. But soon!

  • Fran W. says:

    Gorgeous outdoor space! And I am loving that Zara dress and those Hermès slides! 😉

  • Elizabeth says:

    Your patio is drool-worthy! But one question: Is your siding PINK BEIGE???!!! 😱
    Love your blog! Thank you for countless hours of knowledge, entertainment and your fabulous color wheel.

  • Nancy says:

    Maria-
    OOH LA LA! Awesome outdoor space ..
    I would be outside all day with that patio !!!
    Would be a awesome outside work space .
    Enjoy !
    We all need sunshine and getting outside ..
    It’s been a long journey ..
    Wishing you health .
    Nancy

  • Mary Arangua says:

    Hi gorgeous!
    Is your exterior Manchester tan? What exact color is the white trim? I like that.

    • Maria Killam says:

      No it’s a pale taupe, closest match to the vinyl siding is BM Cedar Key. Not what I would have chosen but the existing hideous landscaping was more important for me to change than the siding. Maria

  • Karen H. says:

    Wow… beautiful outdoor space! What are the dimensions of the decking? There is so much space for all your furniture. So roomy and cozy!

  • TomH says:

    Surprised that you would go with that porch floor color. To my eye, it clashes badly with the siding and white framing. Thoughts?

    • Maria Killam says:

      The siding is a pale taupe and the floor was always this colour. When I painted it again, I went with basically the same colour because then when it scratches it would show a different colour. It doesn’t bother me because I’m so used to it 🙂 Maria

  • Annette says:

    Must admit I stopped paying attention to this post after your first photo in that dress. Skipped to the source and bought it for myself — thank you!

  • Kay says:

    Love your patio! And your dress. Both so pretty!

  • tricia says:

    I read this sentence:

    It’s been too cold to sit out here most of this month

    And almost had to laugh. I forget how long it stays cold some places. It’s hitting triple digits here. I think 103 today.

    Sigh.

  • Sheree L says:

    Your patio is so inviting! I love it AND your beautiful dress! Here in Phoenix, AZ, we have an “excessive heat watch” as our temperatures are climbing towards 100 F. My outdoor time will have to be limited to early morning and after the sun goes down. I’m totally NOT ready for the summer when our temperatures are in the 110 F + range. Thank goodness for A/C and swimming pools 🙂 Wishing you and your lovely readers good health!

  • Carol says:

    Really like that you posted the items for “get this look”!!! Very helpfull!!!

  • Michelle says:

    The patio is pretty and so is Maria in her dress, but I’m struck by the green hills and low clouds/fog in the background of the first photo. I can imagine it’s a spectacular view from her front yard. I would love to see a wider range of photos that incorporate more of how her patio relates to the rest of her planted back yard. I can hardly wait to see 500 white tulips all in bloom!

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  • erin says:

    Such a pretty patio and your stunning dress really sets the mood! Where did you get the sofa cushions and how do you keep the rug dry? I had an outdoor rug and it would never fully dry. Happy Spring!

    • Maria Killam says:

      It’s an outdoor rug and it stays dry because my deck is covered. My sofa cushions came from Pottery Barn and the green leaf ones came from Target years ago! Thanks! Maria

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