8 Tips to Get Your Outdoor Space Ready for Summer
The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and it’s time to start focusing on outdoor design ideas to get your rooftop, deck, or patio looking its best for spring and summer. At Hopper Communities, we work with the talented Melissa Lee, Principal Designer and CEO of New South Home, on outdoor designs that are stylish, welcoming, and perfect for adapting to the way homeowners use their outdoor space.
To help you get your exterior ready for summer, Melissa shared her eight best outdoor living space ideas and tips to create an outdoor oasis that is as functional as it is well-designed.
- Let the Exterior Guide the Style
“We focus our style choices on the exterior architecture,” Melissa explains, noting that the exterior sets the tone for each furniture or textile selection. She recommends looking at the colors and elements that define the architecture of the home, then echoing those choices throughout the outdoor space.
For example, if the exterior of the townhome is modern, then sleek lines and minimalist styling will complement the architecture. If you have a historic home like Melissa does, then use seagrass rugs and traditional furniture to continue that aesthetic. Use colors that appear on the exterior to create an entirely cohesive look.
- Identify Your Goal
If you have a large space, then you can get creative with a multi-purpose design. But, if like many people, you’re working with limited square footage, then Melissa recommends choosing one primary function for the space and deciding on your furniture blueprint from there.
“You might not have room for a dining table and a TV and a lounge area. Instead, think about what you see yourself doing in this space. Do you want a place to entertain where you can watch the game? Do you need a larger dining table to host dinner parties?”
Depending on your preferences, it could mean your home exterior design will focus on a sectional instead of a dining table. Or maybe an outdoor gym with a yoga area is your top priority. This will look different for everyone.
But Melissa adds, even in the smallest of spaces, you can usually squeeze in a bistro table for two, so there’s always room for a morning cup of coffee.
- Choose Outdoor-Friendly Materials
You want your outdoor furniture to look good, but it also has to be practical and it must withstand the elements. Melissa recommends choosing only outdoor-rated materials, even for covered outdoor living spaces, and specifically looking to vendors that specialize in high-quality, outdoor furniture and decor.
“Right now, there’s no better time to look for exterior furnishings. The past four years have really pushed us towards expanding the indoor-outdoor experience,” says Melissa.
One of her favorite materials is powder-coated aluminum because it’s a lighter material that can stand up to the elements. She also likes teak, but notes that this warm-toned wood will weather and gray over time if it isn’t oiled regularly. Depending on the look you want, that might work out beautifully.
“I have teak loungers that I’ve had for thirty years. I haven’t been as good about oiling them, but they still look great,” adds Melissa.
For fabric, she recommends anything acrylic or moisture-resistant. Ideally, look for cushions that have mesh on the bottom so they drain effectively and prevent mildew. If you can, buy a storage trunk to store pillows when you’re not using them.
- Be Practical
Especially if you have a rooftop terrace, wind can be a concern. Melissa says, “With rooftops, wind can sometimes blow things away! You may need to weigh down outdoor plants with rocks or something in the bottom to anchor it.”
Similarly, try not to buy furniture that’s so lightweight it’ll blow into your home during a big storm. Lightweight may be great for your budget and install day, but it can turn into a weapon if a huge thunderstorm rolls in.
- Add Lighting
Exterior lighting brings another element of sophistication to your rooftop terrace. Try solar bistro lights strung around the space to create a romantic café effect, or set out battery-powered hurricane lamps to add lighting to a table. This is your opportunity to get creative while adding depth and emphasis throughout the space.
- Carve Out a Garden Space
You can liven up your outdoor design by adding an outdoor garden to your rooftop. Try full sun plants, whether they’re perennials, evergreens, or herbs, they’ll be guaranteed to thrive on your rooftop terrace, just like you! Turn your space into a lush garden terrace and add planters that are similar in style to your decor.
- Create Shade
If you have a patio or deck, then an umbrella is the obvious choice to create a shady retreat from the midday summer sun. This can be a little trickier since an umbrella can take flight. Instead, try using a durable canvas sailcloth. This can be hung up to strategically add shade throughout the day.
- Bring in Finishing Elements
An outdoor space presents just as much opportunity for home design as an indoor space. Try to keep the investment pieces more neutral so you can incorporate color and pattern in accessories that you can switch out with the seasons.
Some of her favorite pieces to use include outdoor rugs to add color and pillows to add pattern. “In one Hopper Communities space, we did black adirondack chairs with a neutral rug and vibrant pillows. We could also do a pop of color with a rug. The accessories can be replaced every few years to keep the look fun.”
Home Sweet Home
Ready to have an outdoor space you can make all your own? Now is the perfect time to explore purchasing a move-in ready home in one of Hopper Communities’ gorgeous neighborhoods. As a leading homebuilder in Charlotte and beyond, we focus on both interior and exterior home design. One feature our luxury townhomes are known for are the private rooftop terraces, that you can make all your own!
Schedule a tour today, and start dreaming up all the ways you’ll enjoy rooftop terrace living this summer.
