Summer backyard tips as seen on Daytime TV

Outdoor and backyard ideas and tips

Now that Memorial Day has passed, it’s officially summer and time to love your outdoor spaces. This week I had the pleasure to share 5 easy steps to take your outdoor space from blah to beautiful with my pals at Daytime TV which is filmed in Tampa but airs in 100 markets. Check out all the outdoor and backyard ideas here with Daytime host Maggie Rodriguez. And special thanks to South Tampa Lowes for providing us with many great elements for this segment.

5 Steps to an impressive outdoor area

1. Design your space

Whether you are doing this project yourself or working with a designer like me, start with defining the purpose of the space. Are you planning on dining, chilling, entertaining, or napping?

Think about the aesthetic, traffic flow, and function. Use accessories to update an area. Table runners, placemats, and your centerpiece are all important elements. Love any furniture in this segment? You can get it from Home Frosting. It’s from Fourhands, Restoration Hardware, and Abbyson, and just some of our favorite outdoor lines.

2. Address privacy

This can be a challenging issue when your neighbors are close by and it feels like they are always invited to your backyard space. Correct this with fences, a trellis, large plants, boxwoods, screens, and or curtain panels. I found these very cool, dressed with foliage trellises at Lowes. The greenery is UV protected and will hold up great under sun and weather.

3. Set the mood and add style

Lighting illuminates spaces, adds theater, and creates an atmosphere. Today there are so many cool options to add light to your outdoor areas. If you have power, start with string lighting. No power, no problem. Lowes carries many solar-powered lights where you can spotlight trees, brighten up areas or just add some drama.

Bring style to your space by continuing the look you have inside your home or create more of an adventure with a complimentary vibe. This season I’m loving lots of organic, black and white, and pops of color. If you have a wall away from direct sun, try adding mirrors too. This will open up the space and reflect the outdoors in.

4. Keep unwanted guests away

There is nothing worse than pesky bugs ruining an outdoor experience with family and friends. Try natural candles and Incense by Murphy’s. They smell great (mint and lemon) and will take care of bugs. You can do this with lanterns or now they make a solar-powered torch that lights up like a flame. It looks great and does the job. If you need an extra layer of party protection, try a natural, pet-friendly spray, so if your pets like to lick you, everyone is safe.

5. Protect your investment
Sun and weather will damage your favorite things. Treat all your furniture. Especially if it’s not designed for the outdoors. Seal it with polyurethane. Keep cushions and pillows fresh looking and protected with a regular Scotch guard spray. If you display things in vases, weigh them down with rocks, in case the wind picks up.

Outdoor backyard ideas – as seen on Daytime TV

Love this look, complete your backyard with these modern furnishings.

Order today. Ready to ship.

$3200
Reclaimed FSC®-certified teak crafts a comfortable outdoor sofa inspired by vintage styles with a modern interpretation, finished in deep brown.

Overall Dimensions: 86.00″w x 36.25″d x 33.75″h

$350. The perfect planters
Slim legs of dark brass-finished iron support an inset planter of rounded weathered brass iron. Plastic plant liner recommended (not included).

Overall Dimensions: 15.00″w x 15.00″d x 26.00″h. $650. Outdoor bench-aged bronze-finished aluminum forms a fluid, cage-like style, for a forward-thinking look with clever distinction, indoors or out.

$1100. Shades of summer outdoor coffee table.
Ombre finishes transform industrial materials. Concrete takes on alluring shapes – rounded, polished, and painted in a faded indigo. This coffee table makes a modern statement indoors or out. Cover or store indoors during inclement weather and when not in use.

Overall Dimensions: 42.00″w x 42.00″d x 16.00″h

$1300. Geometric concrete outdoor coffee table
Concrete adopts alluring shapes as modern geometrics play with nature’s petal form. A hollowed drum of dark grey concrete is intricately etched for artistic intrigue. Safe indoors or out.

Overall Dimensions: 42.00″w x 42.00″d x 16.00″h.

$495.00 Outdoor woven chairs. Clean, contemporary shaping and an updated weave transform all-weather wicker into something modern. This take on the club chair is supported by a contrasting black iron base. Safe for outdoor spaces. Available in distressed gray and vintage white.

Overall Dimensions: 25.50″w x 29.75″d x 29.00″h

Enjoy your summer!