How To Cozy up Your Outdoor Living Area This Winter

Did you know the space outside your home is just as important as the area inside? Now that the cooler weather has arrived, it is time to spruce up your outdoor living area for the winter months. From bundled throw blankets to fire pits, there are several ways to transform your backyard into a cozy retreat. Explore our guide on how to spruce up your outdoor living design so you and your family can enjoy it all winter long.

Designate Zones

Your outdoor space should have all the inviting and comfortable aspects of your living room, plus natural light and fresh air. You can start by creating zones: one for dining, one for sitting and one for outdoor games. Use outdoor rugs to define each zone while tying the space together. Rugs not only provide a soft place for bare feet to rest — they are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and weather. Want to really connect the indoors and outdoors? Use a consistent color palette for your outdoor space and interior rooms.

Evaluate Your Grilling Space

Take your outdoor kitchen one step further by adding some cabinetry. This allows you to store your grilling tools inside the cabinet, so you will not have to make several trips into the house when the grill is in use. Be sure the cabinets are waterproof to withstand potential rain or snow.

If you do not have an outdoor kitchen, this may be the perfect time to build one. The easiest item to start with is an outdoor bar or a simple bar cart. You can stock it with items from your kitchen like ceramic dishes, glassware or acrylic pieces in various prints that match the season. Once you have a bar area set up, invest in a grill to get ready for your next cookout.

Add Potted Plants

Tall plants help visually fill empty space around furniture, especially in surrounding doorways and corners. They also are a simple way to add life to any space. Place them along the perimeter of a designated area to help define the outdoor space. You can even incorporate seasonal floral arrangements to spruce up your deck or backyard.

Bundle up with Throw Blankets

If your winter checklist includes roasting marshmallows, sitting around a fire or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate outside, throw blankets are a must. You should have a few on hand to stay warm during chilly evenings. Keep a woven basket or storage box near the patio furniture and fill it with woven throw blankets for easy access. If there is a chance of inclement weather in the forecast, simply bring the container inside and use the blankets for a movie night.

Accessorize with Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows can instantly enhance any outdoor space if you are on a budget. Swap out bright summer hues and nautical stripes for rustic fabrics to fully embrace the winter spirit. Place pillows on lounge sofas, dining chairs or accent chairs, draping a throw blanket over a seat as a final touch. If you would rather leave your cushions out all season long, choose outdoor furniture covers that protect your fabrics from poor weather.

Light Your Space

Sparkling lights know no season and add warmth to outdoor spaces. String lights are one way to accessorize a backyard any time of year. Hang them parallel to each other, securing them over your gathering space if you prefer a uniform finish. For a more whimsical look, loop them on the fence or drape them on tree branches. The glow of twinkling lights adds sparkle and warmth even on the chilliest of evenings. You can also put solar-powered LED candles in lanterns or birdcages and place or hang them around your space to double as light and décor.

Cozy up To the Fire Pit

A bonfire is a surefire way to transition your backyard from summer to the cooler months. Circle the pit or fire table with comfy chairs and have skewers on hand to make s’mores. If you want to incorporate aspects of nature, place a log holder nearby to display fresh-cut wood. Not only does a fire warm you up – it also creates a cozy environment for sharing laughs and storytelling.

Preparing your outdoor living area for winter can completely transform your backyard into a cozy retreat. Are you searching for a new home that offers room to create your ideal backyard? Explore and compare Perry Homes’ move-in ready properties to help you find your dream home today!