Transforming My Outdoor Oasis

It’s that time of year again when the weather finally cooperates, and we can embrace the great outdoors. As a self-proclaimed homebody, I’ve always cherished my outdoor living spaces, treating them with the same care and attention as the interior of my home. So, when the calendar flipped to June, I knew it was time for a summer glow-up.

Now, I’ll admit, I have a bit of a home decor obsession. Growing up, I would spend hours poring over the Frontgate catalogs, dog-earing pages and dreaming up my perfect outdoor setup. Fast forward to today, and I still get giddy at the prospect of refreshing my outdoor areas. This year, I was determined to take my summer entertaining game to the next level.

As I mentioned on Happily Eva After, I wanted to create a more special, summery vibe for hosting friends and family. Out with the drab winter decor and in with vibrant pops of color, whimsical patterns, and functional yet stylish pieces. After all, our backyard is an extension of our living space, and I wanted it to feel just as welcoming and inviting.

Curating a Cohesive Oasis

When it came to my outdoor glow-up, I knew I wanted to weave in a cohesive theme – and what better way to celebrate summer than with a playful flamingo and palm motif? I headed straight to Frontgate, my go-to destination for all things chic and stylish for the great outdoors.

First up on my list were the throw pillows. I couldn’t resist the fun, oversized flamingo print for the fire pit area, complemented by a tassel-trimmed number. And for the Adirondack chairs, I landed on classic black and white striped lumbar pillows – the perfect complement to the vibrant pinks and greens.

Speaking of the pool area, I wanted to make sure it felt like a true oasis. The huge palm-print towels were an absolute must, and I loved how they played off the existing black and white furniture. To complete the look, I snagged some of those clever Funboy pool floats that allow you to connect multiple pieces together. Imagine the hours of fun we’ll have lounging on our very own flower-shaped float!

But my absolute favorite addition has to be the stunning hydrangea wreath that now adorns our front door. As the team at My 100 Year Old Home pointed out, the faux blooms look incredibly realistic, and the pops of pink perfectly complement our black front door. It makes me smile every time I pull into the driveway.

Bringing the Indoors Out

Of course, no outdoor oasis is complete without the right accessories to make entertaining a breeze. I made sure to stock up on all the essentials – a drink dispenser for refreshing infused waters, a sleek stainless steel prep table to corral all the goodies, and even a chic blue and white ice bucket to keep the drinks cold.

And let’s not forget about ambiance. String lights are a must-have in my book, instantly transforming any space into a cozy, welcoming retreat. I also love incorporating lanterns – the medium-sized silver ones I snagged from Frontgate do double duty, acting as both decor and functionality (hello, guiding guests up the stairs!).

When it comes to serving up summer fare, I wanted to make sure my tablescape was just as stylish as the rest of my outdoor setup. I turned to some of my favorite pieces from Juliska, like the melamine dinner plates, acrylic drinkware, and bamboo-inspired flatware. The blue and white color scheme tied everything together seamlessly, while the pops of pink added that signature touch of whimsy.

Cultivating Memories

As I stood back and admired my newly refreshed outdoor oasis, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and pride. This space is where we’ll create so many cherished memories this summer – from poolside hangouts to alfresco dinner parties to lazy afternoons spent with a good book.

And that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? Crafting an outdoor living area that feels like an extension of your home, where you can truly relax, unwind, and soak up the season. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, the right decor and accessories can transform your backyard into a true oasis.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your summer entertaining game, I highly recommend taking a page out of my book and giving your outdoor spaces a little glow-up. Head to Sofa Spectacular to browse their selection of custom sofas and other chic furnishings that will have your backyard feeling like a magazine-worthy retreat. Trust me, your friends and family will be clamoring for an invite!