Adorning the Great Outdoors

Decorating the outdoors can be as daunting as decorating the indoors--where to start? What pieces should be incorporated?

Experts advise to first think about how you want to use the space. If entertaining is a priority, consider having a dining table plus a conversation area with chairs and a coffee table.

If rest and relaxation are important, think about adding a rocking chair, a daybed or hammock.

Create a focal point--anything from an outdoor fireplace to a rose-covered metal arch to a gazing ball.

Don’t overlook the importance of sound, says Debra Fritz, home decor consultant for Target stores. “Fountains and ponds give a very relaxing feeling with the sound of water.”

Creating boundaries can help define spaces and make them more intimate, says Kitty Bartholomew, who hosts a show on HGTV. “You can do that with pots and plants, or some kind of metal screen, etagere or baker’s rack.”

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, a few living things are a must. Interior designer Suzanne Faulkner suggests adding high-quality faux plants among the real to lend a lush look without the maintenance.

Use the element of surprise. A stone sculpture hidden among ivy vines, a handmade steppingstone, or old gardening boots used as planters will make the space more interesting.

Brown Jordan’s Richard Frinier sees no signs of the outdoor-decorating trend abating: “[We’re] working more hours and accomplishing more, especially from the home. The desire to restore balance in daily life has become a new priority.”