How To Design An Outdoor Space That Feels Like Home

Apr 21, 2022

Spring means taking our love of home decor outside in anticipation of summer gatherings and staycationing. Gardens, patios, and decks and more are becoming our homes (not so far) away from home during the warm-weather months, especially if they're comfortable and design-inspired. A poll by the TurfMutt Foundation, in fact, found that outdoor offices are here to stay following the pandemic, while new research by Atlas Ceramics revealed that one of the biggest trends in kitchen design for 2022 is the outdoor kitchen. Need an outdoor space refresh? Here are tips for making your backyard a place for getting cozy and comfortable.

Create Activity Zones

AlyssaRosenheck

First, start with how you use your backyard and map out activity areas (even if you have a small space). A shady table can double as a home office, study zone, art table, or dining spot. A hammock can serve as a spot for napping, reading or studying. A patch of grass is perfect for sports, games and play. A fire pit with cozy chairs is perfect for stargazing and socializing. Maybe you want an outdoor movie set up? An herb or vegetable garden helps kids learn about science too.

"I like to create warm and inviting spaces by incorporating lots of plants and wood elements to further connect to nature," says Memphis-based designer Leslie Murphy of Murphy Maude Interiors. "If you like to host (like me!), look to create multiple gathering spaces so you can easily transition from outdoor dining to congregating with friends and family."

Factor Functionality With Purpose

Molly Culver

"My first tip is to add pops of color, be it in the outdoor chairs, floral arrangements, and even the outdoor decor," says Houston-based designer Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design. "Especially for spring, it seems fitting to utilize bright colors in a space that’s inspired by nature."

We love these yellow garden chairs for a bright, happy pop.

Molly Culver

Take note of any electrical outlets too and see if you need an outdoor-rated extension cord for music or movie watching.

"Incorporate lighting concepts too, such as dimming lights or tea candles," says Patton. "It's so soothing and it adds a moody effect that is perfect for outdoor entertaining."

Get Strategic With Plants

Haylei Smith

Spend a spring weekend sprucing up existing landscaping. Freshen up by weeding, planting flower beds, and filling pots with colorful flowers and greenery.

"Our favorites include banana leaf trees and orchids to add a touch of nature, and high-design planters can be a creative way to show off your own personal style," says Louisiana-based Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors.

Use trees, shrubs and bushes to add privacy, shade, and camouflage unsightly parts of your yard. Planters with flowers between seating and eating areas bring joy to your space too.

Use Weather-Friendly Materials

Haylei Smith

"I like to use weather-friendly materials and fabrics so the furnishings can last a long time," adds Thomas. "Our favorite is using rattan, it comes in a variety of shades and its eco-friendly construction makes it appealing to any design aesthetic."

Blend Indoor and Outdoor

Lifestyle Production Group

Make your backyard feel like an extension of the home.

"One way to make an outdoor space more eye-catching is to use patterned throw pillows that can take on the color scheme you already have inside your house," says Miami-based designer Brittany Farinas of House of One. "Take similar throw pillows and throw blankets that you would use indoors and use them outdoors! This will make the space appear larger and more cohesive."

Design For Al Fresco Dining

Laurey Glenn

We don't all have the budget for an outdoor kitchen, but you can design an outdoor space that caters to dining with a fresh and fun outdoor dining set, an outdoor rug, and grill for making delicious meals. Tulsa-based designer Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiorsopted for a Scandi-inspired color palette, light woods, and pops of blue décor for this outdoor space and we're digging the fresh, laid-back vibe.

Want more outdoor design inspo? Check out Create An Outdoor Oasis With These Budget-Friendly Finds and our Pinterest page!

Japandi Design Will Make You Fall In Love With Neutral Decor Again

With so much in common, there's a lot to love about Japanese and Scandinavian design. Both aesthetics emphasize neutral and earthy colors, sustainable materials, and the great outdoors (plants, branches, and solids woods). Japandi design brings the two decor trends into one happy, harmonious place, influenced by the subtle differences in each design. There's the comfort and warm minimalism of the Scandi style combined with the elegance, attention to detail and wabi-sabi, or rustic simplicity (wabi) and beauty in imperfection (sabi), of the Japanese side. Here's a look at how to achieve the look with our shoppable favorites!

Open Spaces

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

This 1930s ranch-style home in the Los Feliz Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles exudes a Japandi vibe, with its open and airy layout, beautiful cabinetry in Douglas Fir, clean modern lines, tons of natural light and high-end materials to elevate the design, all reimagined by AIA award-winning architects Klein Agency in collab with builder SITU Development.

Neutral Color Palette

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Look for shades of white, beige, gray and earth tones to create a serene and calming atmosphere.The Klein design team was inspired by the home’s natural surroundings and sweeping views. Green tones reflect the nature outside, as do the beautiful wide plank white oak flooring by Madera. The relaxed organic bedding hint to a more Scandi hygge look.

Functionality

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

The Klein architects added two more bedrooms and additional square footage to maximize the home’s functionality and flow. Where does all the clutter go? These built-in closets offer tons of storage space so you never see any.

Minimalist Decor

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Minimal artwork and natural elements set the scene for a quiet workspace, where focus is key. Don't be afraid to include vintage items and personal mementos too. Things that hold meaning to you are especially important.

Natural Elements

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

The windows are unobstructed throughout the home, maximizing natural light, and the decor embraces the outdoors with indoor branches and greenery (even in the shower).

Balanced Symmetry

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Rise and shine: sleek furniture and a balanced layout, as well as limited decoration, are signature markers of Japandi design. Furniture and decor feels purposeful, like you use what you love and need.

Tranquility

Image courtesy of Klein Agency

Indoors and out, Japandi design prioritizes relaxation and mindfulness, as shown in this stunning Los Feliz home. Keep the design simple, clutter-free, and peaceful. It's all about your well-being and creating a sanctuary for living.

Shop Our Japandi Design Favorites

West Elm Olivia Pendant

This sleek, fan-like pendant makes an artistic statement in any room.

Etsy Japanese Wall Art

Japandi doesn't mean lack of color. This rich emerald print of floating cranes adds a pop to your neutral decor.

Homary Japandi Wood Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair Armchair

Sit back and relax on this solid wood + rope outdoor chair in a rustic neutral hue, perfect for a Japandi-style patio.

Japandi Natural Retracted & Extendable TV Stand

Furniture that is multi-functional is very Japandi. This piece has functional adjustable shelves, an extendable TV stand (or kids table), and is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office.

Majer Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

This minimal but unique sofa also functions as a bed, plus it has hidden armrest storage space.

Ane Upholstered Chaise Lounge

Here's your future reading spot, or the perfect perch for a zen moment with a nature view.

The Citizenry Hinoki Wood Side Table

These versatile side tables made in Japanese hinoki wood are stunning from every angle.

Japanese Wabi-Sabi Style Bird Nest Shape Lighting

Organic shapes like this geometric chandelier create a feeling of nature indoors.

EM Wabi Sabi Wave Sculptural Metal Chair with Cushion-Black

It's all in the details. From your dining room to your office, this curvy steel-frame chair is art that's functional too.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image courtesy of Klein Agency

Chad Michael Murray Has The Perfect "One Tree Hill" Reunion Idea

Without a doubt, my favorite episode in all of television is the season seven finale of One Tree Hill. It's got all my favorite things: drama, intrigue, romance, and somehow, the episode also has all of my favorite songs from the show. This teen dramadoes an amazing job throughout its 10-year run of embracing life's beauty in the face of horror and, admittedly, unrealistic danger (remember when Nanny Carrie ran around a corn field with an axe? Because I sure do). And I'm not the only one who would love to see our favorite Tree Hill Ravens back onscreen. Chad Michael Murray and the rest of the cast do too!

What has Chad Michael Murray said about the One Tree Hill reunion?

In a Today Show interview for his new rom-com Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray talked about his dream One Tree Hill reboot plans, and how grateful he is for streaming. "I'm meeting 13, 14, 15-year old fans who are enamored by the show — they weren't alive when we started shooting!" he says.

"I feel like that show, it's needed," he continues. "They could do, like, a Tree Hill Generations and deal with all the trials and tribulations the youth are going through today, you know? Dealing with social media and discrimination and everything else that's out there in the world that we could bring to light so these kids could learn to say, 'Hey! I identify with this and that.' That's what was great about the show was everyone had someone to identify with.

Are Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton friends?

Image via Noam Galai/Getty Images for Netflix

Yes, Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton are still friends! Most recently, the actresses and activists showed up to the NYC premiere of our new TV show obsession: Girls5eva. Both women wore black blazers while Hilarie rocked knee high boots and a pop art purse, and Sophia paired her leather suit with strappy heels. I need these besties onscreen again ASAP!!

Will there ever be a One Tree Hill reunion?

Image via The CW/The WB

"I just can't see a world where something won't happen," Chad tells E! News. "Something will happen. Whether we get everybody together and do a live reading of the show, or we create a new fictional future episode, I don't know what it will be."

"If there wasn’t some sort of like spinoff or something, I would be so surprised," Barbara Alyn Woods says in an Entertainment Tonight interview. "Because we’re all on board, we’re all friends, it would be the most fun show anybody has ever been on."

"I feel very fortunate. Not only has the show had this major resurgence – I actually think it’s bigger now than it was when it aired," she continues. "We just need to keep going, this thing is not going to die."

I'd love to see what everyone's life looks like in 2023, especially all of the main characters' kids. It'd be like One Tree Hill: The Next Generation! Would Jamie still play basketball? Would Brooke's twins take an interest in design? I have so many questions.

Is there a One Tree Hill next generation?

Image via Fred Norris/The CW/The WB

The end of One Tree Hill sees our favorite Tree Hill Ravens happily celebrating a new chapter in life. They're all adults, and the majority of them are married with children! If we were ever going to get a One Tree Hill next gen, the series would probably focus on Jackson and Lydia (Nathan and Haley's kids), Sawyer (Lucas and Peyton's daughter), Jude and Davis (Brooke and Julian's twins), and hopefully Jenny (Jake's daughter from season one!).

Does the cast of One Tree Hill still talk?

Image via The CW/The WB

The cast has found other ways to celebrate the show, and their relationships. Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Bethany Joy Lenz (who played Brooke, Peyton, and Haley, respectively) host the Drama Queens rewatch podcast, while different members of the cast have teamed up for Christmas movies like The Christmas Contract and (my personal favorite) A Christmas Wish.

They also recently reunited for the show's 20th anniversary in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the show was filmed! "Got to hang out with some great humans this weekend," Austin Nichols (who played Julian) posted on Instagram. "Old friends. Old stories. Lots of laughs. And made a bunch of new friends. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!"

"I spent 6 years on OTH. I’ve spent 14 years celebrating what comes AFTER with these people," Hilarie Burton says in her Instagram post. "They’ve heard me. Healed me. Humored me. I’m just really really grateful that we get these magical little moments to be together."

Sophia Bush also celebrated with a simple, "Honestly? Obsessed with us." Me too, Sophia. Me too.

Will Mark Schwahn be involved in a One Tree Hill reunion?

Image via Angela Weiss/Getty Images

After the female cast members of OTHpublished a letter expressing they had been manipulated and harassed by creator Mark Schwahn, male cast members like Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty expressed their support for the women. The cast has since said they'd be open to doing a reboot — but it sounds like it's more likely to happen if Mark is not involved.

Where can I watch One Tree Hill?

Image via The CW/The WB

All episodes of One Tree Hill are streaming on Hulu now!

What would your dream One Tree Hill reunion look like? Let us know in the comments and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news!

Lead image via The CW/The WB

This post has been updated.

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20 Coastal Home Accents For Your Modern Beach House Vibes

I'm so inspired by coastal decor in all of its renditions, from the Nancy Meyer’s-inspired coastal grandmother to elegant and coastal luxemodern, from California surf shacks to Cape Cod cottages. While coastal decor can be an all-year decor trend that combines fresh whites, soft blues and natural elements like jute, wood, and rattan, it’s around this time of year that I start to really embrace the relaxed and refined aesthetic. Here are 20 coastal accents to refresh your home for the season.

Coastal by Gray Malin

Coffee table books are a great way to bring in a coastal aesthetic. New York Times bestselling author and photographer Gray Malin is known for his aerial beach photography in the U.S. This new collection highlights coastal locations from around the world.

Spoonflower Peel & Stick Art Deco Swans Wallpaper

This removable and eco-friendly wallpaper (water-based inks and no toxins) features a swan graphic in a seaside color for a breezy addition to any room.

Aitken Flatweave Cotton Geometric Rug

This boho cotton rug also leans into the greener side of coastal decor with a fun polka dot print.

Nauvoo Dresser Mirror

Bring in natural elements like wood and rattan to keep your coastal decor casual and earthy.

Soho House Pool Towel, Nashville

Soho House uses these classic cabana stripe towels around their poois. This fade-resistant one in their signature hue is used at their Nashville location.

Surf Tribe Book by Stephan Vanfleteren

This photo book shows surf culture in a new light, showing the passion for nature and respect for the ocean that surfers universally have.

The Citizenry Meru Counter Stool

Bringing in natural elements in a refined way is a key part of coastal decor. These modern counter stools in a beautiful ethically-harvested mindi wood are handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Jepara, Indonesia.

Pendleton White Sands Printed Quilt Set

Inspired by sand dunes against a blue sky, this machine-washable cotton quilt is a nod to the serene landscape of New Mexico's White Sands National Monument.

Indigo Surf Textile Art

This textile art features hand-cut vintage dark indigo lettering on a lighter indigo background and a small wave stitched detail. It comes with the salt oak frame and each one is one of a kind.

Blu Dot Invitation 24" Bench

Woven seating in a white oak wood frame brings in the sandy colored hues of coastal decor. Blu Dot is one of my favorite modern decor brands, and this quiet luxury bench is so lovely IMO.

Nathan James Outdoor Patio Loveseats (set of 2)

Extend your coastal decor to the great outdoors with these acacia wood loveseats and chairs with washable cushions.

Dumae Malibu 3-Piece Setting

This LA-based ceramics company designs unique pieces for casual and special occasions. Love the organic edge on these that would suit a coastal decor aesthetic.

Begonia Dining Chair

Adore the idea of these upholstered chairs in a cabana stripe around a wood dining table - so chic and fun!

World Market White Marble Shell Bookends

Marble shell bookends feel just a tiny bit kitsch without feeling too old-school beach decor. Add these to your desk or bookshelf.

Serena & Lily Jute Border Rug

Hand-tied fringe hints to a surf shack vibe while the elegantly framed jute rug keeps it more refined.

'Crowded Summer' Frame + Photograph Print

Make a statement with a beachy landscape that recalls the best of summer days.

Surf Shacks Book by Matt Titone

Find anecdotes and photographs in this book that reveals a more personal side to surfing.

Zara Embroidered Border Towel

Swooning over these cotton terry towels with an embroidered detail (an illustrated shower) and contrast border in the most perfect blue.

If Lost Please Return Me To The Sea Art Print - Digital Download

Cheeky prints like this one make sure your coastal decor doesn't get too serious.

Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water by Nina Freudenberger

Peek inside surfers' homes, from bungalows to trailers to cabins, in this bestselling design tome for coastal decor lovers.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock + Wayfair

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This Is My Dream Sydney Sweeney & Billie Eilish Sister Movie

When Sydney Sweeney showed up to the Met Gala red carpet rocking a jet black bob, the entire Brit + Co team thought she was Billie Eilish — and I immediately started daydreaming about these incredible women playing sisters! We know from Anyone But You and SNL that both Sydney and Billie can balance humor and heart, and I am convinced they need to headline a sister comedy, like, right now. I asked AI to write the plot of a (very hypothetical, unconfirmed) Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie so, for now, we can daydream even more!

Billie Eilish And Sydney Sweeney's Sister Roadtrip Comedy

Image via Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Sister Vibes

In Sister Vibes, Sydney Sweeney would star as Ruby opposite Billie Eilish's Lily. These two sisters might have opposite personalities, but they're both at a crossroads in their lives. Ruby is a meticulous, Type-A oldest daughter who's always played it safe in the corporate job she hates. Lily is a free-spirited artist struggling to find her place in the world, and although she dreams of making it big, she's afraid of losing her authentic self.

Feeling totally stuck and unsure about their futures, the sisters decide to go on a big roadtrip to fulfill their desire for adventure. As they make their way across the country (snacks in-hand and roadtrip playlist at full volume), they learn more about their dreams, themselves, and each other than they could have hoped for. And it wouldn't be a comedy without a memorable cast of characters Ruby and Lily encounter along the way! Pedro Pascal? Ayo Edebiri? Lindsay Lohan? (It's a trick question because I want to see all of the above!)

In their journey, Ruby and Lily encounter mishaps, unexpected detours, and some seriously profound self-discovery. From mistaken identities and spontaneous dance parties to moments that take their breath away, Sister Vibes would capture the essence of what it's like to be a young woman in 2024 with authenticity and relatability.Through the ups and downs, Ruby and Lily's bond as sisters is tested, but it always comes out stronger on the other side.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In this Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie, their characters discover that their greatest adventure is simply accepting who they truly are and supporting each other no matter what. As cheesy as that sounds — it's so important (and actually more difficult IRL than it sounds!).With its blend of comedy, heart, and vibrant wit, this contemporary comedy would celebrate the strength and resilience of women today. It explores themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of meaningful connections in a digital age.

Would you see a movie starring Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney? Because I would be all over this! If you love daydreaming about your favorite stars in new movies, check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/JC Olivera/Getty Images

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Nicole Kidman Is Officially Back For "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!