Make your patio or deck more appealing by creating a lounge, bar, or outdoor kitchen and dining area. You can use a pergola and a couple of rugs to break up the "open" floor plan and evoke the sense of two cozy rooms where you and your family will want to spend most of your time. To illustrate, here are a few ways to create an outdoor space for lounging all summer long.

planters and lightingPlanters and Lighting

With lush foliage overflowing in your planters, you will feel far away from everyday stressors and breathe in a sigh of relief every time you step outside. Therefore, the more freestanding and hanging containers you use, the more organic the setting will look.

Beautify your space with bistro lights. In fact, larger bulbs will radiate a flattering glow to your dining table and set the ambiance. Save money by putting your lights on a timer. Or try solar lighting to save energy and enjoy their glow night after night. 

Area Rugs and Décorarea rugs and decor

The first rule in designing an outdoor living room is to choose a color palette to set the tone. Dress with vibrant pinks and greens for a playful tropical look. On the contrary, if you are looking for something more chic and modern, work with black and white. Whatever your decor style, make sure you stick with pieces that complement the color scheme you decide. 

Define the space with a rug! Of course, this is where Creative Carpet and Flooring comes in. Outdoor area rugs highlight your decor and are essential to protecting bare feet and pet paws from rough wood planks or concrete. In particular, you want an area rug with synthetic or natural fibers resistant to the elements and heavy foot traffic. Sisal and jute are the most durable of all the natural rug fibers. However, they have a rough feel, so it may not be too welcoming for anyone deciding to remove their shoes outside. If you want shoes to be optional in your outdoor oasis, you will probably want to stick with a synthetic outdoor area rug. Polypropylene (also known as olefin) is one of the most highly sought-after outdoor rug materials because of its soft, comfortable texture and weather-resistant properties. 

Outdoor area rugs also serve as a base for your furniture. To make your space seem larger, position just the front legs of your patio sofa and chairs on the edge of your area rug. Once your outdoor area rugs are in place, you can amp up the décor by topping each seat with cute, all-weather cushions. Feel free to mix different prints while keeping everything cohesive.

Cooking and Diningcooking and dining

For meal prep, grilling, and buffet-style serving, utilize a two-tiered bar cart to build an all-in-one grilling station. Use the top shelf to store your spices, spatulas, plates, and condiments to keep everything within arm's reach. Keep your lighter fluid and charcoal out of the way in the cart's lower level. Since the cart is on wheels, you can push it into the grass and hose it off for easy cleanup and end-of-year storage. 

A quality table will last for years and be customizable through the seasons with flatware caddies, runners, cushions, etc. Invest in a solid teak or acacia wood piece. It is low maintenance and weather resistant. Whatever you get, just make sure you get a large enough table to seat all your friends and family!

Fire Pitfire pit

An outdoor oasis wouldn't be complete without the infamous fire pit. Make it the focal point of your sitting area paying close attention to the fire pit's shape. A circular fire pit will soften the setting and make your oasis feel more intimate. A square fire pit fits neatly against a sectional and lends an elegant touch to the area. 

Tip: You know what they say about Chicagoland weather, "If you don't like the weather, wait fifteen minutes." There's always a chance of scattered showers, so consider adding some cover to your space. An umbrella or overhang will shield everyone from the wind, rain, and scorching sun. You will thank us in the future!

Create the perfect outdoor space for lounging all summer long! Let Creative Carpet & Flooring help extend your living space outdoors with outdoor area rugs and decor.