For years I’ve believed in making “destinations” around the house—small, intentional places where family can relax, connect, and make memories. Lately that idea feels more important than ever. With so much time spent at home, having inviting outdoor spaces to escape to has been a real gift.
All winter I look forward to warmer weather and the chance to enjoy our patio and deck again. I love the challenge of designing outdoor rooms and bringing them to life. Over the past few years we’ve slowly transformed areas of our property, and I’m finally feeling like the space is coming together.
That said, it wasn’t always smooth. Our side patio project began as a small winter job but stretched on far longer than expected. We hit setbacks, delays, and surprises that turned what should have been a straightforward task into a multi-year effort. It was frustrating at times, but the patience paid off.
We still have a few items left on the to-do list—like finishing outdoor lighting on the concrete steps and adding electrical outlets for hanging lights—but those are minor compared to the progress we’ve made. We’ve moved past the “will it ever end?” phase and are now at the stage where we can actually enjoy the results. It’s wonderful to spend time out here.
When the sun finally came out last week, I couldn’t wait to bring out the cushions and set up both the deck and patio. We leave our durable furniture outside year-round, but store cushions, umbrellas, and rugs during winter. Once everything was back in place, the area felt fresh and ready for spring.
I rearranged our outdoor rooms to create a new family-friendly layout. A few new pieces helped update the look: white adirondack chairs, striped cushions, and a cozy fire pit. Even small changes—like moving seating and adding a few accessories—made the space more inviting and practical for everyday use.
I miss browsing local garden centers for plants and spring pieces, but ordering online has helped bridge the gap. I picked up a few favorites to help pull the look together and refreshed the furniture arrangement to better suit our family’s habits.
Here are a few seasonal picks and sales to inspire your outdoor setup:
Check out some seasonal sales for outdoor decor and furnishings to refresh your space.
Navy Accent Stool / Adirondack Chairs / White Planter / Striped Cushions
Dutch Door Details // Outdoor Wall Light
Homebody Mat / Navy Plaid Mat
Blue and White Outdoor Rug
Half Umbrella // Half Round Umbrella Stand // Rug
We also rearranged the deck furniture. The dining table moved, and we brought down the sectional pieces we’ve had since our previous home. A blue-and-white bench that spent the winter indoors has found its perfect place on the deck, tying the seating area together.
Already this spring we’ve found family members stretched out on the sectional and enjoying meals at the outdoor table—good signs that the layout is comfortable and welcoming.
I’m looking forward to planting pots and watching everything bloom over the coming weeks.
Blue + White Striped Outdoor Rug / Similar Coffee Table / Bench / Deck Details
Blue and White Outdoor Plates
The other night we roasted marshmallows at the fire pit. Even with a slight evening chill, the warmth of the fire made the patio feel cozy and summery—just what we needed.
Are you setting up your outdoor spaces this season?
PS. A few readers asked for an update on Courtney’s new lower-level space. She’s been settling in and we postponed some projects due to recent events, so the full tour is delayed. We shared a short walkthrough on Instagram stories and will post a more complete update soon.
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Outdoor sales and inspiration:
Round-up of favorite outdoor decor
Huge Outdoor Sale 40% Off
Coastal-inspired store: 20% off sale
My home sources & latest decor finds
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