7 Ways to Brighten Your Home for Summer

The following is a contributed post. For more on my contributed posts, please see this page.

As summer rolls in it’s time to start looking at your decor and how you can brighten up the place. This is your home and you want to be as comfortable as you can. In the sunniest season of the year, it makes sense that you would want to make the space more joyful and build up some happier memories of warmth and light.

When sprucing up your home for summer, small upgrades can have a big impact. Whether you find inspiration in fresh linen curtains or in swapping out throw pillows, you can do so much with your space. Your whole home can be upgraded with just a few switches of decor or furnishings. Check out our suggestions below.

1. Fresh Interior Paint

If you want to make the space look great for summer, then giving a fresh lick of paint is a great idea. Choose a clean, warm color that can serve as a good backdrop for summer decor pieces like pillows, rugs, and vases.

2. Lighten Up The Linens

You can make a big difference in the way your home looks simply by changing out curtains and cushions for the summer. Darker colors are wonderful for the winter as they keep the heat in, but the lighter colors and textures make a home feel airy and are a great option for the summer months.

3. Swap Out Your Wall Art

Are you someone who likes to hang pictures and paintings on the walls? Well you can easily swap the heavy winter prints and paintings for light summer themes like fruit bowls and beach scenery. The kitchen is one such place that needs to be uplifted, especially in the summer months as it’s likely you’ll spend a lot of time here cooking and chilling out. So, upgrade your kitchen art and make the space come to life.

4. Don’t Forget Your Florals

Bold florals are a must if you want to make the space lighter and brighter. Spaces that are reserved for entertainment, such as the dining room, should be brightened as much as possible. Large scale florals are nice but even breaking out the vases and stuffing them with pretty flowers can really upgrade your decor and brighten the house for the summer ahead.

5. Style The Table

A pretty dining table looks like a centerpiece for the house when you decorate it and have it set up and ready to go. Tablescaping helps to honor the summer sunshine and it’s a beautiful setting for a happy and joyous tea party, too. You can use fabrics in such a way that you can make the space better than ever before.

6. Swap Your Style

If you are lucky enough to have a sunroom ready to capture those rays this summer, then style it up as much as you can. A beautiful room overlooking your garden is going to really feel peaceful and joyful while you’re basking in the brand new warmth of the season. Don’t forget to keep throws handy because despite the summer sunshine, the evenings can become chillier than you’re used to in the day.

7. Upgrade Your Bedding

If your current bedding is dark and heavy, you might consider recovering your headboard in lighter fabrics and changing the bedding to lighter colors, too. If you have floral bedding even better as it’ll really shine and stand out in the summer air.

Getting your home ready for summer should be easy and fun. If you already have some seasonal things in storage, you get the chance to make lovely changes to your home in an instant. Just get it all out in the open to make sure that you have washed anything that’s been stored away before you use it.

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April 3, 2023April 3, 2023

A Spring-Themed Birthday Lunch

Easter is just around the corner so, when my mom Erika recently hosted a family birthday lunch, she wanted to give it a spring theme. This way, our youngest family member could enjoy an early egg hunt during the party.

I volunteered to bring some dishes. The more we brainstormed on the food, the more it became clear to me that Mom was envisioning a charming tea-time vibe. So today I’m sharing it with you.

This post contains affiliate links. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

Table Decor

Mom made her own version of some cute little deviled egg chicks that she’d seen on Facebook.

And paired them with a floral centerpiece of carnations and some blooms from her own garden.

The Menu

Mom doesn’t follow recipes, she invents them. So I am not able to provide links to the dishes she prepared. But I am hoping that they will serve as inspiration.

She made deviled eggs,

These chicken-salad-filled puff pastries,

Breaded shrimp with cocktail sauce (which I neglected to photograph),

And this adorable carrot cake with a lemon-cream cheese frosting.

The cake looked perfect for the occasion on her Villeroy & Boch French Garden Fleurence serving platter.

As for me, I brought these little smoked salmon cucumber tea sandwiches.

The taller sandwiches in the center are just cucumber-cream cheese sandwiches that served mostly a base for the Peter Rabbit party picks.

(The picks I used, above, are similar to these on Amazon).

I also brought a bowl of watermelon (which I made look a bit fancier by using a mellon baller similar to this one), a kid-friendly pasta salad, and my favorite old standby salad: A fresh mango salad (although I take the added step of peeling the mangos even though the recipe calls for leaving them unpeeled).

I didn’t take photos of these dishes, but they did add color and flavor to the lunch.

The weather wasn’t great, so we set up the egg hunt for the youngster in Mom’s sunroom. I try to avoid using plastic eggs (or plastic anything for that matter) when I can. Instead I used craft chalk eggs similar to these eggs.

Eventually it started hailing outside, but inside it was festively spring.

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

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February 12, 2023February 12, 2023

Winter Floral From Odds And Ends

A little snipping here, a little bargain hunting there, and a handful of patience: That is how I ended up with a cheerful, fragrant winter floral grouping for my coffee table.

So today I’m sharing the pieces of this little budget-friendly group and how they came together.

Holiday Leftovers

This post contains affiliate links. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

At my local nursery, amaryllis bulbs went on sale right after the holidays. Of course, they had some of the holiday reds and whites left over, but they also had a beautiful Amaryllis ‘Terra Mystica’ bulb. I knew the coral color would work with the accent colors in my living room.

I started the bulb in a white pot that I had on hand. I added preserved forest moss (which can be found on Amazon, but I found it at a more affordable price at my local craft store) to the base for a fresh, spring-like look.

At another store, paperwhite bulbs were marked down by a whopping 75% after the holidays. So I got a few bulbs and set them in pebbles and water in the large footed milk glass container that I’ve had for years.

Once the bulbs were mature enough, I gave them a shot of moonshine (yes, you read that right) so they wouldn’t get too gangly. I share details on growing paperwhites and then stunting their growth with liquor in this post.

The pure white flowers, with their spring-like fragrance, make a sweet addition to my winter floral display.

Aphrodite

I’d been coveting this small, charming plant container at my local nursery for some time.

But this lovely creature, identified as Aphrodite by her store tag, had been out of reach for me. Sadly, I just could not justify the price – until recently, when this goddess of love was marked down by 50%. And just in time for Valentine’s Day! (A very similar Aphrodite planter can be found on Amazon.)

I wanted to do something special for her. So recently, while I was pruning my hazelnut tree, I decided to make her a small head wreath from the cuttings.

I made this tiny wreath the same way I make my grapevine wreaths: By simply winding the flexible cuttings around one another and tucking them under to secure them.

Then I tucked in some cuttings from my boxwood hedge.

And voila . . .

So easy. Writing about and photographing the headpiece actually took longer than making it. (The boxwood cuttings have lasted a week so far indoors and, when they start fading, I will simply replace them with new cuttings from my hedge.)

I completed her look with more forest moss encircling a small parlor palm.

Once the parlor palm needs transplanting into a larger container, I will find Aphrodite a new look. I want her to change with the seasons.

I can feel confident that these plants won’t harm my coffee table/ottoman tray because a sheet of plexiglass protects the tray and the beautiful floral print artisan paper that covers it. Details on how I gave this dated ottoman tray an elegant update and made it more durable are in this post. More details about my overall living room makeover are in this post.

One More Living Room Update

I can’t let you leave without showing you our new indoor tree: A Guiana Chestnut (aka money tree). It is similar to this one on Amazon, although I found mine at a local nursery.

I used to have a majesty palm in the same basket, but it became unhappy indoors. I ended up planting it near our back patio as a summer annual.

But this big beauty is said to be safe around pets – and easy care. So far, it has been a vigorous grower and no trouble at all. When it gets too big, I should be able to prune it without harming it.

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

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January 26, 2023January 26, 2023

Floral Inspiration For Winter And Early Spring

Good old January. For many of us, it’s a time of weak sunlight. We bundle up in sweaters as we organize our homes. We begin gathering the necessary papers to file our tax returns. Outside, gardens are in their winter sleep, and summer seems so far away.

It’s also the time of year when a little natural beauty can go a long way toward lifting our sprits. So today I’m re-sharing some of the simple DIY winter and early-spring floral designs that I’ve shared in the past.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

Winter White And Metal

Winter whites are an understated classic that offer a visual break from the glitz and color of the holidays. Pairing them with metal containers gives them a calm, timeless look.

Winter white floral in a champagne bucket

More winter white floral inspiration is shared in this post.

Cute DIY Moss Pouches

Delicate maidenhair ferns are so appealing this time of year. And they look especially cute in DIY moss pouches.

The process for making the moss pouches is shared in this post.

A Saucer Filled with Spring

Spring came early to my living room with this super-easy project.

A common garden saucer serves as a container for indoor spring bulbs

Elevated Tulips

Grocery store tulips were the toppers for this fun little “cake.” Details on how I made it are in this post.

A cake stand makes a grand base for a tulip “cake”

Tulips In A Champagne Bucket

I dusted off my champagne bucket yet again for this tulip arrangement. The simple trick for securing the tulips is shared in this post.

Post-Holiday Twig Wreath

This wreath, using twigs gathered from my garden, was fun and affordable to make – and it went seamlessly from winter to early spring. The details of how I made the wreath are in this post.

And speaking of wreaths that can go from winter to spring . . .

Eucalyptus Wreath

It took only a DIY grapevine wreath and a bundle of store-bought eucalyptus to create this sculptural wreath that dried in place and lasted for weeks.

The details of how I built this wreath are shared in this post.

And, if you like eucalyptus, check out . . .

Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Floral Design

Ah, the ice bucket again. But it’s so versatile. It worked well with silver dollar eucalyptus. I used a large bundle of greens to create maximum impact.

But silver dollar eucalyptus is also wonderful combined with other floral elements. More ideas for using it are shared in this post.

And This Year?

My current winter-to-spring floral design is a work in progress which I hope to be sharing soon. Until then, hang in there. January is almost over!

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

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December 15, 2022December 17, 2022

Nature-Inspired Gifts

Many of the DIY projects I share on this blog are inspired by nature and feature materials that I find in nature. So today I’m sharing a few nature-inspired gifts.

Often times, natural or eco-friendly gifts are made by small companies of artisans. When we purchase them, we are helping to support the “little guy,” and I always love that.

Here are just a few of the gift ideas that have me dreaming today.

Affiliate links are used below. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

Gifts for Warmth and Comfort

Seeing these comfy-looking organic handmade wool slippers by Haussimple Wool makes me want to curl up with a good book.

Eco Handmade Unisex Organic Wool Slippers House Slippers for Natural Brown — Photo courtesy of Haussimple Wool

I’m guessing even the woman who has everything might not have these natural yak woolen gloves by Handcombed.

Eco gloves; photo courtesy of Handcombed.

An Oatmeal and Honey Deluxe Bath Bomb by CopperCatApothecary would make a fun stocking stuffer for someone who needs a little pampering.

Oatmeal and honey bath bombs; photo courtesy of CopperCatApothecary.

Gifts for the Cook/Baker

It seems embossed rolling pins are everywhere this year. This “Herbs” rolling pin by MoodForWood is designed and made in Poland using wood from environmentally responsible sources.

“Herbs” embossed rolling pin; photo courtesy of MoodForWood.

These spools of eco-friendly cotton baker’s twine by The StitchinKitchen would make wonderful – and affordable – hostess gifts or stocking stuffers for cooks or crafters. And the adorable wooden spools can be reused after the twine is gone.

Wood Spools of Baker's Twine Colored Twine Craft Twine image 2 — Photo courtesy of TheStitchinKitchen

I love the look of BackBayPottery’s four-cup batter bowl, which is handmade in California.

Batter bowl; photo courtesy of BackBayPottery.

Gifts for the Bird Watcher

Bird nesters seem like a great way to attract birds to the garden by providing them with fibers to build their nests. I love how this llama fiber bird nester by Evergreen Oasis Farm has an eco-friendly grapevine cage.

Alpaca fleece nesting ball Grapevine nesting balls Bird image 1 — Photo courtesy of Evergreen Oasis Farm

This hanging wild bird seed feeder by Birdzy Shop doubles as yard art and a conversation piece for bird lovers.

Owl Hanging Wild Bird Seed Feeder Bird Lover Gift image 1 — Photo courtesy of Birdzy Shop

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

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December 7, 2022December 17, 2022

A Minimalist Nature-Inspired Holiday Wreath

I didn’t think I was going to get around to making a holiday wreath at all this season, but a recent walk in the neighborhood after a snowfall changed my mind. A large fir tree branch had come down, and with it some attractive cones.

So I brought it home.

I used it in some simple front porch decor, which I’ll talk about later, but there was plenty left over for a wreath.

So this is how I made my wreath.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

A Homemade Grapevine Wreath

For the past few years, most of my wreaths have had a homemade grapevine wreath as the foundation.

Grapevine wreaths are so easy to make, and I talk about the process more in this post. It was time to cut my grapevine back for the season anyway, so I just used the clippings to create a simple wreath to go with the fir greens.

A DIY grapevine wreath and fir tree clippings

The beauty of the grapevine wreath is that the vines are loosely woven around one another, so no wires or strings are needed.

Tuck In The Fir Greens

Then I tucked in the fir greens, winding the stems through the grapevines to secure them.

As you can see, I was keeping it very minimalist. I wanted the greenery to be only on one side of the wreath.

Add Color

Usually my wreaths cost me nothing to make because I only use greens from my own garden or ones that I foraged on a walk. But this time I splurged – sort of. The great thing about procrastinating on holiday decorating is that, by the time I get around to actually needing something, it’s usually on sale.

Like these dried orange slices.

And these faux berries.

I am not sure what kind of berries they are intended to be, but I am guessing they are rose hips – although they look more like tiny pomegranates.

I set about adding the faux rose hips and dried orange slices to the wreath. The rose hips were on flexible wires, so they were easy to secure.

I had never worked with dried orange slices before, and I learned that they are a bit delicate and brittle. The best way I found to attach them to the wreath was to loop some wire through them – making sure to include the rind since it was more durable than the fruit part.

Adding wire to a dried orange slice before securing it to the wreath

And then attaching them to the wreath.

After I finished the wreath, I gave it a good shake to make sure everything was secure.

The Result

I had originally intended to make an asymmetrical wreath – with the greenery covering one side. But, once it was finished, I liked it better with the greenery at the bottom of the wreath instead.

So now I have this.

I did a simple satin ribbon with no bow because I prefer it that way, but a bow could certainly be attached as well. Or the ribbon and bow could be skipped altogether.

The Rest Of The Foraged Fir Branch

The fir branch helped me redesign my front porch planters for winter. Last spring, I did a new mixed planting of annuals in the planters. (The details of that project, and the plant list, are in this post.)

The plants did well all summer and into fall. But, as of about a week ago, the only plants still thriving were the dusty millers. Apparently they can tolerate some frost and cold.

So I took everything else out of the planters and left the dusty millers. I propped them up with some gold-painted branches that I’ve had in storage for years.

And then I just added the fir branches and some clippings from two different cypress trees that grow in our garden. I just pushed the clippings into the soil.

Finally, I added a few pinecones and some faux berries from storage.

The planters don’t look spectacular, but it is a nice natural look that will get us through the winter season. And, at a cost of zero, it was a budget-friendly project.

Nature-Inspired Gifts

So if I can make a nature-inspired wreath, why not wrap up a few nature-inspired gifts?

And especially since, often times, natural or eco-friendly gifts are made by small companies of artisans. I’d be helping to support the “little guy,” and I always love that.

Here are just a few of the gift ideas that have me dreaming today.

Affiliate links are used below. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

Gifts for Warmth and Comfort

Seeing these comfy-looking organic handmade wool slippers by Haussimple Wool makes me want to curl up with a good book.

I’m guessing even the woman who has everything might not have these natural yak woolen gloves by Handcombed.

An Oatmeal and Honey Deluxe Bath Bomb by CopperCatApothecary would make a fun stocking stuffer for someone who needs a little pampering.

Gifts for the Cook/Baker

It seems embossed rolling pins are everywhere this year. This “Herbs” rolling pin by MoodForWood is designed and made in Poland using wood from environmentally responsible sources.

I love the look of BackBayPottery’s four-cup batter bowl, which is handmade in California.

Gifts for the Bird Watcher

This hanging wild bird seed feeder by Birdzy Shop doubles as yard art and a conversation piece for bird lovers.

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

Want to see more? Check out my photo gallery, where you can browse my posts by category.

November 17, 2022November 17, 2022

A Foraged Thanksgiving Centerpiece

It seems that festive holiday decor creeps into our homes earlier every year. And, in the process, the beautiful fall season gets rushed and overlooked. This year, I’m making an effort to slow down and fully appreciate the fall season. So, in that spirit, I’m sharing a Thanksgiving centerpiece that I put together using only a sugar pumpkin and foliage that I foraged from my fall garden.

Preparing The Pumpkin

At a local grocery store, sugar pumpkins were marked down to a post-Halloween price of only 25 cents each. I got two and used one for this centerpiece.

I cut off the top and scooped out the seeds and goop. With a small water-filled glass beaker set inside to contain the foliage, the pumpkin would serve as the vessel for the centerpiece.

The small glass beaker gets filled with water and set inside the pumpkin

Foraging For Decor

I roamed my garden looking for anything that still looked fresh or had great color. The first things to catch my eye were hydrangea blossoms. They were the same variety that I used in this wreath a couple of years ago.

The blossoms dried nicely on that wreath and looked beautiful for weeks.

I kept looking – for fall color, berries, pinecones, grasses, seed heads, anything with fall interest. It was a small pumpkin so I wouldn’t need a huge amount of foliage.

Here is what I came up with.

The Centerpiece

A Douglas fir sprig with a pinecone, hydrangeas, and a berry-laden shrub helped to bring color and texture to this centerpiece

For some reason, my pineapple sage plants are blooming very late this year. They don’t seem a bit deterred by the morning frost we’ve been having.

So I used those red blossoms along with straw-colored grasses and sprigs of the dried seed heads that I had gathered from a gorgeous hike we’d been on several weeks ago.

Abundant dried seed heads and grasses in this meadow

Centerpieces are seen from all sides. Here is the reverse of this centerpiece.

Maybe I’m too practical, but sprawling Thanksgiving tablescapes don’t make much sense to me. There are so many serving dishes that compete with them for space on the table. I prefer something more compact.

This pumpkin could leak, so I have a saucer under it. And, of course, a hollowed pumpkin vessel won’t last long. This centerpiece is for me to enjoy now – almost a week prior to Thanksgiving. I got the second sugar pumpkin because I will be making a fresh centerpiece for the actual Thanksgiving holiday.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

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November 8, 2022November 8, 2022

3 Simple Budget Paint Projects That Help Boost A Home’s Character

I must begin this post by apologizing for not sharing anything on my blog for a very long time. There was was so much that I wanted to share but no time to actually sit down and write about it.

One of the things keeping us busy has been a small 1920s cottage that we manage.

It had been continuously occupied for many years, but this summer it became vacant. And that was our chance to finally get in there to do a little maintenance and make some upgrades.

So today I’m sharing three very simple budget paint projects that helped boost the charm and character of this adorable little cottage.

This post contains affiliate links. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

1. Bi-Color Exterior Window Trim

One of the not-so-cute things about this little cottage is that it has vinyl siding that cannot be painted. I would call the color of the siding “faded tan” for lack of a better description. The original siding is still underneath so, yes, we’ve considered removing the vinyl siding to see what kind of condition it is in. But a project like that is real roll of the dice, so we’ll save that for another time.

The vinyl siding needs almost no maintenance, but the wooden window trim was in need of a repaint. Chris sanded and prepped all of the windows for paint.

The house has its cute, original mullioned windows. So, to highlight them, we decided to go with a bi-color paint scheme when repainting the trim.

This is such a simple way of adding charm to a home’s exterior.

The colors we used were Behr Palais White (GR-W15) and PPG Pine Garland (1126-6). These colors soften the utilitarian look of the vinyl siding – and they make the mullioned windows pop.

The front door received the same treatment.

Not every window lends itself to this bi-color trim paint treatment, but luckily these did.

2. Painting The Interior Of Built-Ins A Contrasting Color

The kitchen has a cute built-in hutch.

The hutch interior was a bit worn and needed a paint touch-up. But we didn’t have any of the white paint left. What I did have was plenty of PPG Periwinkle Blue (30BB 33/235) left over from my living room refresh. So, rather than trying to match the existing white, I used that color on the cabinet interior to create some contrast.

The periwinkle blue works with both the wall color and the white of the hutch’s exterior frame.

It’s just enough of a contrast to set off that fun vintage frame.

I used a small paint brush for the corners and crevices. To get a smoother surface than a paint brush or roller could give me, I used this little paint tool to cover the flat surfaces.

This project added a touch of charm to the kitchen and, since I used paint we already had on hand, it cost us nothing.

3. New House Numbers

It was finally time to do something about these bland little house numbers that hung next to the front door.

Besides being unattractive, they were too small to easily see from the street.

So I got an inexpensive wooden plaque from a local craft store. Because of the space between the front door and the window, the plaque couldn’t be wider than about 9 inches.

I wanted art deco house numbers to honor the era of the house, but many of the art deco stencils I found were stylized to the point of being a bit difficult to read. I finally found this stencil, which walked the fine line between style and practicality.

I painted the plaque with the Palais White trim paint and then experimented on the back of the plaque with several application methods for the numbers. I ended up spray painting them with a gloss black spray paint that we had on hand.

I didn’t enjoy this project as much as I thought I would. The stencil, while probably great for other types of crafts, didn’t work super well for my spray paint application. Even though I carefully masked everything within an inch of its life, I still got a bit of overspray that needed to be touched up with the white paint.

But someone with more advanced stenciling skills would probably breeze through a project like this – which is why I included it in this list of simple paint projects.

Anyway, this project worked out reasonably well in the end, and it definitely lends more charm to the front entrance than those dingy aluminum-framed numbers.

This project had me obsessing over house numbers and the impact they make on the overall look of an older home. So I created this companion post, which features some of the beautiful and period-appropriate house number plaques I found for older homes. If you’re looking for house-number inspiration, check it out.

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

Want to see more? Check out my photo gallery, where you can browse my posts by category.

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022

Vintage-Inspired House Numbers For Older Homes

Whatever the architectural style of a house, carefully chosen address numbers can help to support it. They set the tone and aesthetic even before visitors reach the front door.

Older homes especially benefit from period-appropriate address numbers – whether that house is a colonial brownstone, a brick Tudor, a craftsman bungalow, a whimsical little cottage, or a midcentury ranch.

This post contains affiliate links. For more on my affiliate links, please see this page.

Here are a few of my favorite vintage-inspired address plaques by the talented craftspeople on Etsy.

I came across these finds while searching for address numbers for a 1920s cottage that we are sprucing up. For that cottage, I ended up taking a DIY approach to the house numbers by using paint. Check out that project, and two other paint projects, in this companion post.

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

Want to see more? Check out my photo gallery, where you can browse my posts by category.

October 20, 2022

Lighting Tips For Designing A Warm And Welcoming Outdoor Living Space

The following is a collaborative post. For more on my collaborative posts, please see this page.

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor living space! A well-designed outdoor living space can be a great place to relax and entertain guests. If you’re looking for some tips on how to create a warm and welcoming outdoor space, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss some of our favorite tips for creating an inviting outdoor living area. So, read on and get inspired!

1. Enhance Your Overall Outdoor Living Space Look Through Event Lighting

One way to really enhance the look of your outdoor space is by incorporating event lighting. This can range from string lights hung overhead to lanterns placed around the perimeter of the outdoor area. Event lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining guests. Additionally, it enables you to use your outdoor area later into the night.

What types of lighting should you be using?

– globe string lights

– outdoor lanterns

– outdoor sconces

– solar lights

If you’re looking for some tips on how to create a warm and welcoming outdoor space, event lighting is a great place to start. By incorporating globe string lights, outdoor lanterns, or outdoor sconces into your design, you can create an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining guests. Solar lights are also a fantastic choice if you want to enjoy your outside space later in the evening. Therefore, don’t be scared to experiment with various lighting options to see which one suits your environment the most.

2. Light Up Your Patio

Another great way to make your outdoor space more inviting is to add some outdoor lighting. There are a number of different ways to do this, so you can really get creative. You could install outdoor sconces along your patio, hang lanterns from trees or eaves, or even place candles around your seating area. Whatever you do, just be sure to add enough light so that your guests can see and enjoy the space.

There are a few different things to consider when choosing outdoor lights for your space. First, think about the overall atmosphere you’re trying to create. If you want a more relaxed vibe, candles or string lights might be the way to go. But if you’re looking to light up your outdoor space for entertaining, you’ll need something a bit brighter. Second, consider the practicality of your outdoor lighting choices. Will your guests need enough light to see while they’re walking around? Will you need extra light for cooking or grilling? Keep these things in mind as you make your selections.

3. Add Landscape Lighting

If you have a garden or other landscaping features in your outdoor space, adding some landscape lighting can really make the space shine. Path lights are a great way to light up walkways and gardens, while spotlights can highlight special features like sculptures or water features. You can even use string lights to create a magical look in your garden. No matter how you choose to do it, landscape lighting is sure to take your outdoor space to the next level.

Which types of lighting should you use? Well, that depends on the overall look you’re going for. If you want a more natural look, solar lights might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for something a bit more dramatic, electric lights will give you the bright illumination you need. Just be sure to consider the cost and maintenance of each type of lighting before making your final decision.

4. Ambient Lighting For Comfort

In addition to outdoor lighting, another great way to make your outdoor living space more inviting is to add some ambient lighting. This can be done in a number of ways, but one of the most popular is to use outdoor string lights. You could also use lanterns, candles, or even tiki torches to create an ambient light source. Just be sure not to go overboard- too much light can be just as off-putting as too little.

When it comes to choosing an ambient light source, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the overall mood you’re trying to create. If you want a relaxed atmosphere, candles or tiki torches might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for something a bit more festive, string lights would be a better choice. Second, think about the practicality of your chosen light source. If you’re using candles, for example, you’ll need to make sure they’re placed in safe locations where they won’t start a fire. Tiki torches also need to be used carefully, as they can be a safety hazard if not used correctly. Keep these things in mind as you choose an ambient light source for your outdoor living space.

5. Post Lights Or Flood Lights For Privacy And Security

If you’re looking for a way to add both privacy and security to your outdoor living space, post lights or floodlights are a great option. These lights can be placed around the perimeter of your patio or deck, and they’ll provide enough light to deter intruders while still allowing you and your guests to enjoy the space. Just be sure to place them in strategic locations so that they don’t become a nuisance.

When it comes to choosing post lights or floodlights, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the overall style of your outdoor living space. If you have a more modern aesthetic, sleek and simple post light would be a good choice. But if you have a more rustic space, antique-style floodlights would be a better option. Second, think about the level of light you want. If you’re looking for a bright light source, floodlights would be the way to go. But if you want something a bit more subdued, post lights would be a better choice. Keep these things in mind as you make your selection.

We hope these tips have inspired you to create a warm and welcoming outdoor space of your own. Be sure to experiment with different lighting options to find what works best for you. And don’t forget to have fun! After all, that’s what outdoor living is all about. If you need professional help in imagining your outdoor space lighting, a service such as Blingle! can help you transform your outdoors.

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