How to Achieve a Designer-Worthy Outdoor Space on a Budget

The great John Prine once sang these very relatable lyrics: “There’s no Riviera in Festus, Missouri. And you won’t find Onassis in Mullinville, Kansas. Our steak and martinis is draft beer with weenies.” Ain’t that the truth when it comes to home design? But don’t dismay! An aesthetically pleasing tablescape is a cinch to create. Layer in tasteful pieces such as the HomeSense finds on this table, where everything has a place, even the buns. (Memo to husbands: they’re not thrown on the table in a plastic bag.) The lemonade, meanwhile, is decanted into a pretty pitcher, while cloth napkins feel totally luxe.

Outdoor-rated furniture has gotten more durable and the designs have improved, too. Take this leggy looker from Home Depot. The mid-century modern set can be punched up with pillows, blankets and a lantern or two. Change up the colour scheme of your accessories throughout the summer just for fun!

Just like with interiors, the colours you choose set the tone for a space. Wild patterns and hues are eye-grabbing, but they’re not everyone’s cup of iced tea on a porch. Toronto-based interior designer Jennifer Simon created this soothing set-up using the breeziest of neutrals. The sofa and chair are HomeSense finds and the table is from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Rugs anchor a room, as designers like to say. That just means it defines an area, so the furniture doesn’t look like it’s floating in the room. We love this tropical-patterned one from Home Depot and the snazzy string design of the patio set. Black is a good choice too, since it hides dirt and really delineates the set.

People instantly gravitate to fire. Why not add a fire pit to your yard? Design-savvy couple Kevin and Sarah of Readmore House did just that to create an inviting backyard in Georgetown, Ont. They say it feels like being at a cottage a few feet from the house. It’s their go-to evening hangout spot.

This inexpensive yet adorable idea makes a big impact: and it’s a great way to recycle a cracked planter or two. Paint is your best friend here, and so is your creativity. We love the way the yellow pots pop against Benjamin Moore’s deep Racoon Fur paint.

Screens offer privacy and they’re a welcome decorative element outdoors. You can choose a ridged-wood version from IKEA that has built-in storage, or opt for metal like this screen from Rona. Thicker than standard lattice, the screen is paintable and durable.

Here’s another screen that is working overtime. It’s incredible that a mere planter and chair look elevated simply because of the background. The corten steel panel from Wayfair is also a serious upgrade privacy-wise from the discomfort of having the neighbours within view.

Pizza ovens come in fabulous, vivid colours, like red and yellow or go traditional with stainless steel like Toronto-based architect Anthony Provenzano. He cranks out the tastiest pies in his yard, which features a practical tikki-esque overhang and painted-patterned walls and floors.

Nicky Bruun-Meyer, the architect behind Plural Projects, created this open-air oasis in her Toronto home, alongside contractor Craig Shields. The floating bench and custom pillows maximize the space, and there’s handy slots for planters. For the cushions, Nicky cut the foam to size then sewed the striped cushions herself. Blue and white is a classic choice.

Aw, the glow of lights is everything on a patio. It’s the difference between calling it a night and staying out into the night. These multicoloured string lights (you can leave them white, too) by Nanoleaf are especially cool because they are smart-phone enabled. They also have a wicked faceted-shape and the string is 147 feet long!