No matter how short our Canadian summers are, one hot summer trend that isn’t going anywhere is the outdoor living room. No longer just a picnic table and uncomfortable folding chairs we pull from the spider-web shed, today’s outdoor living rooms are chic and functional.

Want to step up your outdoor decorating game this year? Here are the four essentials for any great Canadian outdoor living space.

1) Say ‘Welcome’ from the Outside

From a fresh spring welcome mat at the front door to a bright floral wreath, the quickest way to step up your outdoor décor game is to decorate your home from the outside in.

2) Comfortable, Convertible, and Ample Seating for Family and Friends

Patio tables and chairs, outdoor sofas, sectionals, and ottomans, are all great (and comfortable) ways to ensure you and your guests have a soft spot to land after some fun in the sun. With bright coloured cushions, umbrellas, and throws for cooler evenings make your yard just as cozy as your living room with plenty of pillows and places for quiet retreat.

3) Personal Touches like a DIY Side Table or Planters

We all want our spaces to be a reflection of who we are, so show your colours and add some personal touches to your outdoor space. Grab some spray paint and jazz up some planters or add some stripes to a side table/extra guest perch.

Canadian blogger Ariel added some great personal touches to her outdoor pillows and planters, such creativity!

4) Greenery

Plants, grasses, and veggies galore! While the summer may be short, the ultimate celebration of summer is sipping a hard earned beverage outside (on your comfy outdoor sofa with bright cushions of course!) next to a small planter filled with herbs while looking at your garden growing.

If this summer is the summer your outdoor space is really going to shine, remember this: make it comfortable, make it yours, and you’ll make it memorable!

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert