Designer-Approved Outdoor Furniture Design Ideas to Know

When decorating an outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to transform it from an empty patch of grass to your dream oasis. If you're struggling with where to start, why not look to your zodiac sign for some ideas on how to make the space your own?

When creating a beautiful outdoor space, you often start with an empty space. Expansive backyards, empty decks, and beautiful front porches are easy to fill with plants, lighting, and furniture.

If you ever looked around your home and wondered what you can do to improve your design, look no further. The space might not be begging for an extensive renovation or a major furniture overhaul—it can simply come down to styling.

Zen gardens provide places for contemplation and relaxation in the whirl of busy modern life. They emerged as spaces for meditation around the fourteenth century in Japan. In Zen Buddhist temples of the time, a new style of garden was developed based on ancient traditions and intended to represent the Japanese landscape. These representations weren’t meant to be realistic – instead they included abstract forms, such as rocks and waves raked in gravel, to symbolise natural features. The purpose of a Zen garden was to inspire profound thoughts and meditation.

Interior design mistakes run the gamut from problems like imperfectly laid flooring (hello, tripping hazards) to lesser issues like getting the wrong size living room rug. Even if you can't quite put your finger on what's feeling wrong in a certain space, it'll likely stem from the most typical faux pas.

Is your patio currently a cluttered mess? It’s time for a makeover that won’t blow your budget. To optimize patio time, you’ll want to create a clean, comfortable spot.    We turned to Heather Knight-Willcock, an interior designer based in Long Beach, California, for her advice on redecorating a patio without dropping a ton of cash. As an expert for ShopGoodwill.com, Knight-Willcock is well-versed in seeking the best deals, and shopping with an eye for budget-friendly and second-hand options.  Here’s how Knight-Willcock would decorate a patio for under $200—and how you can, too. 

Whether you’re hosting a July 4 gathering this year or you just want to show up to the party with the most stylish dishware, The Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart has you covered with entertaining pieces and patriotic tabletop additions that are perfect for parties indoor and out. From space-saving serving trays to drink dispensers perfect for showing off your colorful punch, these finds will make sure you’ll have no trouble impressing your guests this year.

Audrey Scheck knows her way around a kitchen. As an interior designer based in Austin, Texas, she often puts her stylish touch on kitchen remodels by creating custom design plans that reflect each owner.  From down-to-the-studs renovations to arranging the final touches of decor, Scheck is there for it all. That’s why we turned to her to reveal the common decorating mistakes she sees in the heart of a home. Read on eight decorating mistakes you may be making in your kitchen—and how to fix them.

Planning some house parties this summer? As you compile your guest list, give some thought to those who will not be welcome—notably mosquitos, ants, wasps, and other nasty pests. 

Spring has officially sprung, which means one thing: Pool season is so close, we can practically smell the chlorine. But before you slather on the SPF and do your inaugural cannonball, why not turn your watering hole into a well-designed outdoor destination? Chic umbrellas and cozy chaise lounges might be two easy ways to dress up your backyard, but if you want to take your setup to the next level, some people are using bright tiles and paints to transform their pool floors into maximalist moments.

When it comes to creating a modern homestead, you probably don’t automatically think of a park-like setting filled with color and texture that you’d like to hide out in for hours.

When it comes to dreaming up her perfect coop, Kate Richards—avid gardener, homegrown cocktail crafter, and wrangler of chickens—always starts with function before deciding on design details. First she figures out run size, roosting areas, number of nesting boxes, and where supply storage will live, and then she pieces together the perfect layout for the space. From there Kate adds details and decor elements that might seem over the top compared to the standard utilitarian set up. She’s known for using unexpected paint colors, patterned wallpaper, and gingerbread trim that make the entire space more aesthetically interesting while fitting in with her own home’s style and architecture.