This Florida coastal home by interior designer Suzanne Christie is the center of attention when guests come over encouraging them to relax near the water. With this in mind, it’s important to create a space that makes it easy for family and friends to get comfortable. The right furniture, accessories and decor can elevate your pool area to the next level, allowing you to create your own backyard oasis.
Need a little help decorating around the swimming spot this summer? Consider these tips:
1. Choose comfortable seating
Beyond the pool, your guests will be most concerned with where they can relax after a nice swim. Provide various seating arrangements in the backyard to encourage family and friends to gather and converse, such as lounge chairs and sectional outdoor sofas. You can also hang a hammock between a few trees for those looking for some peace and quiet to themselves.
“The party doesn’t necessarily have to end when the sun goes down.”
2. Light the way for night time swimming
The party doesn’t necessarily have to end when the sun goes down. If you want your guests to stick around for a while, hanging string lights around the patio space can encourage a late-night affair. You can also place citronella candles around the border of the patio area or deck to keep the mosquitoes away. These small touches of light will illuminate the space and give it a cool and intimate vibe on those warm nights.
3. Set up a resort-style cabana
When you need a break from the sun and don’t want to go inside, a cabana saves the day. This space offers shade and privacy after a swim and makes a stylish resort-like statement in the backyard. For additional flare and seclusion, drape sheer window treatments over the sides.
4. Don’t forget the outdoor bar
What’s a pool party without a couple of fresh seasonal cocktails in hand? Wow your guests by dishing out customized drinks at your own outdoor bar. You can do something as simple as using a bar cart filled with cute beverage accessories, glasses and your favorite drinks, or you can go all out with a permanent liquor lounge under the cabana.
5. Accessorize around a theme
It’s always easier to design an outdoor layout when you have a theme in mind. One easy outdoor option is beach style, decorating with soft blue, white and sandy neutrals. Or you can follow a modern outdoor theme with sleek lines and monochromatic decor. Once you have a theme, you may find it easier to pick out throw pillows, outdoor area rugs and tabletop accessories that make the space feel cozier and more inviting.
If you need help putting it all together, contact Suzanne Christie at Decorating Den Interiors or call (727) 572-9574 today to give your backyard the update it needs before fall rolls around!
