Summer Style
3 Simple Ideas That Bring the Magic Back
Summer shows up with a grin and a to-do list of pleasures—open windows, patio breakfasts, late-night porch lights.
The birds seem to wake up with opinions. And the patio becomes, once again, the favorite room in the house.
I was sitting out there the other morning, coffee in hand (the good mug, obviously), and I had one of those tiny, designerly feelings:
“Something’s missing.”
The thing is, I do love my patio. We invested in a great set a few years back and it’s held up beautifully. But lately, it just feels... flat. Like the space forgot it had potential. It’s still doing its job—but the spark’s gone. The layout’s fine, the colors are fine, but I don’t want fine—I want a little magic.
Which got me thinking—how can I breathe some fresh life into this space without building the deck we’ve always talked about or submitting an appeal to the aesthetic overlords of my HOA?
And since I know I’m not the only one who gets the itch to zhuzh this time of year, I wanted to share a few of my favorite ways to give your outdoor space that little jolt of joy it’s been waiting for.
1. Add Something That Moves (Literally or Emotionally)
Photo credit: Lindsey LaMont
Whether it’s a breeze-catching pendant, a sculptural planter, or a lounge chair that invites you to stay too long, every great outdoor space needs a little movement.
Look for:
A breezy shade umbrella: Instant shade, zero attitude
Planters with oversized greenery—the kind that makes you feel like you're on vacation, even if you're still in a group text about fence replacement
A rocking chair or sling-back lounger that practically whispers, “cancel your afternoon”
Think of it as the outdoor version of a wink—something that makes the space feel alive.
2. Make One Bold Move
There’s a tendency with outdoor spaces to go neutral. Safe. Matchy. And while I respect a tonal moment, sometimes what a patio really needs is a bold pop to punch through all that beige.
I’m talking:
A chartreuse ceramic side table: It doesn’t match—and that’s the whole point
An outdoor rug that isn’t afraid to make a statement
Or even just a patterned throw pillow that breaks the monochrome and announces: “I have taste, and I’m not afraid to use it”
It doesn’t take much. One standout piece can shift the entire vibe. Like adding a bit of lemon zest to a perfectly fine cake—it wakes everything up.
3. Bring the Indoors Out
You know those outdoor spaces that feel like someone dragged the entire living room outside? I’m not suggesting that. I’m suggesting selective borrowing—the kind that elevates your patio without confusing your guests about where the walls went.
Try this:
A multifunctional teak stool—equal parts side table, spare seat, and understated design flex
A small lamp or lantern that gives off actual ambiance instead of interrogation-room vibes
And maybe—just maybe—a little sideboard or console to corral your citronella, cold drinks, and whatever novel you’re pretending to read that week
These touches make the space feel intentional, not improvised. Which is exactly the kind of energy summer deserves.
Turns out, sitting in a familiar space with a fresh eye (and a strong coffee) is the perfect reminder: you don’t need a major overhaul to fall in love with your home again.
Sometimes it’s just one new piece, a little fresh texture, or a bold pop of color to breathe life back into your everyday views.
So go ahead—refresh a little corner, move that planter, swap out a cushion. Just in time for all the late sunsets and unexpected dinner parties.
