There are a few ways I prefer to spend my evenings, but no matter what I’m doing, I want my family near me. This is even more true during the warmer months. So, it’s probably time to get the back patio ready and set up so that I can watch my girls outside. I have selected and put together 3 ways to create an amazing outdoor retreat from three of my favorite shops. There are so many options for outdoor furnishings that it can be overwhelming, but I’ve selected coordinating pieces to create three different and affordable looks. I’ve also included inspirational patios from Instagram!

While I like matching sets, I love coordinating pieces even more. I like pieces that look like they were meant to be together even though they aren’t from the same line. I think mixing patterns and styles makes an outdoor retreat more fun, energizing, and interesting – especially with neutrals. When it comes to focal points, I like well defined areas without clutter and overlap. Outdoor spaces are best when clean up is easy and the furnishings aren’t exhausting to maintain.

3 Ways to create an amazing outdoor retreat

When I can relax outside just as easily as I can inside, then it’s a success in my book. I also like to be able to look outside at my retreat and enjoy the arrangement – the back patio can be an extension of your home and can be treated just like another room. I love covered patios because they provide the option of easily adding lighting and even fabric treatments if that’s your style. Sun rooms in the south are fascinating to me and if I ever had an enclosed back patio like they do – it would definitely be decorated and set up as an outdoor retreat (with a TV and all). A girl can dream, right?!

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#1 Outdoor Retreat Design
Shop: Target

Without further delay, here’s the first outdoor retreat design – all items can be shopped at Target. I just love those basket-styled coffee tables and those pillows!

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#2 Outdoor Retreat Design
Shop: Walmart

I am always surprised by how many cute finds I can find online at Walmart. For this design concept, light was one focus point and then the rug gives it a gorgeous pop of color. Isn’t that copper fire pit so pretty?

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#3 Outdoor Retreat Design
Shop: Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus is the type of shop that I can just walk through and look around forever, I love their stuff! They have some very versatile pieces and styles that coordinate well with different looks.

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Here are a few things to consider when creating your own outdoor retreat:

• If you have high winds, find heavy patio furniture or have a place to store furnishings during the windy weather.
• Outdoor cushions last longer if stored inside during the off-season. Mildew resistant cushions and pillows can still mildew.
• Cover your patio furniture during the winter to protect it from the elements.
• Mixing and matching styles is a great idea – have fun with it.
• Spray paint patio furniture with Rust-Oleum to bring new life to old pieces.
• The outdoor living space can have indoor comforts – plants, lights, pillows, decorations, and even curtains.
• Create a space that works for you and your family – get creative!

You may also be interested in these posts:

• 10 Easy arrangements from your own backyard
• Easy DIY wooden crate
• Awesome chalk paint makeover

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The weather is just about perfect for getting your outdoor retreat cleaned and spruced up! I hope my design boards from Target, Walmart, and Cost Plus World Market have you excited about making over your back patio into a restful and cozy retreat to enjoy during the beautiful warmer months. As always, thank you so much for checking out my post – I’d love to hear what you think, leave a comment or message me directly.