Jump back to 2019: you were most likely obsessed with all things “modern farmhouse”; it would take just one episode of HGTV’s Fixer Upper to send you pinning open-concept kitchens, shiplap shelves, and luxe gold finishes. But, since March 2020 (our first lockdown and homeschooling mandates), your “home” has become more of a multipurpose hub for school, work, and play. Now, your family’s new reality and need for functionality (or simply maintaining your sanity) have dictated your home’s design. Yet, as lockdowns and social distancing become less prevalent, you’ve found yourself wondering: What do I want my post-Covid home to look like?

Nowadays, the modern farmhouse vibe may feel outdated and impersonal. After all, you’ve spent so much time re-evaluating your life – and re-considering what you want from life – that a generic, commonplace design just doesn’t cut it. Sure, you still crave elegant finishes and high-end appliances. But the rustic decor and matchy-matchy furniture of the look can feel monotonous (and dare I say, boring).

While you may not have a blueprint, you know two things: 1.) you want your home to be updated and beautiful, and 2.) you want to feel “you” in it. And most importantly, you want a post-pandemic space that’s positive and filled with happy memories, mementos, and personal reminders of what’s really important.

So, how do you bring this look to fruition? Luckily, there’s a new trend on the horizon – and some experts predict it’ll be everywhere in 2022. The answer: Newstalgia.

What is Newstalgia?

Not to be confused with cottagecore (the beloved grandma chic decor trend that feels equal parts folksy and quaint), Newstalgia is all about freshening up retro furnishings and decor with contemporary accents and new technologies. The idea is that it’s something new that harkens back to your past, giving you the warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia with the comforts of modern-day tech. The term ia attributed to Seattle DJ Sean De Tore, and it’s just as applicable to home decor as it is to fashion and music.

In the design world, think of Newstalgia as an aesthetic that takes retro revival and modernizes it with luxurious finishes and top-of-the-line tech, so it feels current and evocative.

The look is driven by a desire for every item in your home to have character and reveal a bit about you and your interests. “We are looking for upcycled, antique, or used furniture which has a story to tell,” says Ben White, design and trade expert at Swyft Home (British furniture manufacturer specializing in sofas). “Investing in meaningless furniture and accessories is a thing of the past.” He also mentions that “minimalism will prevail as key to our interior design in 2022” and that “working from home means the notion of decluttering is now more important than ever.”

Basically, if the sets of Clueless and Home Alone had a baby with Ex Machina, we’d call it Newstalgia. And to that end, White says that pop culture will play a major role in this look: “shows like Halston, Glow, and Pose, for example, there are nostalgic elements of the interior design of the ‘70s and ‘80s that will start to make a comeback next year.” Furthermore, he predicts these comebacks will manifest in the form of statement pieces: “Think of velvet armchairs that are plush, comfy with rounded edges—items that feed the soul,” White says.

Curious about getting the look in your own home? Here are four easy ways to make it happen.

How to Get the Look

Go green in the kitchen – As white may have reached its peak, color is making a comeback in the kitchen, from the palest whisper of color on the walls, to green marble countertops, to more colorful tiles and backsplashes. And to keep things feeling fresh, pair it with sleek appliances that streamline your life (like using voice commands to set timers or preheat the oven).

Use retro shapes with new finishes – The number one trick to nailing this look is updating old shapes and silhouettes with new colors, fabrics, and finishes. Want to repurpose that old, baroque mirror collecting dust in your parents’ basement? Fabulous. Just be sure to refinish the frame with brass, gold, or patina paint, so it looks current. What’s old can—and should—be made new again, but the fabrics and finishes should always take their cues from the current decade (to prevent your home from looking like a shrine instead of a vintage masterpiece).

Pair antique staples with new accessories – The mid-century modern craze we’ve seen over the last few years will be tempered by the addition of more refined antiques cleverly thrown into the design mix. In the picture above, for example, a set of mixed black antique dining chairs were elevated by luxe lighting and natural finishes. The final look falls somewhere between ‘90s shabby chic and luxe farmhouse. It doesn’t hurt that the use of repurposed antiques is an environmentally conscious design choice either.

Incorporate items with ‘soul’ – Interiors with all new furniture and decor may be on its way out, and people will want to bring in more antique items. We will likely see a mix of new furnishings with collected items that have more soul. Think your grandfather’s 1920s grand piano, your great aunt’s colored wine glasses, or your great grandmother’s oak-wood armoire. Couple this with some current decor trends (i.e., organic modern or japandi), and you’re on the way to perfecting an old-meets-new space.

If the concept of Newstalgia sounds like something you’d like to play up in enhancing your spaces, and you’d like some guidance, let me know. I’d love to show you how Newstalgia can work for warming up and personalizing any rooms of yours that would benefit from showing more “you.” You can always call me at (407) 743-2399 or message me in the window below this blog, and I can show you some ways that Newstalgia design styling can add more of your own vibe into your spaces. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

With the irresistible call of coziness back in wintertime, it was easy to shift your focus to your interiors at that time of year. But with the arrival of spring, we’re all relishing the outdoors, especially many of us in Florida, so right now is the perfect time to dive into your porch and patio upgrades for 2022. If you’ve been giving your outdoor spaces careful consideration and feel you’re ready to start researching patio furniture and fire features for the outdoors, there are a few nice trends to keep in mind in the new year.

Here’s what some outdoor design experts have been forecasting lately to help you decide upon your perfect (and perfectly on-trend) outdoor space:

Maximizing Outdoor Space—and Modernizing It

The rise in outdoor living in 2022 means homeowners aren’t just craving more space—they want to make it modern, too.

Homeowners are looking to extend their spaces and have more areas to relax and take in some fresh air. From a design perspective, outdoor living spaces are becoming more modern and functional to suit the taste of today’s consumers.

Clean Lines and Geometric Shapes

As a part of creating a more modern patio space, clean lines are key for 2022 porch and patio features.

Modular, geometric patterns are a big trend, offering clean lines and an uncluttered aesthetic. Flooring, especially, is becoming more geometric, with the introduction of patterns like hexagons and herringbone to make layouts more interesting. Modular materials also make installation more efficient, so construction proceeds more quickly and you can spend more time enjoying a new or upgraded patio.

Multi-Functional and Multi-Seasonal Elements in Porch and Patio Features for 2022

Along with maximizing the space, homeowners are eager to maximize their outdoor season.

The trend is to incorporate elements like lighting, sound, and shade structures to make patios and other outdoor areas usable no matter the time of day or season. Many homeowners are also seeking to create more functional spaces for day-to-day use, but that’s not to say they won’t use them for entertaining as well. Outdoor kitchens and kitchen elements, like a small grill island, pizza oven, or bar, are great to have for entertaining.

Outdoor kitchens aren’t the only rising trend we’ll see carried through into 2022. There also has been a rise in outdoor living rooms. Many homeowners are adding technology like large TVs and outdoor projectors to catch their favorite game or movie or binge Netflix.

Porch and Patio Design in 2022 Means Luxury Upgrades for Everyone

Not only are outdoor kitchens thriving, but homeowners are also looking for major upgrades in their porch and patio features for 2022 and beyond.

A trend to expect in 2022 will be big, luxury, custom-built entertaining zones. There’s already more demand for extensive outdoor kitchen and bar appliances that include dishwashers, beer kegs, outdoor fridges, and super-size grills. These types of luxury custom builds are sure to continue in 2022. Style and quality, along with the ambition to extend outdoor spaces into a complete functional ‘adults’ playground’, will be the order of the day.

All Fire Pits—but Especially Gas

If you were worried your 2021 fire pit will be out of fashion by 2022, the good news is that fire pits have always been a top-selling feature, and we’ll continue seeing them in backyards everywhere.

But if you’re keen to upgrade your existing set-up, go gas. Experts are noticing that fire pits are increasingly converting to gas, which is cleaner, convenient, and easy to use, and offers many more options for styles.

In terms of the latest outdoor fireplace tech, another trend being seen involves an update on the classic fire pit design: the fire table. Fire tables offer a sleek, linear look, which complements the modern design trend that so many are seeking.

One expert says that, while last year saw a big trend in outdoor fire pits, with the most common styles being a simple wood-burning or charcoal steel bowl, 2022 is seeing people moving away from solid fuels and gas, looking more seriously to electric, natural gas, and biofuel fire pits.

Along with fire pits, this upgrade in technology will probably extend to all outdoor appliances. Until recently, electric grill technology and appliances have been limited to luxury yachts and boats, but we are starting to see manufacturers develop this type of technology for outdoor kitchens. The popularity of going green and the public’s growing awareness of the impact on the environment of traditional solid fuels and gas means we will start to see the rise of the electric outdoor grill.

Playing With Color in Porch and Patio Design

Color is definitely continuing to be important to the overall outdoor aesthetic in 2022 porch and patio features. Monochromatic color schemes, with varying tones of the same color, are quickly becoming an interesting trend, along with pops of color in outdoor furniture, plants, and other accessories.

There is also more movement toward dark accents with hardscaping and landscaping, with tones like deep charcoal used for patio walkways, retaining walls, and more.

Color is particularly useful for creating a zoning effect in your outdoor space. Some designs are now utilizing decking boards in contrasting colors to draw attention to a focal point, such as an outdoor bar or an inviting garden room.

Two or more colors can also be used to zone an area—for example, to separate a formal dining area next to a space to relax. Consider using a complementary color for each area, or simply select a different color to cut through the space.”

Using more than one color can be practical, too, such as creating the edge of steps in a contrasting shade to highlight the drop.

Curated Nods to Travel and Tradition

There is a rise in carefully-selected pieces that reflect the wider world, being utilized for decorating our outdoor spaces.

We’ve been confined to our homes for so long that now there seems to be a hunger for traveling, which is driving an increase in decor collections from around the world. This will likely be reflected in interest toward folklore and traditional artisanal items in particular.

This perfect mix of old and new, begs for scouring vintage stores or upcycling pieces you may frequent, to really make the most of this growing trend.

An Explosion of Beautiful High-Quality Materials in 2022 Porch and Patio Features

Another trend you can expect to see is the blending of high-quality traditional landscaping materials, granites, and natural stone, along with the new super-tough, man-made cladding and engineered work surfaces.

There is a bit of an explosion in the outdoor design arena for engineered work surfaces like dekton and infinity stone. These new surfaces are impermeable, freeze- and thaw-resistant, high-heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, So, along with an incredible array of colors and textures available in large formats, these engineered materials are poised to grow in popularity.

Crafting Your Dream Outdoor Space Takes Good Planning Ahead of Time

As you’re considering all the features you want for your outdoor space, one critical word is: Plan. Plan, plan, plan! Adding your must-have features further down the line can be much more tedious and a lot less cost-efficient.

I’d love to show you how to create your perfect vision for your outdoor living environment – you won’t believe the wonderful spaces that can be created. Just contact me for a consultation. You can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

From single, lonely monstera leaves to luxurious compositions of roses and peonies – some are wondering how to decorate their home with flowers in a modern and stylish way? Let’s explore some favorite trends of floral design for 2022-2023.

The key themes of recent floral trends are seasonality, minimalism, practical solutions, calm and romantic palette. There are fewer and fewer bulky, lush bouquets in interiors. These days, florists are preferring monochrome and simplicity. Practical and durable compositions of dried flowers, grasses, and artificial plants have become favorites of interior designers lately. Let’s dive a bit deeper into what else is currently relevant in home floral design.

Warmth And Tenderness in Floral Design

Who doesn’t want to plunge into these warm, inviting colors? Modern florists are increasingly using shades of a warm, earthy palette: light coral, mustard, brown, peach, orange, dark pink, flesh. One of the most desired colors of 2022, according to the choice of the Pantone Institute, is Living Coral, their color of the year for 2019 – its warmth and vibrancy have lingered on.

Fresh peonies of this shade, together with orange berries and brown lisianthuses, look very gentle and cozy. Such bouquets bring an extra degree of warmth and comfort to the house. Visually, earthy shades add a bit of depth.

Guests From Fields And Gardens

The eco-trend has not spared floral design either. Small, modest bouquets with the inclusion of field and garden flowers are welcome: daisies, cornflowers, zinnias, asters, marigolds, etc. With the right approach, they can turn out to be chic compositions that are not inferior in aesthetics to proud roses and pampered orchids.

In a bouquet with expensive, varietal flowers, garden and field plants will remove unnecessary pathos and give the composition a zest, relying on the tenderness and beauty of the wild.

Beautiful Asymmetry

Floristry has lifted asymmetrical design from the world of catwalks, where models showed extravagant asymmetrical outfits. Now it is no longer necessary to carefully align the head of the bouquet: on one side, the stems may well protrude more than the others, or the color scheme may be brighter than on the other side. Such unusual compositions are quite ready to become an art object in interior decor.

The fashionable asymmetrical bouquet is well suited for modern styles: eclecticism, postmodernism, avant-garde, fusion, pop art, grunge, etc. Such compositions will definitely attract attention, so they can be placed on key areas in the interior.

Herbs in Floral Design? Of Course

From ordinary ears of corn to South American pampas – what kind of herbs are not used in bouquets these days? This makes the compositions appear lush and rich in texture. Many traders in the field of floristry note an increase in interest in herbs in 2022 and predict the further development of this trend in the next year.

In minimalist interiors, you’ll often find arrangements composed entirely of decorative herbs or even single leaves. They look stylish and unusual. Trending herbal plants for 2022-20: wild oats, palm trees, miscanthus, haretail, brunia, fern, ruscus, etc.

The popularity of the South American pampas is growing. Designers are utilizing pampas grass to create bold, voluminous compositions that are sometimes even suspended from the ceiling. The grass dries well and can last in this form for more than one year.

Refined Monochrome

It’s not about a bouquet of roses of the same color. The idea is about “analog” or related shades: for example, pink hydrangeas along with purple carnations, coral peonies, and fuchsia bush roses. And for freshness, you can add white flowers and greens.

There can be many options for such a mono-mix. Thanks, perhaps, to the smooth iridescence of one color, or adjacent shades and textures of others, eyes will always find something to delight in. The compositions are restrained and touching. With the help of an expanded monochrome floral palette, you can soften contrasting tones in an interior and make a smoother visual transition.

Oriental Zen

The culture of the East has been a source of inspiration to countless designers for decades and decades now. Japanese minimalism has firmly taken its place in contemporary interior design along with the sophisticated art of ikebana. Ornate and at the same time laconic combinations of colors and natural materials have a timeless, sophisticated appeal.

When exploring ikebana, you’ll also find bonsai – another echo of the culture of Ancient Japan. It is not genetic dwarfing but is the art of keeping a tree small enough to be container-grown while otherwise fostered to have a mature appearance. This style is loved by many modern designers and included in projects in minimalist, oriental, neoclassical, Scandinavian, and even industrial styles. Western florists have recognized the apricot mini-tree as a recent big favorite.

Practical Dried Flowers

A few years ago dried flowers occasionally supplemented fresh bouquets, but now mixes of dried flowers have become a fashionable interior decor treatment, which is likely to continue into 2023. You can probably imagine small and large bouquets with dried lavender, poppies, eucalyptus, oats, yarrow, ears of wheat, etc. providing visual aesthetics on windowsills, shelves, and coffee tables.

Despite the fragility and lack of aroma, dried flowers are more economical, do not require special care, and can delight the eye much longer than natural flowers. And if they are placed behind glass and hung on the wall, then their service life is practically unlimited. Some even add dried tropical fruits to the composition of dried flowers. In addition to classic vases, dried bouquets can be beautifully hung, covered with a glass bell, assembled in a wicker basket, mug, or wall panel.

Hot Tropics

Echoing the trend of tropical flora featured in decoration and decor items, floral design experts suggest including exotic plants in home interiors: all kinds of palm trees, orchids, frangipani, succulents, citrus fruits.

Orchids are increasingly being placed in clear plastic or glass containers to expose intricate root plexuses. Thanks to this, the plant looks more natural, and the container does not visually burden the interior (although the right vase or container can absolutely make a setting).

Silk Flowers

Today artificial flowers, like dried flowers, are not bad manners. Thanks to high technology and modern materials, latex and silicone plants are increasingly difficult to distinguish from real ones. International traders have noted this year an unprecedented demand for artificial flowers to decorate private homes, shop windows, and buildings. Aesthetics have become much more practical.

The Finishing Factor

And finally, let’s talk about containers for plants. Classic, minimalist glass and ceramic vases are still relevant. But there is growing interest in substantial containers made of concrete, brass, copper. A light touch of aging on vases is in fashion, which is achieved with the help of special patinas and other processes applied to the material.

Vases and containers with bold shapes and volumetric geometric patterns will fit perfectly into modern interiors. For Christmas, florists are predicting a boom for copper leaves and 1970s-style hexagonal vases.

I’m Always Here to Help with Fresh Floral Design Ideas

If you’d like to spruce up your interiors with some trending floral styling, I’m always available for a consultation to help you decide on the best arrangements, colors, and materials to enhance your home or business. There are so many options and always an abundance of solutions for any decor need.

If that sounds like a plan, let’s talk more about decorating your spaces with current floral design trends. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Here are some lovely interior color trends for 2022 – and how to use them in your home. You may have noticed, we’ve been moving towards a mindset of wellbeing lately. From calming neutrals countering the turbulence of the pandemic to cheerful and optimistic shades, this selection reflects that healing trend and incorporates aspects of wellbeing into the home.

Colors resonate in distinct ways for different people, and while some gravitate towards calming neutrals to counter the upheaval of the past couple of years, others choose to immerse themselves in positive, vivid colors, reaching for optimism. Frankly, I think all of it works to move things (us and all that is wrapped up in our lives) forward with a big smile to the future.

Dulux’s Bright Skies is a fresh and airy blue, Benjamin Moore chose a gentle shade of sage, while Farrow & Ball predicts a cheerful rainbow, from the spicy yellow Babouche No.223 to the lively Breakfast Room Green No.81. All of these make that healing statement of wellbeing for this 2022 year.

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of these 2022 interior color trends in your home.

1. Babouche – the sunny yellow

In 2022, we’ll relish brighter colors that herald a return to normality. The sunny and uncomplicated Babouche is perfect for embracing this – while bold, it never feels garish or overpowering.

Named after the distinctive color of the leather slippers worn by men in Morocco, this shade of yellow can be described as ‘subdued sunshine.’ Despite its bold hue, it’s not overly bright or overpowering, making it perfect for a larger room, where its cheerfulness will intensify. In terms of décor, opt for more minimalist companions, such as simple line drawings, or unobtrusive bright shades.

This buttery yellow can help to brighten a space with limited natural light, and when you consider the color wheel, this particular shade would sit well with a pale blue or a soft pink/red.

2. School House White – the updated neutral

A soft, off-white shade, School House White is designed to look like white in a shaded area. Muted, timeless, and comfortingly familiar, this shade evokes the nostalgia of old schoolhouses. Due to its grounded, unassuming hue, this shade would pair easily with virtually any other color. Ideal for a background on which to feature dramatic, largescale artworks, or even vibrant, statement rugs, it’s hard to go wrong with this particular shade of white.

This shade will also amplify the power of Babouche if you like the idea of combining multiple 2022 interior color trends.

3. Bright Skies – the hopeful blue

This airy and fresh shade breathes new life into any space. It will be a game-changer when people use this tone on their ceilings, with Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, saying it makes the ceiling just ‘melt away.’ This hue is both uplifting and light, while simultaneously being soothing, familiar, and apt for a joyous safe haven. This selection by Dulux was influenced by the aftermath of the pandemic, with many of us craving freedom, expansion, and a return to nature.

This shade has the potential to be the new grey, in a turn towards color with less emphasis on neutrals.

4. Breakfast Room Green – the cheerful shade

The most cheerful of Farrow & Ball’s greens – named after the east-facing rooms designed for languid mornings spent eating breakfast in the dawn light. This soft shade reflects the natural world we’ve often retreated to during the pandemic.

These last two years, many of us spent much of our time reconnecting with our gardens and falling back in love with nature. This shade complements plants, whether art-depicted, or real, and would work well to promote a sense of wellbeing within the home. Pair this shade with Stone Blue for a visual effect that is captivatingly familiar. Due to its calming nature, opt for artwork that speaks to wellbeing.

5. Incarnadine – the comforting red

Rich, warm, and oh-so-comforting, is Incarnadine. This shade combines traditional red while beckoning the spirit of the leisurely Mediterranean. This shade would pair perfectly with warm woodwork and rustic gold touches. Alternatively, angle it towards an edgy twist by pairing it with a bright white shade.

Heighten the contemporary feel in this glossy shade by combining it with a monochromatic palette, or go for opulence with plenty of velvets, deep forest greens or inky blues, and classic antique furniture.

6. October Mist – the palest green

A soft grey-green, October Mist makes a great foundation color from which to build an earthy palette. Much like Breakfast Room Green, this shade encourages a reconnection with the great outdoors and is easy to introduce into your home.

October Mist does well in a farmhouse setting, combined with soft, nature-inspired tones – pale sky blues, a scorched earth red, or chalky whites. A particularly calming color combination puts October Mist with deeper fern greens.

7. Stone Blue – the vintage tone

An appreciation of vintage style shows no sign of faltering in 2022, with the timeless Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball sitting alongside Dulux’s Bright Skies as the most on-trend blue shades.

Named after the indigo pigment imported in lumps during the 18th century, this warm and timeless blue can be used alongside other warm hues to create an inviting, vintage look. Alternatively, decorate with a cooler tone for a cleaner, more contemporary feel. Bonus points if you pair this shade with other simple and familiar colors that communicate that sense of folk and craftsmanship that is present throughout this palette.

Some very nice colors here, breathing new life into interiors looking for a refresh. Not all of the paints are easily available in the US, but there are a lot of workarounds and parallels. I just wanted you to see some lovely color trends making waves now. And, of course, I’m here to help you pull it all together and find your best personal palette for 2022.

If these colors have inspired you, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399 or message me in the window below this blog, and we can explore some lovely, colorful territory together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

A fire pit is bound to be the centerpiece of many backyard gatherings.

When you have outdoor space, chances are you want to make the most of it, and fire pits are one lively way to create a focal point in your yard. Aside from the gorgeous ambiance they create and memories you can make around them, there’s also an option for everyone’s budget.

Plus, they can range from simple and temporary to elaborate and semi-permanent, depending on your needs. I can help you with any of these, and show you how to get the most bang for your buck.

• You can keep it budget-friendly by going au naturel with stones and stumps for your fire pit and seating.
• Design your fire pit area as you would a room and define the space with a stone or brick “rug.”
• Throw pillows and cushions are the perfect way to cozy up a hard stone space.

1. Keep it budget-friendly (if you need to)

A ring of stone pavers can serve as a simple, inexpensive fire pit. Fire pit designs don’t have to be fancy to be functional and beautiful. You can use what you have to make it happen. Perhaps a ring of large decorative rocks, bricks, cinder blocks, even a hole in your cement. Or, if you have a home that’s made of stone or masonry, consider adjoining a gas fire pit right up to the house itself. This not only allows heat to be reflected from the home back to the seating area, but it also makes it so you have to build less structure.

2. Define the space for your fire pit

A half wall and a stone patio clearly define this space. Fire pits have a strong aesthetic connection to hardscaped areas. Naturally, stonework gives a fire-resistant landing for any sparks but, beyond that, it also provides a defined space for your fire pit area. Consider the firepit like a mini room with a focal point in the middle. It’s not necessary but having a version of a ‘rug’ will help define it. Of course, you shouldn’t use a rug, but a pebble floor, stone, or decking (not with wood fire pits) helps create a conversation area. Another, more beachy option would be sand!

3. Go portable

A portable pit lets you experiment with location. Committing to a built-in fire pit might not be your thing, whether that’s because of budget or not knowing where you’ll want it long-term. Should you not be ready to commit just yet, a portable or modular fire pit is the perfect place to start before taking the more permanent route of customization. If you think you’ll move it around a bit before finding its home, choose one with wheels for easy rearranging. Once many people find their ideal location, they want to create a more permanent structure and design. Remember, I’m here to help you with that, just a phone call or message away!

4. Have fun with string lights

String lights add both light and ambiance. While the fire from the pit will provide lighting on its own, having low voltage lighting or string lights around the space (not over the fire) can certainly add to the ambiance, making the design all the more magical. It’s a relatively easy and inexpensive add-on that can really elevate the space.

5. Arrange a dining table near your fire pit

Increase the utility of the fire pit by adding a dining table. If your fire pit area will primarily be used for gatherings and entertaining guests, placing an outdoor dining table nearby is an addition you won’t regret. Having multiple social areas that can “double-dip” into the fire pit is ideal. Who doesn’t love a tableside flicker?

6. Incorporate pillows and cushions for coziness

Combat a lot of stone with cozy pillows and cushions. With a hardscape design, vibrant pillows and cushions are a simple way to add a cozy contrast to the otherwise cold (fire not included) space. Make your stony space more inviting with these touches – and blankets – so that relaxing by the fire is actually comfortable.

7. Get creative with seating around the fire pit

Stools, stumps, and benches can all help diversify your seating. While classic Adirondack chairs are always an affordable option, getting creative with seating can go a long way when building an outdoor fire pit area. Repurpose something you already have or thrift some fun outdoor stools. Some have also found great success with boulders and stumps.

8. Try swing seating

A bench swing is inviting and unique. If you are willing to spend a little extra money, and classic chairs won’t cut it for you, a swinging seat or lounger is always a fun alternative for both children and adults alike. Remember, safety first! It’s got to be positioned and designed to utilize the fire but not allow for any unsafe situations as well.

9. Think small and close

A fire pit close to your house means easier access and increased use. Fire pits that are too far from the house often go unused and those that are too big won’t feel as cozy or inviting. Keeping them intimate and close to your home, the experts agree, will make them much more functional and allow for better conversation around the fire.

10. Make the fire pit part of your existing outdoor space

Embrace your existing landscaping to dictate the size and shape of your fire pit area. For a fire pit area design that functions best with the rest of your outdoor furniture, tie all of the materials and colors together so everything matches. This will make the space feel more a part of the rest of the design so it’s welcoming and doesn’t get neglected.

11. Opt for an outdoor couch

A couch keeps things cozy. Similar to the swing seating, an outdoor couch is another cozy option for seating if you’re looking to spend a little more. Whether you choose a loveseat, a three-seater, or even a wrap-around, a couch adds extra warmth so you can bring your throw blankets outside and even swap out pillows seasonally.

12. Incorporate storage into your fire pit design

If you position it safely, your woodpile can serve as a design element. Aside from the fireplace and seating, fire pit area designs with storage are a luxury you’ll be glad to have. Consider creative firewood storage or outdoor trunks that can double as seating and storage for pillows, blankets, marshmallow sticks, and the like.

13. Get fancy with a pergola

Overhead structures can also help define a seating area. Pergolas are elegant ways to draw attention to any area of a yard. Whether you build it yourself or buy it pre-built, it’s a whimsical piece of decor to add to a whimsical evening under the stars and by the fire.

14. Add end tables for food and drinks

Tree stumps can serve as great end tables. Adding end tables around your fire pit for s’mores, beer, or whatever fireside goodies you’re consuming, goes a long way. Like with your seating, you can get creative with these tables so you’re not breaking the bank. Check fireplace wood salvage companies for stumps to double as extra seating or cocktail tables.

15. Add heat lamps for year-round enjoyment

Porch heaters can extend the fire pit season for months. Summer nights by the fire always make memories but if you’re looking to use your fire pit area well into the colder months, you’ll want to have additional heat sources.

A misconception about fire pits is that they are a great source of comfortable heating. To have an outdoor fire that is large enough to keep you warm without it getting too hot is hard to balance. Incorporating infrared heat lamps is the best – and safest – way to find this balance.

Insider’s takeaway

With a little creativity, designing an outdoor fire pit space can be fun – and doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by defining your space with stones, bricks, pebbles, or the like, and then add in seating, tables, lights, storage, or other decor to elevate the space and really make it your own. Sticking to a budget? Use what you already have around your yard or head to a thrift shop or wood scrap yard for inexpensive goodies.

I’d love to help you out and show you how to tie everything together to create your perfect vision for your backyard fire pit. Just contact me for a consultation. You can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.