Credit via Creative Commons

A deck, patio, or garden deserves the same care and planning as any of the rooms inside the house.  Consider what ambiance you would like your outdoor space to convey and, more importantly, its purpose.  After deciding how the area will function, it is easy to complete the space.

Traffic Flow: Furniture should not block any of the entry/exit points such as sliding doors or steps.  If the outdoor space is not very big, try to place your seating facing the house rather than facing outdoors.  For example, if you have an elevated deck, place an L-shaped sofa or bench against the railings to allow easy access from the deck to the house.

Seating: The ideal outdoor space should have separate seating areas.  This is perfect for entertaining outdoors so guests can form different conversation groups.  If room allows, you should plan for a table for eating and seating that includes a sofa, bench or lounge chairs.

Accessories: To complete the look, add colorful accessories such as lanterns, an outdoor rug and pillows.  These will reflect your personal style and help your space come to life.  In addition, using the same colors you have throughout your home will make the outdoor space feel more like an extension of your indoor living area rather than a separate place. I love to use blue as the main accessory color because it naturally cools a sunny and open area.  Large planters in the corners help to anchor and define the space and, if you are going for a serene setting, add a large water feature or sculpture as the focal point.