7 Outdoor Decor Ideas to Spruce Up Your Space for Spring & Summer

Get your outdoor space in tiptop shape for summer with these easy ideas
7 Ideas to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space for Spring & Summer on a budget! affordable outdoor decorating ideas

Now that we have 2 acres, it’s like we have outdoor space for daysssss. There’s an an outdoor dining area, a firepit area, a grilling area… heck, even the hot tub has it’s own little zone! I know not everyone has loads and loads of space to create the ultimate outdoor oasis, but I’m sure you can still do something to make your outdoor space feel special — even if it’s a tiny balcony in the city! So with that in mind, I decided it’s a great time to round up my best outdoor decor ideas for sprucing things up. I hope you love these ideas!

7 Creative & Affordable Outdoor Decor Ideas

Invest in an outdoor rug

Sometimes you might not have much control over your outdoor space, like if you rent or if your budget is tight. I get it — we have a super unattractive concrete slab that we can’t afford to replace yet. So for now we’re embracing it… and covering it up! Outdoor rugs are a wonderful and affordable way to do just that. There are soooo many awesome options and it’s a great way to add pattern and color to your patio, deck, porch or balcony.

Cafe lights and lanterns

Twinkly lights are the ultimate distraction from anything unsightly in my opinion! They create such perfect summertime ambiance for a really small amount of effort. I recommend hanging a strand of waterproof cafe lights and then scattering solar powered lanterns around on the ground.

Update existing furniture & decor with outdoor paint

The magic of paint is unparalleled! If you’re on a tight budget or just don’t feel like totally overhauling your outdoor decor, a coat or two of paint can work wonders. Personally, I love using outdoor spray paint to change up the color of small outdoor tables, planters… pretty much anything!

7 Ideas to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space for Spring & Summer on a budget! affordable outdoor decorating ideas

Add a few more potted plants

Just like lighting, a display of pretty plants can cover up anything ugly. For example, I clustered flower pots around our electrical cords and wires to conceal them. You could pot flowers or even a few veggies and herbs. Personally, I try to select plants that smell amazing all summer long.

Toss in a few new outdoor pillows

There’s a cliche that the easiest way to update an indoor space is to swap in new dec pillows… well, the same is true for outdoor spaces! Plus, outdoor pillows are the perfect way to add more color and pattern to any space. Be sure to invest in pillows that are mildew resistant and won’t fade in the sun.

Re-arrange existing furniture and decor

To me, nothing quite makes a space feel new in a flash like re-arranging existing pieces! Sean and I have a joke that every time he comes home, something has been moved around and it’s a game for him to figure out what it was that moved. But joking aside, I love how instantly refreshed a space feels after moving around furniture. And here’s the thing: even if it doesn’t improve the flow of a space, I bet it will get the synapses in your brain firing and inspire you to try different decorating ideas.

Shop your house

And lastly, I always always always recommend shopping your house before hitting the stores or turning to online shopping. Especially if you live in an area where you can trust that the rain has stopped! I love to bring out candle holders, small tables, and throws to cozy up my outdoor spaces and make them feel more like our home.

7 Ideas to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space for Spring & Summer on a budget! affordable outdoor decorating ideas

What are some other ideas you have for refreshing an outdoor space? Leave a comment and let me know!

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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