Layering in Style: A Guide to Outdoor Decorating

I grew up watching the Christopher Lowell Show with my mother. As one of the original television personality interior designers, he frequently entered our living room and inspired my mother and I to take on projects around the house. Even though his show has long since gone off the air, many of his teachings and interior design principals still apply to good design.

You could not watch the Christopher Lowell Show without him talking about the Seven Layers of Style and it got me to thinking that all of these layers can apply to outdoor decorating as well as interior design. Let me show you what I mean.

Lloyd Flanders Hamptons Patio Set

According to Christopher Lowell, all great design boiled down to seven key elements:

1. Paint & Architecture:
   This can include the color of the exterior of your home, the addition of a fireplace, pergola, pillars, and the existing style of the home itself.
2. Flooring:
   Although we would not traditionally call it flooring when referring to an outdoor space, this can include concrete hardscapes, decks, and patios made out of pavers. Look at the finish of your hardscape and see what needs to be updated. Even a boring concrete slab can come to life with a fresh stain or paint treatment.
3. Upholstered Furniture:
   You probably wouldn’t use true upholstered furniture outside unless you are decorating a covered space such as a sunroom. Instead, layer three should consist of overly comfortable pieces of patio furniture that have deep, plush cushions. Outdoor sofas, love seats, and lounge chairs are the perfect example.
4. Accent Fabrics:
   Accent fabrics can be used outside just as easily as they are used inside. Add a couple of throw pillows to a chair or sofa to add interest, introduce new colors, and feature bold prints.
5. Non-Upholstered Furniture:
   This one is easy enough. Just think of all basic patio chairs, ottomans, and side tables. They are super functional but add a solid element to things because they are not padded and upholstered.
6. Accessories:
   Accessories are the jewelry of your design. Vases, candlesticks, wall hangings, and dish ware are all great choices for outdoor living rooms and dining rooms. This is where you get to have a little fun and infuse your personal style into a space.
7. Plants & Lighting:
   The final layer is what I consider the most important in outdoor design. Plants and lighting are such key elements of an outdoor living room or dining room. Spotlights, string lights, and outdoor fireplaces are all excellent sources of light. The plants ardmore important than anything. An outdoor space simply must include a combination of potted floor plants and table plants. Hanging plants, climbing trellis plants, and border planes are also essential to successful design.

This is such an easy way to break down the design of your space into digestible pieces. Even if you have never designed a space before, checking off these elements one by one will help you achieve a designer look.