I think we write a blog about outdoor living every spring. It's hard not to get excited about spending time outside, especially here in Atlanta where our springs are glorious celebrations of color, flowers and warm temps.
Carole Weaks created a gorgeous space that takes full advantage of that spectacular view. (photo: Emily Followill, AH & L)
This spring feels hopeful and exciting and I, for one, plan one spending as much of it as possible on our townhouse's roof top terrace. We jokingly call it the "hot tin roof" because it can get a little toasty in August but never the less, we love being up there.
White, bright and simple from the talented Melanie Turner. I could spent some serious time here!
If your outdoor space has indoor-like dimensions, you're in luck. Our favorite porches and terraces are large enough to accommodate sofas, chairs, coffee tables and side tables.
Angela Bromenschenkel's pitch-perfect covered porch. Everything you could possibly need is right here: comfortable seating, dining, a grill and a fireplace. (photo: Jeff Herr, AH & L)
Performance fabrics have taken over the market and it's now pretty easy to spec hard-working, easy-clean cottons, linens and blends for your outdoor furniture. Think about using tight-fitting slipcovers that can be removed and cleaned on a regular basis.
We were so thrilled to design this space for the Southeastern Designer Showhouse in 2019. And yep, those are slipcovered, performance-fabric sofas designed to withstand the elements - and maybe even Atlanta's pollen! (photo: Emily Followill, AH & L)
Throw your throw pillows into the mix - also in easy-care performance fabrics - for a stylish and decorated look. Blues are so refreshing and popular these days but any palette can work. Use your surroundings as your inspiration for your color scheme so that your space becomes part of its environment.
Rattan and blue-and-white are an outdoor match made in heaven. Design by Erin Gates. (photo: Emily Followill, AH & L)
Don't forget your accessories. We're nuts about the rattan/wood trend that is still showing strong this season - from furniture to dinnerware to decorative accessories, a little touch of rattan feels current and chic. Add votives, sculptural pieces and trays to your space for a little added interest.
Porch pretties available at Huff Harrington.
No shade? Use a couple of pretty umbrellas to form a shady canopy. We string lights up in our umbrellas and put them on dimmers for a lovely soft glow at night.
We love this mix of upholstery and weather-proof cafe chairs. And that blue umbrella...design by Erin Gates (photo: Emily Followill, AH & L)
There's nothing better than dining al fresco and we like to set a chic outdoor table - complete with candlelight, bien sur.
Mountain magic: Melanie Turner accessorized this beauty simply to let the view take center stage.
We had fun with this porch a few years ago - we added original art, a zebra rug, an antique workbench and indestructible faux bois chairs from France for a little crunch.
Whether you're up top on your own hot tin roof or lazing on a covered porch, we hope your outdoor space is the perfect spot for enjoying your spring.
Ta ta.
