With summer on the horizon, there’s more reason than ever to spruce up your outdoor spaces. Whether you have a small front porch or balcony, or a spacious patio and backyard for entertaining, it’s safe to say many of us have been using our outdoor areas as an escape these past few months!

If your space is in need of a little refresh, have no fear—we’ve rounded up our top tips to keep in mind when decorating al fresco.

Consider the size, shape, and shade cover of your outdoor space, and think about how you’d like to spend your time outside. Are you dreaming of hosting friends for monthly dinners on the patio? Is your balcony the perfect size for a single chair and a small table to set a book or cup of coffee? Or do you have a beloved shady spot that’s begging for a lounge chair?

Taking some time to measure and plan out the different areas and goals you have for your space is a necessary first step in creating the outdoor living area of your dreams.

This means all outdoor pieces should be able to stand up to the elements—whether that means occasional afternoon rainstorms, or a quick hose-down after a messy meal (we’ve all been there).

Outdoor-rated metal and plastic pieces are a safe bet, and waterproof outdoor fabrics are a necessity for any pillows or cushions (true story, our founders have been known to pressure wash their outdoor sofa cushions…). These pieces are well worth the investment and will stand up to years of use (and that means fewer furnishings end up in landfills).

If your outdoor oasis is limited to certain seasons of the year, it’s important to think about where your furniture will go during the off months. Stackable, lightweight chairs take up way less space and are easier to tuck away at a moment’s notice, while smaller tables can be brushed off and brought indoors as extra side tables or nightstands when the patio is closed.

The key is to think ahead and get creative with the space you do have!

Outdoor living spaces are a great opportunity to make a departure from your home’s typical interior decorating style. This can be done on any budget, too! Colorful pillows, funky glassware and serveware, and bold rugs that might not fit in aesthetically with your home’s interior can bring a whole new element of fun (and even some vacation vibes) to your space.