As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it's time to transform your small outdoor space into a haven of relaxation and style. This year, forget about bold and saturated colors that scream 'look at me!'. Instead, embrace the quiet confidence of hues that seamlessly blend with nature. Here are five expert-approved color schemes that will make your small outdoor space feel like an extension of your home, without overwhelming it.
1. Warm Brown, Cornflower Blue, and Creamy Whites
Extending your interior color palette outdoors is a clever way to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere, especially in small spaces. This approach is exemplified in the modern outdoor living room featured above, where the wood stain on the fences sets the stage for a harmonious color scheme. The combination of cornflower blue, rust tones, and creamy whites is a refreshing departure from traditional outdoor colors like cyan blue, lime green, and bright yellow. This scheme exudes warmth and invites relaxation, making it the perfect choice for those who want to create a cozy outdoor living space.
2. Sage Green, Dark Teal, and Wood Tones
Sage green is nature's color, and it's an effortless way to bring a sense of balance and interest to your outdoor space. In smaller areas, sage green paints create a soft and muted backdrop that complements the surrounding greenery, making the space feel larger and more connected to nature. Los Angeles designer Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA opted for sage green with cool blue accents in the outdoor furniture for her eccentric client, ensuring the colors complemented the natural surroundings without distracting from them. This scheme is a clear winner, especially when compared to olive green, which can sometimes feel too strong in outdoor settings.
3. Crisp White, Dark Accents, and Lush Greenery
Sometimes, the simplest choices are the best. Crisp white paint is an excellent way to maximize light reflection in small outdoor spaces, creating a clean and modern aesthetic. Head of interior design at Zulufish, Caroline Milns, explains that white will make the space feel more expansive and less enclosed. To add depth and contrast, introduce darker accents for outdoor furniture and plenty of plants and greenery to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This classic combination is a timeless choice that can be easily accessorized with colorful furnishings, making it a versatile and stylish option for any small outdoor space.
4. Blue-Green With Earthy Taupe
For those who crave a bit of color, a blue-green paint scheme can add a playful touch to your outdoor space while still maintaining a sense of balance. Interior designer Laura Stephens explains that the soft earthy taupe exterior keeps the space grounded within the landscape, while the blue-green timber doors and windows add a freshness and gentle contrast that immediately draws the eye. This scheme is a perfect example of how a colorful exterior can work in harmony with the surrounding nature, creating a space that feels both unique and timeless.
5. Charcoal Gray With Natural Greenery
Dark color schemes can create a moody and modern exterior, especially in smaller outdoor spaces. Charcoal gray paints, with their warm undertones, offer a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, providing a tasteful backdrop for pots and planters. London-based interior designer Jenny Luck finds that smoky charcoal color schemes work exceptionally well in smaller environments, complementing outdoor colors beautifully. By layering garden mirrors and various objects, she creates a relaxed and pared-back scheme that is both stylish and functional.
In conclusion, these color schemes demonstrate that small outdoor spaces can be transformed into stylish and inviting oases without overwhelming the natural surroundings. By choosing hues that complement your home's surroundings, you can create a cohesive and relaxing outdoor environment that will be the envy of all your guests.
