15 Outdoor Living Ideas

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The truth of the matter is, that in a sunny country like Greece, outdoor living is deeply embedded within our lifestyle. We’re always looking for an excuse to be outdoors (even in the winter). Sipping frappe coffee outdoors is almost a national sport. And we’re lucky, because the weather is in our favor for some 300 days. That’s just one of the addictive perks that come with living in Greece. Hence, it’s no wonder why we love outdoor setups. So here’s to 15 outdoor living ideas.

An outdoor sitting setup with a sofa, coffee table and rug create a contemporary stylish setup by a pool. The sea view in the background are compliments of the house. Image by Houseology.
Image by Houseology. Not everyone is blessed with a sea view, pool view and a garden view, but it’s certainly nice to have friends who would share this kind of blessing. Notice how the area rug makes the whole setup a chic wholesome.

Outdoor living spaces are a must – a real purposeful extension of our homes. It makes no difference if we have a small balcony, or a patio, a roof terrace or a backyard. It doesn’t make a difference if we have a sea view, mountain view or city view. It’s all about attitude. Yes, our attitude towards our life choices. Therefore, I want to share with you some inspiring ideas for the ultimate chill-out-zone that’s so dear to us Greeks.

An outdoor sitting setup by a pool with a sofa, coffee table and rug creating a contemporary stylish setup. A dining setup and a day at the far end of the pool complete the outdoor heaven. Image by Houseology.
Image by Houseology.
An outdoor setup with sofas, a coffee table and an outdoor area rug.
Image by Houseology. From the Scargaarden Scanor Collection.
A stylish contemporary outdoor setting with a Nordic flair to it. Image by John Lewis.
Image by John Lewis. That stack of timber logs in the background, really adds an organic texture to this contemporary setting with a Nordic flair to it.
Is this lovely or what? An outdoor setup with a fire pit in the middle surrounded by greenery and armchair sitting. Image by John Lewis.
Image by John Lewis. Burning flames in a fire pit always create an unbeatable hygge feeling, including the times you spend outdoors enjoying all that greenery.
A stylish contemporary dining setup under a pergola with a BBQ on the side for some alfresco cooking. Image by John Lewis.
Image by John Lewis.
A sunlounger and an armchair under a pergola are the ultimate chill-out furniture. Image by John Lewis.
Image by John Lewis.
A wicker armchair along with an outdoor lantern makes a stylish little nook for cocooning outdoors. Style is not about size. Image by John Lewis.
Image by John Lewis. Organic textures, ethnic vibes from those lanterns and greenery are the three important ingredients for this cozy little outdoor nook with a bohemian flair to it.
A stylish and modern outdoor dining setup with a small round table in a balcony with a city view. Image by Nest.
Image by Nest.co.uk. Note the terracotta tiles. You’ll be seeing them a lot more in the near future because they’re going to have a come-back trending moment. There’s something very retro about this balcony, yet these chairs give it a real up-to-date edge to the whole setup. It’s amazing how a bunch of chairs and a table can add so much style, isn’t? It goes to show that any balcony with a city view can still look fab.
A black wire outdoor chair with a white sheepskin on top can form a nice little nook next to the clay plant pots. Image by Cuckooland.
Image by Cuckooland. Sometimes, just a stylish lounge chair like the Fauteuil chair is enough!
A stylish contemporary outdoor setup with a plastic Vitra Panton chair in a bright color matched with black garden furniture designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. So perfect. Image by Nest.
Image by Nest.co.uk. How perfect is the Vitra Panton chair paired with the black garden furniture designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec (one of the 9 Contemporary Designers to Watch For).
An outdoor setup in a garden with an area kilim rug, throw pillows and wooden garden furniture.
Image courtesy: Xali Glyfada. A kilim area rug adds some serious character and vibrance, adding an “exotic” vibe. They never go unnoticed, especially when paired with modern contemporary furniture.
A round table and three yellow Vitra DSR Eames plastic side chairs by an outdoor fireplace with a breathtaking view of a lake is just stunning. Simplicity at its best. Image by Nest.co.uk.
Image by Nest.co.uk. A round table and three yellow Vitra DSR Eames plastic side chairs by an outdoor fireplace with a breathtaking view of a lake is just stunning. Simplicity at its best. Note that this chair is now produced for ecological reasons from polypropylene and not fibre glass.
A round table paired with four DKR Wire Chairs - a variation on the iconic one-piece seat shell chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Simple and elegant outdoor seating in this contemporary modern house. Image by Nest.co.uk.
Image by Nest.co.uk. A round table paired with four DKR Wire Chairs – a variation on the iconic one-piece seat shell chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Simple and elegant outdoor seating for contemporary modern house.
A blue jute rug with two white sunbeds atop by a pool and a garden.
Image courtesy: Xali Glyfada. A soft hemp flatweave rug is always a good idea indoors or outdoors, especially if you like walking around barefoot. The addition of a color block like that creates a contemporary lively style with a twist – a cool statement!

There’s nothing like the privacy and comforts of our own home’s-chill-out zone. The main objective is to take full advantage of any space outdoors and all it’s got to offer. Therefore, you’ll need to decided on the featured functions. Basically, you should decide whether you want to have a sitting lounge or a dining space for some i.e. alfresco cooking.

If your space is big enough, then you could have both. Stylish outdoor garden furniture, especially rattan chairs and plenty of pillows that promote comfort is a must. Beautiful greenery and a little imagination will do the rest.

But if you want to go an extra mile, then add textiles for texture like organic flatweave rugs and some stylish outdoor lighting that will really enhance the appeal of this easy living area zone. Just think out-of-the-box and take action, for the possibilities are endless.;)

Suggested read: Home Improvements Chapter 6 : City Gardens with tips on how to build the best looking garden for your outdoor space.

Do you feel the inspiration?

Be happy and stay cool, xo

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