Target Home Style Expert Emily Henderson has already shared her go-to tips on how to spruce up our homes for the warm months ahead, incorporating pops of color, unexpected patterns and playful textures. Now, she’s turning her attention to the outdoors, just in time for a long weekend of entertaining!
To share a little inspiration, Emily invited us to check out her own backyard patio makeover, which she describes as, “A modern and clean California vibe with classic touches of the English countryside.” The mom of two young children wisely incorporated resilient furniture pieces and a smart design layout, so adults and kids can mingle in harmony. The result? A totally gorgeous, totally doable outdoor oasis.
“My backyard’s new style is a modern take on an English cottage—it has lots of neutral and timeless furniture staples like the dining table, chairs and bench, with stylishly on-trend accents,” she said. “There were two main factors I considered when coming up with my design plan. I’m the mother of two young children, so durable and comfortable pieces were a must. We also like to have friends over a lot, so it was important to have ample seating and a functional space.”
Ready to get inspired? Check out the gorgeous photos and Emily’s design tips, below!
“One of my favorite Target pieces has to be the vintage floral lumbar pillow I used on the loveseat in the corner away from the dining table—it just helps give the other side of the patio life. I also love the dinnerware on the table—the blue pattern really stands out. Melamine plates are great for casual gatherings (and kid-friendly!), and I love that the design and color of these make them feel more elevated.”
As for making the area especially kid-friendly, Emily has plenty of ideas. “To avoid cluttering the table with glasses and other items kids might knock over, I set up a separate beverage bar cart in one corner of my patio where adults can grab a drink or make themselves a cocktail,” she said. “Also, we opt for LED candles to remove any worry about flames (plus, they are on a timer so less work for me).”
“To make the most of our space, we also ensure there’s ample seating. In addition to the outdoor dining table, we have a loveseat in one corner and a Windsor bench in the other so there are multiple areas for us to hang out with the kids or entertain. For the furniture and accessories, I kept it timeless and affordable. And comfortable—have I properly stressed how comfortable the whole patio is?“
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Visit Target.com or your nearest Target store!
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