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4 ways to perk up your outdoor spaces with color

If your outdoor hangout needs sprucing up, now’s the time to hatch a plan for improvements. Plants and flowers are one of the best ways to add color, but you can also perk up the space with paint, furniture and accessories. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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Photo by Exteriors By Chad Robert, courtesy of Houzz

Spring has arrived, which means summer isn’t too far behind. If your outdoor hangout needs sprucing up, now’s the time to hatch a plan for improvements. Plants and flowers are one of the best ways to add color, but you can also perk up the space with paint, furniture and accessories. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Accent wall

Photo by Le Jardinet, courtesy of Houzz

Most people think of an accent wall as something you add only to interiors, but it’s also a terrific way to introduce a burst of eye-catching color on the outside of your home. What I love about exterior accent walls is that you can go a lot bolder than you might on the inside. This is because the area probably gets flooded with natural light, which softens and lightens the hue.

Photo by Exteriors By Chad Robert, courtesy of Houzz

Greet visitors to your home with a splash of a warm, vibrant shade, such as this zesty orange. This color would be tricky to pull off on the entire exterior of most homes, but on a fence or small section of wall, it’s a delightful dose of fun color.

Related: Work with a Pro to Create Your Dream Patio

2. Textiles

Photo by Gregg Hodson Interior Design, courtesy of Houzz

Of course, paint isn’t the only way to bring color outside. There’s an abundance of color and pattern options in outdoor-grade fabrics. Again, think about going somewhat bold. This vibrant lime green coordinates nicely with the natural greens in the landscape.

3. Furniture

Photo by Bobby Berk Home, courtesy of Houzz

Another vehicle for introducing color to your outdoor dining or lounge area is via furniture. I’m definitely seeing a trend toward more boldly hued outdoor furniture and furnishings. They’ll really stand out if most of the other materials in the space are of the neutral variety.

Related: Find New Patio Furniture on Houzz

4. Artwork

Photo by CAROLE MEYER, courtesy of Houzz

Borrow ideas from your interior decor to dress up your outdoor spaces. Artwork that can withstand the elements is a fantastic addition to an outdoor lounge. This is another fairly low-commitment way to bring interesting color to your outdoor hangout.

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