Seamless Outdoor Living
With a new month upon us and spring in Connecticut is in full swing, we naturally begin to crave time outdoors. At Jill Rae Designs, we believe your outdoor living space should feel like a seamless extension of your home—inviting, beautiful, and designed with intention.
Thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces blur the line between inside and out, offering the perfect setting to relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of the season. Whether you’re dreaming of summer dinners under the stars or slow mornings with coffee on the patio, here’s how we approach outdoor living from a designer’s perspective:
START WITH A PLAN
Just like any room inside your home, an outdoor space should be built around how you want to use it. Entertaining? Relaxing? Family-friendly play zone? We begin every project with a clear understanding of the lifestyle it needs to support—then layer in design elements that elevate those moments.
Create Zones, Just Like You Would Indoors
The most functional outdoor spaces have thoughtfully designed zones—dining, lounging, cooking, even working from home. We use furniture placement, outdoor rugs, and lighting to define these areas while keeping the overall layout cohesive and comfortable.
Prioritize COMFORT
Comfort is key to creating an outdoor space you’ll actually want to use. Invest in quality, weather-resistant furniture, and layer with cushions, pillows, and throws. Don’t forget about shade solutions like umbrellas, pergolas, or covered patios to make the space enjoyable even during peak sun.
BLEND WITH NATURE
To create a polished look, we love mixing natural materials like teak, stone, and woven textiles. Softening hard surfaces with planters, greenery, and textiles makes the space feel warm, layered, and welcoming.
Extend the day
Good lighting extends the usability of your outdoor spaces well into the evening. We recommend a combination of string lights, lanterns, sconces, and landscape lighting to create ambiance and highlight key features like paths, patios, and gardens.
Ready to reimagine your outdoor living space? Contact us today to start designing your perfect outdoor retreat!