Designing A Dreamy Fort Lauderdale Outdoor Living Area

We may be called interior designers, but we believe exteriors are just as important! Outdoor living areas are really fun to decorate because, as with this project, they are frequently used for entertaining.

This gorgeous Fort Lauderdale home is inspired by a tropical motif. For that reason, we sought to integrate a fun, colorful aesthetic throughout. Our clients, a young family, really wanted their home to feel like they are on vacation all the time, so we knew we needed to pull out all the stops to create a one-of-a-kind space for them to enjoy.

To begin, we decided to create four distinct seating areas around their gorgeous pool, with each area having a designated purpose. There are lounge and casual areas, intimate seating arrangements, and an outdoor cooking and dining area. We thought of everything to make this a space for our clients to rest, relax, play, eat, and party outside.

This will be a go-to place for their family and friends to come when they need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. To create this beautiful space, we chose furniture and accessories from Clima, West Elm, Dedon, Teak Warehouse, and CB2. Let’s take a look at each space individually and how we achieved the stylish tropical set up.

Space Planning – Outdoor Living Area

Take a look at the overall layout of their dream outdoor space. We’ve broken up the space into unique sections depending on the purpose of each. For example, there is an outdoor kitchen and grilling station in the top left corner along with seating to relax while the food is being prepared. Below that space is a separate, secluded dining area that allows for both privacy as well as easy access to the prepping area.

You’ll also find plenty of seating options, including a deep sofa with a roof to the right of the pool. Concrete planters are dotted along the exterior to provide privacy and delineate the boundary of the entertainment areas.

Outdoor Living Area – Final Look

Both the inside and outside of this gorgeous contemporary home reflect the tropical motif that our designs focus on. When we were decorating their outdoor living area, we took inspiration from the swaying palm trees and colorful flora of their lush landscaping and worked in organic textures that would display that carefree ease of lifestyle they desire.

Everyday is a party when you have a dream outdoor space as beautiful as this one! To complement the geometric motifs that feature prominently in the architecture, tiling, and shape of the pool, we chose these chairs with a distinctive crosshatch pattern. When it comes to furniture shapes, you’ll find many circular pieces because they add a bubbly, lighthearted aesthetic while being very easy to move around during parties. Using stone and rattan materials created cohesion with the natural environment around the pool.

Seating Area

We wanted our clients to also have areas of privacy, away from the eyes of neighbors and the world. This seating area is particularly cozy and comfortable, with a covered sofa to provide shade on a very hot day. The placement beneath the tree was intentional – the sofa and nature work in tandem to create a refuge. It’s the perfect place for relaxing with a book, chatting with friends, or taking an afternoon nap.

Designed for entertaining guests, this open seating arrangement is a dream for conversations. The uniquely tiled wall informed our choice of furniture shapes, colors, and materials. This is the perfect spot for a glass of wine or happy hour cocktails.

Just because we’re outside doesn’t mean that the furniture has to be simple. We love to blend function and form, and this dining area is both comfortable and chic. The woven chairs and marble-effect table could easily belong inside. Having them outside adds a level of refinement and luxury to balance the fun red rocking chairs of the other outdoor living area.

Creating these intimate seating arrangements allows for so many possibilities when entertaining. If our clients are hosting a large party, the guests can break out into small groups. If they only have a small group, everyone can sit together in one area to chat without feeling like there is a lot of empty space. We chose a range of seating options so that people can relax where they are comfortable.

It’s All About the Details

Remember that the small details matter, too! Particularly when entertaining, it’s important to carry the aesthetic through to all the accents and accessories. These wicker placemats fit right into the tropical aesthetic. Also, these are more outdoor-friendly than fabric alternatives.

If you are thinking about upgrading your outdoor living area, visit our  Outdoors Pinterest Board. You will find the inspiration you are needing!

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