How to Design an Outdoor Space Big or Small You ll ACTUALLY Use

If you have an outdoor space that never really gets used, this video is for you. Whether it's a small apartment balcony or a full backyard, most outdoor spaces don't get neglected because they're bad, but because people aren't sure what to prioritize, so the space never quite comes together. In this video, I'll show you how to design an outdoor space in the right order, so it feels comfortable, functional and becomes part of your daily life. Every good outdoor space starts with intention. Before you buy furniture or think about decorating, you need to be clear on one thing. What do I actually want to do out here? For example, this tiny balcony was designed specifically as a chill-out zone, not a dining area. That single decision shaped everything else. That is why they went for two armchairs at either end of the balcony instead of trying to force in a table. Once the purpose was clear, every other choice becomes easier, from furniture size to layout. If you're working with a tiny balcony, commit to one clear purpose. It might be a cozy reading nook, a morning coffee spot, or a quiet place to unwind in the evenings. Trying to squeeze too many uses into a few square meters will make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable. Larger backyards or decks can handle multiple functions, like dining, lounging, or even a fire pit area, but prioritization still matters. Without a clear focus, it can feel random or underwhelming, simply because there are too many competing choices. Think of it like furnishing a room where you don't know whether it is a living room, dining room, or home office. You could make it work, but every decision would feel harder than it needs to be. To define your purpose, focus on how you realistically want to use the space, not how you think you should. Are you imagining hosting friends and family, playing with kids, or is this a quiet retreat for you? Are you eating outdoors, lounging, gardening, or doing a bit of all? And when will you actually use the space most? Mornings, afternoons, or evenings? Once the purpose is clear, map it out. This step is non-negotiable indoors, and it matters just as much outside. Measure the space and sketch the layout on a floor planning app. It's a small step that prevents big mistakes, and it's the difference between an outdoor space that looks nice and one that actually works. If you want your outdoor space to actually be used, comfort is non-negotiable. Comfort outdoors comes down to three simple things. Somewhere comfortable to sit, somewhere to put things down, and protection against the elements. Start with seating. You want pieces you genuinely enjoy sitting in, whether that is lounge chairs, a cushion bench, or a small outdoor sofa. Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your living room. You want to design a space that you want to stick around. On tiny balconies, bench seating or a slim left seat often works better than multiple chairs. Simply because it keeps the layout cleaner and easier to move around. Foldable or stackable chairs are also great as backup seating. You can bring them out when hosting and tuck them away when you're done. If dining outdoors is part of the plan, the furniture has to match that intention. I learned this firsthand. We had a small cafe table on our deck that technically fit, but we barely used it. It was too small for the scale of the space. Once we replaced it with a larger teak outdoor dining set from Custlery, who's the sponsor of today's video, everything changed. I'll sit out there during the day with a drink or my laptop. And in the evening, it turns into our dinner table. We went with their build-your-own dining set so we could choose the right size and configuration for our space. I chose the treated teak finish with golden care because it holds up well outdoors, resists staining, and keeps that warm tone over time. Which matters when it's sitting outside under the harsh Australian sun. The chairs are another reason this setup works so well. They've got a nice bit of texture through the back. The padding is really comfortable, as I've sat out there for hours without needing to shift around. That is something I genuinely appreciate about Custlery in general. I've worked with them for years, used their pieces in various client projects, and I've also bought their furniture for our own home. For example, our walnut dining table and this bookcase are both from them. Ordering online is seamless. You can request fabric samples, and your furniture is built to be lived with. Performance fabrics, durable finishes, and pieces that look good without feeling precious or high maintenance. They've also now got a showroom in Sydney if you want to check it out in person. Good outdoor dining furniture shouldn't be something you only pull out for guests. It should feel easy, durable, and part of your everyday life. I even got the fitted covers, which will be really handy for protecting and extending the life of the set. I've partnered with Custlery so you can get an extra $50 off, which is stackable with other promotions on their site. I'll link everything down below, including the outdoor dining set we chose. Once the seating is right, the next thing that decides whether you stay outside is surfaces. If there's nowhere to put a drink, plate, or book, the space stops being comfortable very quickly. People stand up more, shift around, or head back inside. It's a small detail, but it has a huge impact on how long a space gets used. For small areas, light and movable surface works best. Nesting tables or compact side tables can be shifted around depending on how you're using the space. In larger outdoor areas, you can be more generous with coffee tables or dining surfaces. Seating invites people to sit. Surfaces give them a reason to stay. And finally, comfort outdoors isn't just about cushions and furniture. If the space is too hot to expose or too cold, you want to stay out there. If your outdoor area gets a lot of sun, adding a shade will instantly make it more usable. An umbrella is often the simplest solution for exposed spaces. Designers often treat umbrellas as a style feature as well. Striped canopies, scalloped edges, or darker fabrics can add height and character. If you have a covered deck or patio, outdoor blinds are useful if the space gets direct sun during the time of day you want to use it. Next, think about warmth, especially if you want to use this space outside of peak summer. If evenings get cool, a heater, fire pit, heat lamp, or compact chimney can dramatically extend how often the space gets used. On the flip side, a ceiling fan is useful when it gets hot in the summer. A bit of shade, comfortable temperature, and some shelter go a long way in making an outdoor space feel comfortable and easy to use. Most outdoor areas work fine during the day, but rarely get used at night because lighting is an afterthought. The goal here is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, with just enough visibility so the space feels relaxed. Start with overhead or ambient lighting. This is what gives the space its overall glow and helps define it as a room. String lights, wall lights, or hanging lanterns work really well here. You can always opt for warm white bulbs, around 2700 Kelvin, for a softer, more inviting feel. If you've got a pergola, fence, or even a nearby tree, weaving lights through those elements can look great without feeling overdone. Solar-powered options have also come a long way, and are an easy, low-maintenance solution. When you've got that ambient layer, add lighting closer to where people actually sit. Table lanterns and portable lamps help create pockets of light that feel more intimate. Lantern or two on a coffee table or dining table instantly makes the space feel more welcoming. LED candles are a great option as well, if you want that glow without worrying about open flames. You can also use light to add depth. Uplighting plants, trees, or textured walls create contrast and gives the space a relaxed, resort-like feel, rather than everything being lit evenly from above. And finally, don't forget practical lighting, especially in larger outdoor areas. Subtle pathlights or step lights makes a big difference for safety and ease of movement. Even on a small deck or balcony, a simple motion sensor light near the door can be surprisingly useful when you're heading outside in the evening. When lighting is layered like this, you get flexibility. Softer, lower light for quiet evenings, or brighter when you're entertaining. No outdoor space is complete without greenery. Even the most minimal outdoor space benefits from some form of plants. It softens hard surfaces and makes the space feel more inviting. Potted plants are usually the easiest and most flexible option, especially for balconies, decks, or rentals. In smaller spaces, think vertically and work around the perimeter. Wall-mounted or railing planters free up floor space and add greenery at eye level, which makes a big difference when you're seated. Over-the-railing planters are also great for herbs, practical and decorative at the same time. In larger outdoor areas, scale matters more. A few oversized pots or planter boxes will always look better than lots of small scattered plants. Grouping plants in odd numbers helps them feel more natural. And using planters strategically can also help define zones. For example, subtly marking the edge of a seating or dining area without blocking views. Plants can also do more than just look nice. They are great for privacy and backdrops. Tall potted trees, bamboo, or palms can act like a soft screen, while trellises with climbing plants add height and structure. On balconies, placing plants along the railing creates a sense of enclosure, which can make the space feel more protected. If gardening isn't your thing, that is fine too. Low-maintenance plants like succulents or cacti work well outdoors and require very little upkeep. Being around plants has been shown to reduce stress, and this space is meant for slowing down and relaxing. So, why not add some plants? Just like indoors, the floor helps define how a space is meant to be used. If your climate allows, outdoor rocks are an easy way to anchor a seating area. They help visually group furniture, add warmth, and introduce color or pattern. Most outdoor rocks are also made from durable materials, so they can handle sun, rain, and regular use. A lot of them are hose-off or washable, which makes maintenance much easier. That said, in wetter climates, they can be more hassle than they're worth. So if that's the case, you can still create zones by changing the flooring itself. Interlocking deck tiles are a great option, especially for balconies and rentals. They came in composite, wood, or even grass-style finish, and snap together directly over your existing surface. Because they're slightly raised, water drains through instead of pooling. They're renter-friendly, easy to install, and simple to remove when you move. You can even mix finishes to subtly separate different areas. In larger outdoor spaces, zoning can be more layered. Using different flooring treatments or pathways help guide movement and creates the feeling of multiple rooms. Stepping stones, changes in decking direction, or defined walkways can gently lead people from one zone to another without the space feeling chalked up. Whatever option you choose, always factor in safety and weather. Textured, non-slip surfaces matter outdoors, especially in areas that get wet. Now for the fun part, decorating your outdoor space. This is where you really get to express your style and set the mood. I like to start with textiles. Outdoor cushions and throws are one of the easiest ways to add comfort and personality. In smaller spaces, it usually works best to keep the base fairly neutral and introduce one strong accent, a color, pattern, or texture that stands out without overwhelming the space. One confident choice will always look more intentional than lots of smaller ones competing for attention. In larger outdoor areas, you can layer things a bit more. Pick two or three colors or patterns and repeat them across a few elements so the space feels cohesive. It helps to decide on the overall mood first. Calm and natural, warm and earthy, or something with more contrast, and then edit your choices around that. Just make sure everything is outdoor rated, so it actually holds up to sun and moisture. Beyond that, focus on pieces that earn their keep. Storage benches, garden stools, or movable side tables add personality and make the space more functional. The key thing to remember is that outdoor styling doesn't need to be precious. Just a few thoughtful touches go much further than trying to decorate every surface. If you enjoyed this video, check out this video where I transform an apartment balcony into a Japanese garden, or this video on the secret sauce to any well-designed space. Otherwise, thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one.