Fall is wonderful for spending time outdoors. It's not as hot as summer and not as cold as winter yet so some might say it's just right for getting outside and enjoying nature. John Elliott Interiors has a few ideas for you today that will encourage you to take advantage of the outside living area of your home before winter's cold chases you indoors.

Increase Outdoor Seating
The sheer beauty of summer turning into autumn is all around us as the leaves begin changing into a rainbow of glorious colors. You will be encouraged to spend more time outside enjoying the view if there is plenty of comfortable seating around your outdoor living space. If that space is limited, furniture that does "double-duty" is an excellent solution. Look for pieces that can have more than one purpose, like storage ottomans that also work as extra seating or can be used as a tabletop too.

Perform a Seasonal Makeover
Truly welcome the new season by switching out summery colors and patterns on your cushions and throw pillows for rich fall shades. Quality indoor/outdoor fabrics, like the kind we offer at our luxury furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks, can withstand the elements easily but look beautiful enough to belong indoors among your other home interiors. Add a few mums and pumpkins to finish the look and you've created a lovely fall escape that can take you through Halloween and Thanksgiving.


Dine Outdoors
Summer is great for grilling and picnics, but autumn is perfect for bringing your indoor meals outside and dining alfresco. The days and early evenings are pleasantly cool, unlike extremely hot days in the summer, and there are a lot fewer bugs to worry about crashing your party. If you have a covered outdoor space, you might even consider bringing an indoor dining table and chairs outside for a while. That is the perfect setting for throwing a few amazing fall dinner parties.

Increase Outdoor Lighting 
Sunset comes much earlier this time of year so you will want to make sure that you have proper lighting for spending evenings outside. Solar lights charge during the day and automatically come on at night, so you don't have to do a thing. String lights hung from a pergola make for a festive atmosphere. You can also find many portable lighting options that can be moved around easily to where you need them and stored away for the winter.

Stay Warm
Once the sun sets, autumn weather can get pretty chilly, but not so much so that you need to head indoors if you make arrangements to stay warm. Firepits and outdoor fireplaces not only provide that warmth, but they are also great gathering spots for hanging out with friends, toasting marshmallows, telling stories, and making memories. If you are not able to add a permanent fireplace or firepit to your yard, there are portable options that do the same job nicely. You might also consider storing a few cozy throws or blankets outside to warm you up both in the evenings and on those mornings when you feel like enjoying your cup of coffee outside.


When you make your outdoor living space look beautiful and feel comfortable and inviting, you are much more likely to spend some quality time out there, making good use of that wonderful space. Our interior design experts at the Lake of the Ozarks are equally as skilled at making the exterior "room" of your home look it's gorgeous best. Visit us at John Elliott Interiors in Lake Ozark soon and let us help you create an outdoor living area you can't wait to spend more time in while the weather is still perfect for it.