Spring weather in all her rainy, pollen-filled glory is here! And you know what that means, summer is just around the corner. If you haven't started planning your outdoor design, now is the time! Don't delay too long and get stuck trying to finish up projects and decorating plans when summer has already started. Check out these tips from John Elliott Interiors for where to start to make the biggest impact, how to change up the look with a few quick tips, and what's hot in exterior design these days.

Believe it or not, NOW is the time to start planning your exterior design at the Lake of the Ozarks. Even though there's snow on the ground and the temperature is below freezing, very soon the sun will be shining and you'll be ready to enjoy a newly designed deck, patio, or other outdoor space. If you don't get started soon, then you could be behind the starting line this spring and your project might not be ready in time to enjoy all summer. John Elliott Interiors is the best furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have great pieces to help complement or complete your exterior design at your lake home. Check out the rest of today's blog for tips on how to design the best exterior design possible!

Comfortable Seating

While this may seem like an obvious point, it can be difficult to design a space that meets all the needs of your group while taking full advantage of your property. If you have a lakefront home, it's a good idea to make sure your lounge furniture is facing the water for the best views. If the furniture is facing away from the Lake, you may find yourself and your guests frequently turning around their chairs to get a look at the beautiful sunset and activity on the water.

When planning your seating arrangements, think about how you will use the space ahead of time. Will it just be you and a few family members? Then it could be useful to have several areas set up to spend your time. One area can be set up for dining under the shade, while another can feature lounge furniture for spending lazy afternoons together. If you expect large groups of guests to regularly visit your lake house, it may be better to have one large area designed to host your whole group. John Elliott Interiors can help you design the perfect outdoor space for everyone in your crew to enjoy.

As most people know, Labor Day tends to signal the closing of the summer season. Kids have gone back to school, the weather is starting to cool off, seasonal restaurant hours are changing, and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING is hitting the shelves. What some people don't realize is that your outdoor fun and enjoyment doesn't have to end at the Lake when summer does. John Elliott Interiors is the best design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to share style tips and design tricks to help you enjoy your outdoor space for longer. Keep reading to learn how!

Bring in More Seating

Exterior Design at the Lake 

You've been getting your home ready for the warm season, but what about your outside space? Now that the weather is warming up, it's a good time to consider what you what your outdoor living area to look like. How will you use the space? Will you be entertaining large groups of people, or will it typically just be you and your significant other cuddling by a firepit? John Elliott Interiors is the best interior designer at the Lake of the Ozarks and we are skilled in designing many different kinds of spaces. Keep reading to find some great inspiration for the perfect outdoor space this summer!

Add Plants for Color

You can easily add your favorite colors to an outdoor living space with seat cushions and accessories, but don't forget to take advantage of some natural pops of color as well. Flowers not only make your patio area look stunning but they also make the yard smell amazing. Even if you live in a condo without a yard, add some beautiful blooms in pots instead.

If you don't have a green thumb, try succulents instead of traditional flowers. They are super trendy and require little to no effort! Succulents thrive on sunlight and only need a little bit of water. They live for a long time too, so they are the perfect no-fuss plants for a vacation home.

Create Shaded Areas

On hot summer days, sometimes the only way to be comfortable is by spending time in shade. Adding a pergola to your patio creates shelter from the summer heat, while still making it cozy enough to enjoy through the fall. A pergola also creates a comfortable 'room' and can be used to separate a seating area from the rest of the outdoor space. Even the addition of a large, beautifully decorated umbrella over an outdoor table can give you some much-needed shade from hot summer rays.

Bring the Bar Outside

Outdoor bars are all the rage at the Lake of the Ozarks! Spend time enjoying a cool drink in the hot weather with your friends and loved ones. A bar space could be anything from a wet bar and full refrigerator with tiki bar decorations... to a simple high table and bar stools for enjoying time together. Think about how you want to spend time outside and design your outdoor bar around that! 

Update the Lighting

As the temperatures continue to get hotter during the day, you'll be more likely to spend time outdoors in the evenings. Proper lighting makes that experience a lot more pleasant. Use downward facing lights to create a warmer and gentler glow than upward facing bulbs. Replace your old light fixtures with new ones for a cozier atmosphere. Many people don't think to update their outdoor light fixtures and spend years with outdated lights. Hanging string lights or lanterns are also an easy way to light up the patio for a summer party and create a great atmosphere for spending time outdoors.

Get Fired Up

Fire features create the perfect centerpiece. They can provide a perfect smores spot that your kids will love, and they serve as a great gathering place for a group of friends to swap stories and share a few laughs. Fire features are more than eye candy, though. They can also be useful for several other reasons. In fact, the smoke from your fire pit is a natural mosquito repellent and the warmth will keep you out on your patio enjoying the outdoors even when cold breezes blow in.

Living at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know design isn't just about the interior. We want to help you create the exterior design of your dreams as well! John Elliott Interiors is the best furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have great pieces to help complement or complete your exterior design at your lake home. Today we are talking about tips to create a beautiful exterior design your friends and family will love. Read on to learn more!

Comfortable Seating

While this may seem like an obvious point, it can be difficult to design a space that meets all the needs of your group while taking full advantage of your property. If you have a lakefront home, it's a good idea to make sure your lounge furniture is facing the water for the best views. If the furniture is facing away from the Lake, you may find yourself and your guests frequently turning around their chairs to get a look at the beautiful sunset and activity on the water.

When planning your seating arrangements, think about how you will use the space ahead of time. Will it just be you and a few family members? Then it could be useful to have several areas set up to spend your time. One area can be set up for dining under the shade, while another can feature lounge furniture for spending lazy afternoons together. If you expect large groups of guests to regularly visit your lake house, it may be better to have one large area designed to host your whole group. John Elliott Interiors can help you design the perfect outdoor space for everyone in your crew to enjoy.

Outdoor Kitchen

These are becoming more popular in outdoor design. Rather than marooning one person inside to prepare dinner while everyone else enjoys the outdoors, you can all spend your time together around an outdoor kitchen. There are several different options ranging from small kitchenettes to full-sized kitchens on the patio. You can even have a kitchen added to your dock!

Gather around the Fire

Is there anything better than gathering around a bonfire at the end of a long day on the water? Incorporate a fire pit into your landscape or deck design to create the perfect place for you and your guests to gather and spend time making memories. There are several different options you can choose from to create a design that fits your personal style and exterior design. We can help you choose the perfect place in your design to add a fire pit that you will love.

Professional Design at the Lake of the Ozarks

John Elliott Interiors is the best design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would love to help you get ready for the spring and summer seasons! Exterior design has its own challenges when it comes to design and furniture selection. John Elliott Interiors has the best furniture at the Lake, and we would love to see you in the store to help you make your selection. Come on by!