Outdoor Decor: Usher in Summer with an Unexpected New Color

Summer is all about color. Colorful clothes, colorful flowers, even colorful party decorations and pool floats.

Summer also means spending more time outdoors - having fun in the pool, chilling by the lake, gathering around the fire pit and visiting on the patio.

Naturally, then, summer is the perfect season to bring more color to your outdoor decor. Adding an unexpected new color can invigorate your outdoor spaces and enliven patio accessories that have seen a few seasons.

Pick a bold piece to tuck into your garden. Find new tones in furniture and trimmings and add a quirky or surprising shade to your porch palette.

Take the opportunity this summer to explore upbeat colors and unexpected combinations.

The color purple was traditionally reserved for royalty. Purple dye was difficult to produce, so only the very rich could afford it. Purple is the color of mystery, bravery and fantasy. In decor, purple can be a luxurious and exotic color that stimulates the imagination.

When it comes to patio decorations, purple pops against your landscape greenery like a ripe berry nestled in lush foliage. Try using purple in pillows and cushions, in patio rugs and in flowering plants tucked into garden planters scattered around your outdoor space.

Play up purple by pairing it with bright blues, pinks and greens, or calm it down with neutrals.

You might be surprised to learn that pink is considered a calming color, connected with love, innocence, peace, nurturing and femininity. However, pink can also be vibrant and fun. Pink is the color of romance, joy and generosity. (And, of course, Barbie.)

In decor, pink recalls sunsets, hibiscus, tropical birds and pink stucco homes reflecting the Caribbean sun.

Choose pale pink patio decor to create a mood that’s cozy and serene, and bright pinks for a more playful touch, recommends Color Psychology. White, lavender, purple and aqua all go well with pink. For a more free-spirited look, pair vivid pinks with yellow, orange, lime green and bright blue.

Orange is an energetic color that can radiate confidence. Blending the excitement of red and the warmth of yellow, it’s perfect for poolside and other outdoor spaces, notes HGTV.

While pumpkin is a primary color in autumn, orange shouldn’t be banned from your summer palette. Shades from peach to russet can add punch to your deck, patio or front porch.

Keep orange decor centered in summer by using it sparingly and pairing it with other vibrant colors like lemon yellow, aqua, hot pink, lime green or crisp white.

If you’re cautious about using orange for outdoor decorating, start small. You might consider more muted orange tones, like apricot and terra cotta, more approachable. 

Yellow is sunny, warm and energetic, the color of happiness and confidence. It grabs attention and exudes optimism. In art, yellow sometimes is used to represent gold.

It’s easy to incorporate yellow in gardens and planters with flowers like marigolds, daisies, black eyed Susans, lilies and sunflowers. Look for smaller outdoor accessories in sunny tones, such as ottomans, side tables and chairs.

Create an uplifting outdoor space this summer by pairing yellow with white or green outdoor accessories. Yellow shines in combination with black or orange.

Black can imply authority, power and luxury. Black solidly supports modern design, but also mingles well in formal settings, where it suggests elegance and sophistication.

Make black patio furniture a focal point of your outdoor space, or use touches of black accessories, including lanterns and fountains.

Use black to anchor a space, or make a statement with a predominantly black color scheme. Black pairs well with neutral colors, but also provides a dramatic contrast for greenery, notes Houzz.

Red is bold, vibrant and alluring. It is a color of extremes: warmth and anger, love and danger, rednecks and red carpets. Red is for passion and power.

The key to decorating with red is using the right shade in the right proportion.Use red to draw attention, make a statement or add an element of surprise.

Red porch decor looks fresh paired with blue and white. Lean into the patriotic vibe with red, white and blue pillows, porch signs, house and garden flags. Or take the unexpected route, pairing red with accessories in turquoise, teal or slate blue.

To create an atmosphere of drama and luxury, couple red with black or touches of metallic gold.

According to a YouGov survey, blue is the “world’s favorite color.” Between 23% to 33% of people surveyed in 10 countries liked blue best. Blue implies tranquility and safety.

As the color of the sea and sky, blue is a no-brainer for outdoor decor. For instance, navy is central to a nautical theme, while shades like aqua and cobalt are commonly used in poolside decor.

Blue mixes well with many other colors, including green, white and red. For visual excitement, pair blue with purple or orange.

Green is the color of life, growth and money. In its connection to the natural world, it can symbolize well-being, balance and positivity. Green can mentally revive and refresh our minds.

Greens range from paler shades like sage and mint, to brilliant emerald and dramatic hunter green. While olive-toned greens are currently popular in interior decorating, the fact that most plants are green makes it a natural for outdoor decor.

Green is commonly paired with neutral tones and in particular with items made from natural and textural materials like wood and jute.

Outdoor patio decor provides a chance to express our personality. Color choices are key to creating an outdoor environment that reflects your temperament and summer lifestyle.

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