FINISHING TOUCHES
The pool is swimmable, the patio construction dust has settled, and your new plants are settling into their home beneath a fresh layer of mulch. The space has come a long way—but something is still missing: the finishing touches.
These are the elements that make a space truly livable. They add personality, warmth, and comfort. With outdoor living season just around the corner, we thought we’d share a few of the details we consider when adding the finishing touches to our projects. Here are four that rank high on our list.
Places to Sit and Gather
Providing places to sit and gather is one of the first things to consider. Seating invites you to linger. A lounge chair tucked into a shady nook offers the perfect spot for a nap or a good book. A bench beside a water feature encourages quiet contemplation. Tables and chairs make dining al fresco easy, while high-top bar stools create a gathering place for conversation while grilling.
For larger gatherings that stretch late into the evening, couches and sectionals offer a comfortable place to settle in. Add ottomans and coffee tables and you have the perfect spot to set down a drink or play a hand of cards. You might even consider a projector and screen—or a television—for watching a movie under the stars.
Planter Pots
Planter pots are another finishing touch we often incorporate into our designs. They add personality not only through the flowers and plants they hold, but also through the containers themselves. Today’s planters come in a wide range of materials, including pottery, concrete, recycled composites, and steel.
They’re especially useful in smaller spaces where they can add dimension and visual interest. Fill them with herbs or edible plants and they become another way to interact with nature. Planter pots can soften corners, define entrances, or help partition spaces—creating the feeling of outdoor “rooms.”
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are a finishing touch that is sometimes overlooked. Yet they bring indoor comfort outside and instantly add ambiance. Rugs help define seating or dining areas and act as a visual anchor when creating separate outdoor rooms. They harmonize a space, add a touch of luxury, and invite bare feet to relax and stay awhile.
Decorative Details
Smaller decorative elements can also add charm and character. Candles and lighting help create mood in the evening. Wind chimes add gentle music to the landscape. Orbs, mirrors, metal art, and statues can provide focal points and a sense of whimsy. A birdbath offers both beauty and a welcoming essential for our feathered friends.
Finishing touches in an outdoor space are like the icing on a cake. They create places for you to settle into your garden and truly live outdoors—whether dining, chatting, or simply resting. They’re also an opportunity to bring your personal style into the landscape, extending the character of your interior spaces into the outdoors. By adding comfort, ambiance, and definition, finishing touches elevate a space. They transform a backyard into a personal oasis.