Summer has arrived: The sun is shining and the temperature’s rising, which means you’re officially out of excuses to spend the foreseeable future cooped up inside. But can you do us a quick favor? Before you lounge poolside or enjoy a dinner al fresco, take an audit of your outdoor furniture and accessories. Because let’s face it: If you want a stylish backdrop for the very best season, there’s a good chance you’ll need to give a few pieces the heave-ho.
Sometimes, parting ways with your outdoor decor is purely practical: Items might be worn out or not conducive to your surroundings. On other occasions, however, some items are causing a style conundrum. “The goal is to let the landscape become the focal point,” says designer Brittany Cooper, founder of Rathell Designs in Cary, North Carolina. “A well-designed outdoor space should feel collected and effortless, allowing natural light, greenery, and comfortable gathering spaces to take center stage.”
That’s exactly why we tapped a few designers to share the items they’re asking—no, begging—you to remove from your backyard. Though it’s your outdoor space, and should be designed to appeal to your personal style, these simple swaps will beautify your backyard in no time.
A Ragged Rug
An area rug might be a smart way to bring your decorating style outdoors, but designer Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley encourages you to give your layer a once-over. “The one thing I always pull off a patio is the outdoor rug that has seen too many seasons,” she says. “A faded, flattened rug signals neglect more than any other single item.”
If your rug is showing signs of wear and tear, swap it out for a fresh, flat-weave indoor-outdoor option, ideally in a solid or subtle pattern. Alternatively, you can always lean into your surroundings by leaving your underfoot bare. This Cape Cod retreat is proof that a rug-free patio can look pared-back and polished.
Interior Furniture
A word to the wise: Only furniture that was made to combat the outdoor elements actually belongs outdoors. Though lugging your favorite side table from your living room to your deck might look cute, it’s not practical. “Pieces without proper weather ratings warp, rust, or mildew,” says Cathleen. “They usually look the part by June.”
Instead, invest in furniture pieces that are made of durable materials like teak, hickory, and powder-coated steel. Speaking of your patio furniture, Brittany says summer’s a great time to refresh your cushions and pillows. “Worn cushions can quickly make a patio feel tired.”
Mismatched Planters
Summer’s when most people embrace their green thumb, but that doesn’t mean you can go carte blanche on your planters. “The thing I consistently see cluttering patios is the collection of mismatched pots and planters that accumulated year over year,” says Cathleen. “Six different colors, four different materials, no relationship to each other.”
Designer Lauren Saab recommends editing your collection down to two or three styles, then adding some visual interest. “Several planters can look beautiful when they are grouped together, but scattered accessories on every surface can make an outdoor space feel busy,” she says. “Use a mix of planter sizes and heights within a grouping to create a more natural collected look.”
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Lots of String Lights
If you want to enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun sets, lighting is a non-negotiable. Though string lights are the status quo for a dreamy glow, Cathleen isn’t exactly sold on them—especially if they’re haphazardly arranged.
“If they are tangled, yellowed, or strung without intention, they read as an afterthought rather than an asset,” she says. Her advice? Either commit to a clean installation as shown on this California cottage’s patio, or take them down entirely. In their place, consider a few solar-paneled lanterns you can move around as you do.
RELATED: 24 Easy Ways to Transform Your Patio with Backyard String Lights
Excess Décor
Signs, statuary, and strategically slanted surfboards might offer charm, but Lauren doesn’t think they’re necessary. Truthfully, they can only add visual clutter. “Not every outdoor space needs to be filled,” she says. “A little restraint often creates a stronger result than adding another decorative accessory.”
Instead, the designer encourages you to skip superfluous stuff and keep your outdoor space simple. “A few well-chosen planters, comfortable seating, and healthy greenery will usually have far more impact than an assortment of decorative objects competing for attention,” she says.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, ELLE Decor, and Country Living among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
