How to Decorate Your Outdoor Living Space

Make your front porch stand out by painting it in a lighter or deeper tone than the rest of the home. Pick a bold color for your front door, then add an oversized wreath. Create a seating area, if space permits, accented by potted plants or decorative urns. Echo the style of your house -- such as formal colonial or cozy country -- in the porch area.

Treat an outdoor wall like an indoor one. Hang decorative iron wall hangings on an outside wall of your home, garage, shed or privacy fence. Barn stars, for example, add rustic, country charm to an outdoor space. For an unexpected look, hang a mirror in a covered patio area.

Create an outdoor room in the garden. Group a table and chairs or a cozy bench and side table near blooming flowers. Outdoor pillows in sunny prints or natural tones add color and comfort. An umbrella in a cheerful color adds shade if there are no trees nearby, or consider installing a trellis or gazebo over your garden seating area.