An outdoor space can be much more enjoyable when it isn’t cluttered.
Clearing out unnecessary or worn items can instantly improve the look and feel of your patio or garden.
With warmer weather coming, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor living space.
Making simple changes can also increase the resale value of your home.
We asked gardeners and interior designers what items you should clear out to create a more inviting outdoor space.
Here’s what the experts recommend.
Remove Excessive and Mismatched Furniture
Too much furniture or mismatched pieces can make an outdoor space feel cluttered and chaotic.
Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors, advises selecting only a few on-theme items.
A curated plant display or a single outdoor sculpture can create a focal point.
Avoid extra pieces that distract from the overall design.
Say Goodbye to Giant Decorative Planters
Large, round planters might look nice at first but tend to fade and degrade over time.
Anna Ohler, gardener and owner of Bright Lane Gardens, recommends replacing them with built-in flower boxes.
These boxes match your deck or siding, hold more plants, and can be insulated for perennials.
They also avoid water staining and are easier to maintain.
Replace Synthetic Garden Decor with Natural Materials
Lawn ornaments, wind chimes, and spinners made of plastic can distract from the natural beauty of your garden.
Barbi Gardiner, gardener and founder of The Outdoor Apothecary, suggests swapping synthetic decor for pieces made from wood, stone, or recycled metals.
Natural materials blend better and complement your outdoor environment.
Clear Out Unused Wood Piles
Stacks of unused firewood can attract pests and clutter your yard.
Mariya Snisar, head of interior design at Renowell, advises either repurposing the wood into a stylish fire pit or organizing it into a neat storage area.
A tidy woodpile looks better and keeps pests at bay.
Soften Harsh Outdoor Lighting
Bright, harsh outdoor lights can make your space feel unwelcoming.
Snisar recommends replacing them with softer lighting options like lanterns or fairy lights.
These create a warm, relaxing atmosphere perfect for evening enjoyment.
Replace Worn-Out Patio Furniture with Weather-Resistant Pieces
Old, low-quality furniture often looks tired and dated after exposure to sun and rain.
Keely Smith suggests investing in durable, weather-resistant furniture such as wood-slatted seating or wicker accessories.
These options maintain a fresh appearance season after season.
Upgrade Mosquito Control Beyond Citronella Candles
Citronella candles can look unsightly and lack finesse in an elegant outdoor space.
Snisar suggests modern alternatives like insect-repelling plants or citronella-infused diffusers.
These solutions keep bugs away while enhancing the look of your outdoor area.
Swap Invasive Plants for Native Species
Invasive ornamental plants such as barberry or burning bush can disrupt local ecosystems.
Gardiner encourages replacing them with native shrubs and plants.
Native species support local wildlife and provide vibrant colours without harming the environment.
Ditch the Tiki Bar for a Timeless Outdoor Lounge
Tiki bars can appear dated and tacky.
Snisar advises upgrading to a sophisticated outdoor lounge setup.
Sleek furniture, cozy lighting, and a well-designed outdoor bar create a stylish and timeless space.
Avoid Single-Type Flower Beds
Single-species flower beds can seem dull and are more prone to pests and diseases.
Mixing flowers of different heights, textures, and colours adds vibrancy.
Barbi Gardiner highlights that diverse plantings encourage a balanced ecosystem, reducing the need for pesticides and maintenance.
Conclusion
Refreshing your outdoor space is easier than you think by simply removing outdated, mismatched, or synthetic items.
Focus on natural materials, weather-resistant furniture, softer lighting, and native plants.
These changes create a welcoming, beautiful outdoor area to enjoy and increase your home’s value.
Start decluttering and upgrading now to make the most of your outdoor living space this season.