I’m an interior designer. Here are 9 things I’d never waste money on for an outdoor space.

As an interior designer, I’d avoid fading fabrics, flimsy rugs, and high-maintenance plants in outdoor spaces.

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As an interior designer, there are a few things I’d never waste money on for outdoor spaces.
I’d avoid fabrics that fade too easily, like cotton, linen, polyester, and nylon.
Inflatable hot tubs can seem like a great idea, but they’re often a bit disappointing.

Your outdoor space should be an extension of your personality and a place to unwind, not a battleground of regrettable design choices.

As an interior designer, there are a few things I’d never spend money on for an outdoor space when I’m creating a spot that’s easy on the eyes.

Here are 10 things to avoid wasting money on when designing an outdoor space.

Avoid rugs that can’t handle a raindrop.

Avoid fabrics like cotton, linen, polyester, and nylon.

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If you want to flush your hard-earned cash down the drain, buy any outdoor furniture made with cotton, linen, polyester, or nylon.

Though they may appear inviting at first, fabrics that aren’t designed to endure the elements can quickly succumb to fading, tearing, and weathering.

Opt for high-quality outdoor fabrics specifically designed to brave the sun, rain, and wind without compromising aesthetics or comfort. For me, it’s polypropylene or bust.

Don’t use lights brighter than a supernova.

High-maintenance plants can be hard to keep up with.

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Unless gardening is a genuine hobby, your yard should be a relaxing retreat, not a horticulture boot camp. High-maintenance plants can take away from the joy and relaxation that your outdoor haven is meant to provide.

A balanced mix of low-maintenance and resilient plants can create a garden that thrives with minimal intervention. Choose plants that harmonize with your lifestyle and the level of care you’re ready to provide.

Excessive lawn bling doesn’t look relaxing.

In my experience, black-top dining tables could double as griddles.

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Outdoor dining is a quintessential pleasure of the warmer months, and selecting the right table can significantly enhance this experience.

Sleek, chic, black-top metal dining tables can look sophisticated, but they’re often impractical.

Black-top metal dining tables often turn into a hotplate on a scorching summer day. Remember, you’re here to enjoy a meal, not cook your forearms. It may be best to pick a lighter color or different material.

Skip plastic furniture unless you want to keep replacing it.

Inflatable hot tubs seem appealing but can be disappointing.

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I, too, have been tempted by the allure of inflatable hot tubs because it seems like having a personal spa that you can deflate and store. But before you jump into a world of bubbly relaxation, consider the fine print.

Though inflatable tubs offer a cost-effective alternative to their permanent counterparts, they come with their own set of considerations. Inflatable hot tubs don’t provide the same insulation and heat retention as traditional ones so they may require more energy to maintain the desired temperature.

Plus, the quick and easy setup does not guarantee long-term durability. Keep in mind that bubbling bliss might come with a side of troubleshooting and a splash of disappointment.

Poorly built retaining walls never last.

Don’t cut corners when you install a wall or barrier.

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Retaining walls often go unnoticed until they crumble, taking your hopes of a well-kept garden down with them.

I hate to see a brand-new retaining wall, standing tall and proud, succumb to gravity less than half a year later. The tale of improperly supported retaining walls is a cautionary saga that every landscaping enthusiast should know.

This story was originally published on August 22, 2023, and most recently updated on August 20, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

source:https://www.businessinsider.com/things-interior-designer-would-never-have-outdoor-space-2023-8