The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and we want to spend our days outside. Here's some design inspiration for sprucing up your space, whether balcony or backyard. 

Comfortable Campfire

Image Courtesy of HomeSense | Colourful Outdoor CHAIR, $99, Standing Outdoor FIREPIT, $250, Blocked Wood SIDE TABLE, $70, Outdoor ROCKING CHAIR, $200, Standing Wicker PLANTER, $25, Outdoor RUG, 5' x 7', $100, homesense.ca.

Settle in for a relaxing evening alfresco. Add some warmth to any chilly summer nights by lighting a sleek chiminea. For the ultimate homey appeal, surround it with textured outdoor furniture and accessories.

Planter's Paradise

Image Courtesy of Crate and Barrel | From left to right: Small Argo PLANTER in Grey, $219, Large Diamond PLANTERS, $179 each, Large Sphere PLANTER in White, $229, Large Rocklin PLANTER, $179, crateandbarrel.ca.

Add greenery to your patio with grouping of pretty planters. Different sizes, shapes and colours will make for a unique display and allow each plant (and its pot!) the chance to shine.

Lasting Luminescence

Image Courtesy of Crate and Barrel | Tanner Woven LANTERN, $65-$90, Crosby Teak LANTERN, $100-$150, Peek LANTERNS in Light Grey, 9", $39, Ivory, 11", $60, Dark Grey, 15", $80, crateandbarrel.ca.

Light your way with lanterns in assorted styles. Unlike the potential harsh glare of electrical lighting, lanterns, both tall and small, will illuminate your outdoor space with a soft glow.

Go Geometric

Image Courtesy of Crate and Barrel | Vaso Lagoon Acrylic Drink GLASSES, $6 each, Jett 5-piece FLATWARE, $115, Ollie Melamine BOWL, $9, SALAD PLATES, $37/4-piece set, DINNER PLATE, $11, PLATTER, $23, Spectra Cloth Cocktail NAPKINS, $25/8-piece set, crateandbarrel.ca.

Feast with fun...all you need is the food. Bright and sophisticated, this geometric melamine tableware is light and super-durable and sets the tone for an epic summer party.

Sunroom Serenity

Image Courtesy of IKEA | Havsten Indoor/Outdoor CHAIR in Beige, $320, ikea.ca.

Unwind on a comfy cushioned indoor/outdoor chair. The perfect setting for a seat like this can be just about anywhere—but we’re loving this rustic room the most. It’s a simple space fit for curling up with a good book. 

Bold Boho

Image Courtesy of HomeSense | Outdoor BISTRO SET with Side Table, $380, Buddha Head DECORATION, $10, Hanging BIRDHOUSE, $17, Ceramic Colourful STOOL, $60, Blue PLANTER, $25, Small Patterned PLANTER, $8, Outdoor RUG, 5' x 7', $100, homesense.ca.

Enjoy tea time or happy hour in this whimsical setting. Throw some colour into the mix with playful items like a geometric rug, patterned planter and artsy stool. A large potted tree adds a touch of foliage if you don’t have a garden.

Laid-Back Luxury

Image Courtesy of Bouclair | Acapulco Outdoor CHAIR in White, $130, Water-Repellent TOSS CUSHIONS in Summer Lovin’, Enjoy, Three-Toned, Pineapples, $23 each, Water-Repellent LUMBAR CUSHION in Three-Toned, $23, bouclair.com.

Bask in summery yellows and luscious greens. Make use of a long concrete bench by adding tons of comfy toss cushions. This outdoor room provides privacy but still feels full of nature. Divide the space with small groups of planters.

Patio Parlour

Image Courtesy of Wayfair | Highland Dunes Cassville 12-piece Outdoor CONVERSATION SET with Cushions in Blue, $3,170, wayfair.ca.

Lounge and chitchat outdoors. If you’ve got the space, set up an alfresco living room that’s perfect for conversation. The seats are comfy enough to accommodate all those all-night debates.

Oval Oasis

Image Courtesy of Canadian Tire | Canvas Sydney Egg SWING, $500, canadiantire.ca.

Hang out (literally), sit back, and just relax. An egg-shaped chair is as appealing for its interesting look as it is for its comfort. Feel at one with the breeze and let yourself sway.