For me, nothing is more thrilling than a total-space transformation. But you don’t have to break the bank to get a jump-start on great design. I’ve chunked out a dreamy $3000 outdoor space below, in $1,000 increments, with mood boards that build on one another (though, honestly, I would love any of these boards a la carte!). Depending on your budget, you could start chillaxing this weekend in The Great Outdoors … and maybe cash-flow a full-on outdoor soiree by Labor Day!

Start with a sofa. All you need to begin enjoying your outdoor space is great seating. I’m an enthusiastic ambassador for white outdoor sofas because they look so clean and bright in the sunshine (and they never get bleached out by strong rays). A sturdy and sophisticated coffee table (at a great price) proffers somewhere pretty to put your lemonade, and a couple of handsome pots make for an instant centerpiece (just add herbs or your favorite perennial). Hang some cool string lights to keep the conversations going long after the crickets come out.

Outdoor Sofa $699
Midway Metal Patio Coffee Table $122
Blue & White Pots $39
String Lights $39

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Add in an outdoor rug. This beautiful, modern one is a nice anchor for an outdoor living space — and a great excuse to kick off your flip flops. Layer in some blue accent chairs and a little side table where your friends can put down their drinks. You’ll never regret investing in a big ol’ urn. These planters look so stately that you’ll want to borrow them for your front porch. Top them off with some (very realistic-looking) topiaries, and you’ll be ready for afternoon tea “in the garden.” This is the phase at which it’s really fun to layer in functional decor: an interesting serving tray (canapes, anyone?), an actually attractive Citronella candle, a charming lantern, and a good-looking watering can.

Outdoor Rug $149
Blue Accent Chairs $294
Nantucket Side Table $119
Urn Planters $79 x 2
Boxwood Topiary Set of 2 $219
Serving Tray $19
Citronella Candle $15
Windowpane Lantern $40
Watering Can $35

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By this time, you’re ready for a little dining set. (Or skip ahead to this one! Start with the outdoor table if that’s your thing!) Fire up the grill, and wheel out the bar cart! Here’s a hot tip — a bar cart also makes for a great planting bench. We recently did a back porch makeover and populated a little bar cart with potted plants, and it looked so fresh and adorable. Keep this Ring Toss game close by to play with while the burgers cook :)

Dining Set $340
Pit Boss Pellet Grill $279
Acacia Wood Bar Cart $74
Umbrella $83
Melamine Dinnerware Set $152

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