3 Easy Ways to Bring Southern Comfort to Every Outdoor Space
With design advice from Savannah Surfaces, discover how to bring timeless Southern ease to patios, porches and backyards across the Lowcountry.
Story by Alea Wilkins
Key Points
● Savannah Surfaces shares three simple design tips to create the perfect Lowcountry backyard.
● For improved functionality and classic Southern charm, use materials that are compatible with the climate.
● Provide ample seating, and arrange spaces to encourage conversation.
● Add upgrades that will extend use from day to day and season to season.
Outdoor living and the Lowcountry go together like sweet tea with a splash of lemonade. Add a little shade, settle in and let the day slow to your pace. Whether it’s a wraparound porch, a poolside perch, a fire pit gathering spot or an outdoor fireplace glowing into the evening, being outside isn’t an occasion in the South. It’s a way of life. With a few thoughtful upgrades, Savannah Surfaces shows how to layer in comfort and style without starting from scratch. It’s the small details that turn a backyard into your favorite place to be.
Use materials that work with the climate
Replacing worn or outdated hardscapes can instantly transform an outdoor space. When selecting a new material, take inspiration from classic Southern architecture. Natural stone, like travertine and limestone, not only looks beautiful with our coastal landscape, but it also improves comfort and functionality. Its lighter tones keep surfaces cool under the sun, allowing guests in this Beaufort backyard to walk barefoot from pool to patio without getting burned. As it ages, natural stone develops its own distinct patina, a physical reminder that some things only get better with time.
Create spaces meant for gathering
The best outdoor spaces are meant to be shared, and creating one can be as simple as a little rearranging. Entertainment features like a pool or outdoor kitchen draw guests in, and a generous spread of seating invites them to sit down and stay awhile. For even greater enjoyment, thoughtful layouts, like the picnic chairs around this Savannah fire pit, encourage conversation and hours of effortless hosting. Select furniture that can withstand heat, humidity and heavy use for a stunning space built to last.
Enhance with year-round upgrades
One of the Lowcountry’s greatest pleasures is its consistently sunny skies. Get the most out of that year-round luxury with a backyard that adapts with the seasons. In summer, covered patios, pergolas and screened enclosures provide relief from insects and intense UV rays, while in winter, a feature like this Wilmington Island fireplace adds warmth and ambiance. To extend daily use, opt for lighting that seamlessly transitions from day to night, letting every moment unfold without interruption. Combining comfort and charm, the best outdoor design embraces the Lowcountry’s year-round beauty.
