Local Spotlight - The Recipe for Outdoor Style with Marques Living Co.

Hey readers!

We are welcoming you back this month to a fun new read for the month of July and we have an exciting collab for you as I’m sure you’ve been waiting for…. and that collab is with our friend Ashley Marques over at Marques Living Co.

I met Ashley earlier this year when we chatted back and forth multiple times over Instagram (as almost all new friendships start) and then we brought the chat to real life. We met over lunch initially and bonded over upcoming interior trends, business resources, and job-site anecdotes. Ashley is a very talented interior designer and our region of Windsor-Essex is very lucky to have her here! She specializes in interiors that feel timeless, organic and are inspired by the European Countryside.

I think you guys will learn a lot from Ashley and her valuable expertise on interior (and exterior) design, so without further adieu, I’ll let you dig into all the things Ashley has to share with us.

Hello everyone, thanks for popping in here to read my blog.
As Markie mentioned, my name is Ashley Marques and I’m an Interior Designer located here in Windsor-Essex.
As an interior designer, one of the most common questions I’m asked in the summer months is how to create an outdoor space that feels beautiful, intentional and inviting, without spending a fortune.

The secret isn’t having the biggest budget. It’s knowing where to invest and where to save.

When I design an outdoor space, I think about it in three layers: Function, Greenery, and Personality. When these layers work together, your patio feels curated, comfortable, and timeless.

Layer One: Function

The Foundation of Every Great Patio

This is where I recommend investing the majority of your budget.

Function includes the pieces you’ll use everyday:

Outdoor Furniture
Dining Tables and Chairs
Shade Structures
Permanent Lighting

In Ontario, our outdoor furniture endures intense sun, humidity, rain, wind and freezing winters. Quality pieces made from materials such as powder-coated aluminum, teak and performance fabrics will not only look better but often last for many years.

Where to Splurge (see item below):

Sofa and Lounge Seating
Dining Furniture
Umbrellas and Pergolas
Permanent Outdoor Lighting

Where to Save (see item below):

Decorative Lanterns
Outdoor Candles
Small Accent Tables
Seasonal Accessories

Designer Tip: If your budget is limited, purchase fewer pieces of quality furniture rather than filling your patio with lower-quality items that may need replacing within a few seasons.

**Save** - Better Homes & Gardens Aubrey Set

Layer Two: Greenery

The Element That Brings Life to the Space

Greenery is often what separates a patio that feels finished from one that feels incomplete.

Plants add softness, texture, movement, and colour while helping connect your outdoor space to its surrounding. Rather than purchasing many small planters, I prefer investing in a few larger statement planters that create impact.

Where to Splurge (see item below):

Large Planters
Trees and Structural Plantings
Quality pots that can withstand our Canadian climate

Where to Save (see item below):

Seasonal Flowers
Annual Plantings
Decorative Filler Plants

Designer Tip: A pair of oversized planters flanking a patio entrance can instantly elevate the look of your outdoor space.

Layer Three: Personality

The Finishing Touches

This is where you can have the most fun, and where I recommend being the most budget conscious.

Personality includes all of the accessories that make your patio feel uniquely yours:

Outdoor Pillows
Lanterns
Decorative Trays
Tabletop Styling
Outdoor Dinnerware
Seasonal Decor

These items are easy to update as trends change or your personal style evolves.

Where to Splurge (see item below):

A few statement pieces you truly love.

Where to Save (see items below):

Most decorative accessories (Homesense)
Trend Driven Items
Seasonal Accents

Think of these pieces as the jewelry of your outdoor space. They should enhance the design without taking up the majority of your budget.

**Splurge -** Amber Lewis x Loloi Outdoor Rug

Bringing It All Together

A well designed patio doesn’t happen because of one expensive purchase. It comes from creating balance between function, greenery and personality. Invest in pieces that improve comfort and longevity. Add greenery to create warmth and life. Then layer in accessories that reflect your style. By following this simple three layer approach, you’ll create an outdoor space that feels polished, welcoming, and ready to enjoy all summer long.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog and if you would like to reach out to chat about your interior space, send me an email.

Thanks for reading,

Ashley.

I want to thank Ashley for her time and expertise crafting this quick read on how to make your outdoor living space the perfect place for entertaining.
Also if you don’t follow Marques Living Co. on Instagram make sure you do so! Ashley is is opening up a new showroom in Essex County soon so we can’t wait to check that out and celebrate her grand opening!

That’s all for now folks, thanks for being here and we will see you next month!

Ps. if you ever have a blog topic you would love us to cover, send us an email and we will see what magic we can create.

Cheers,

Markie.