Monthly Archives: January 2017

What to Look for When Choosing Outdoor Patio Furniture

When you’re ready to decorate your patio and make your outdoor space more comfortable, there’s a lot to consider. Here are 12 tips for purchasing the outdoor patio furniture that will tie it all together!

1. Price Range

Before you begin your search for outdoor patio furniture in earnest, you need to know your budget. Figure out how much you can spend before you start looking to prevent frustration and disappointment when you find something you love that you just can’t afford.

2. Function and Purpose

Are you hoping to create a dining space? A place to relax with friends? A yard for entertaining? Make sure you know what you want to create so you look for pieces that fit your needs.

3. Size and Shape of Yard

Evaluating the size and shape of your yard is important to make sure you don’t buy pieces that are too big for a small space, or that won’t fit properly in your awkwardly shaped yard.

4. Number of Different Spaces

Is your yard large or broken up? Consider the number of different spaces you need to decorate so you purchase furniture with purpose.

5. Comfort

Are you looking for a couch to spend hours lounging on, or mostly a place to rest pool towels? If comfort is your top priority, get plenty of cushions or consider an outdoor sofa or sectional that is designed for extended lounging and entertaining friends.

6. Style and Design

Do you prefer something bright and colorful or neutral to fill your space? Don’t buy something because someone else loves it—buy pieces that you’ll love and enjoy for years to come.

7. Weather

Is your climate cold and snowy or perpetually warm? If you intend to leave your furniture out year-round, you’ll want something that can withstand the elements.

8. Quality and Durability

Make sure you purchase something to fit your needs. Do you have pets or a bunch of little kids? Buy furniture that can withstand whatever you and your clan put it through.

9. Seasons of Use

Make sure you purchase pieces that are practical for your home and functional for any season you intend to use them. Would it be best to have specific pieces just for use in winter or summer? Determine your needs and buy what works best.

10. Storage

If you don’t intend to leave your furniture out year-round, make sure you have a place to store it. Don’t underestimate how large your pieces are or overestimate your space.

11. How Much Use

Are you looking for pieces that will last just a few seasons, or something that will last the next decade? The higher the quality, the more the cost. But depending on your needs, it might be worth the investment to seek out the highest quality.

12. Accents and Accessories

To make your outdoor furniture spaces just as comfortable and welcoming as your interior spaces, consider purchasing a rug, decorative pillows, and other decorative accents.

Go Buy Some Furniture

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get out there and buy the best outdoor furniture for your home.

How to Choose the Best Patio Furniture to Fit Your Backyard

Does it ever feel like decorating your outdoor spaces requires a lot more time and effort than your interior spaces? Perhaps the reason for this is the size and shape of the space you’re working with. Whether you have several acres, or a few square feet of patio, the outdoor patio furniture you choose should be based around the vision you have for your space to keep it functional and beautiful.

Large Spaces

There are many benefits to having a spacious yard. However, someone with a lot of space can find themselves struggling with backyard landscaping ideas just as much as someone with a small space. Depending on the purpose you’d like your outdoor space to serve, consider breaking up your yard into several areas that are more manageable. If entertaining is your goal, consider a large dining set for an outdoor patio, some comfortable outdoor chairs or chaise loungers to surround a fire pit, or bright, oversized loungers for around your pool.

Small Spaces

Small backyard design is actually a lot of fun. While you may not be able to allot different furniture pieces to several different spaces, you can be more creative and choose pieces that are functional and compliment the space.

To create an inviting space for guests, consider a small seating area or raised bar table with stools. Ottomans are excellent for adding extra seating and storage, while less bulky furniture will allow the space to feel more open and not so cramped.

Awkward Shapes

Perhaps the most daunting space to face off against is one that is awkwardly shaped. When you have a space that is broken up in an odd way, or not balanced in the size and shape, your creativity can really take over. Choose outdoor furniture that you love, and break the space up into several smaller spaces, or maybe consider one larger space that’s multi-functional.

Just like with a smaller space, functionality is key when it comes to an awkwardly shaped yard. If it suits your style, consider furniture pieces that are just as unique as the space you’re working with, and you’re bound to create something that’ll make everyone else wish they had an awkwardly shaped yard too.

Whether you’re looking for help with a large space, or on the hunt for landscaping ideas for a small yard, we can help you find the best pieces to suit your space.

2017 Outdoor Patio Trends are Bold, Yet Simple

It may seem a little cold outside to be thinking about patio furniture and backyard decorating ideas, but winter is the perfect season to begin perusing the upcoming patio trends to ensure your summer patio set is on point. Think spirited silhouettes, chunky wicker weaves, bold patterns mixed with vibrant colors, and outdoor dining tables while mixing and matching your 2017 patio furniture.

1. Spirited Silhouettes

Patio pieces should make a statement with your use of shapes, materials, and colors. Gone is the day of uniform and sameness; you want pieces with different depths and shapes to stand out from the rest. High-backed chairs, chaise lounge sofas, tall canopies, innovative sling chairs, and punched steel designs can all add dramatic silhouettes to your sunbathing set of furniture.

2. Upholstery, Wicker, Teak, Iron, and Stainless Steel

Experimenting with new materials and textures will be a popular outdoor furniture trend in 2017. Though black and brown finishes are always fan-favorites, multi-step finishes and hand-woven resin wicker allow for different colors and finishes that will bring more texture to old styles.

Weave designs within the furniture will also bring flair to future patio sets. Open weaves and braiding will continue to flourish in the design scene and the introduction of thicker and even multi-colored weave creations will add incredible accents for the new year.

3. Vibrant and Energetic Colors

The design innovators at Behance say “scenes from life” will be the color trends of 2017: “cityscapes, island getaways, and lush countrysides”. Green and blue hues such as Aqua, Sea Foam, Drab Green, and Indigo will create calming, spa-like vibes. Coral, Sienna, Pink, Orchid, Melon, Bubblegum, Custard Yellow, and Butterscotch will add pops of vibrancy that will pair nicely with more subdued tones such as Mushroom, Buff, Khaki, and Tailored Grey.

“Use a Use a vibrant outdoor rug to set the tone. Whimsy or traditional, you can create the vibe and style you’re going for with an outdoor-friendly rug easily changed next Spring.” – Kelli Ellis, Celebrity Designer and RST Brands Outdoor Living Brand Ambassador

4. Cushions Galore

Cushions and pillows are the best way to add color and personality to your patio set. Bold prints and patterns with contrasting colors and abstract geometric shapes will surely be trending in 2017. A textured dark chair or couch with solid cushions will pair nicely with patterned and striped pillows for a modern look.

Be sure to select a resilient fabric for your outdoor design that will withstand the elements, both rain or shine, while maintaining comfort and style. A sunbrella fabric will avoid fading in harsh sunlight and is layered to allow for quick drying after a moisture-filled day.

5. Mixed Styles

Design styles in the new year will vary from simplistically modern to bohemian chic. Simple, elegant lines with spunky features will create a welcoming oasis. Mixing and matching materials such as wicker, wood slat, concrete, and upholstery transform a classic style into a fresh new look. With millennials continuing to gain interest in travel and embracing culture in their decorative style, textured artisanal patterns and eclectic textiles will be making their way to your patio in 2017.

6. Outdoor Entertaining

Your patio is no longer just a place to sunbathe or sit, it is your best place to entertain. Patio furniture needs to be prepared to seat various-sized groups of guests in a comfortable fashion for next year’s garden and patio parties. Guests need to feel relaxed and have multiple seating options ranging from single chairs to large patio sectionals.

7. Blending Indoor with Outdoors

Who says eating dinner and warming up by the fire has to take place indoors? Blending your indoor furniture style with the outdoors is gaining a lot of attention. Repurposing old indoor furniture to withstand outdoor temperatures can really add pizazz. Adding an outdoor table for dining al fresco or a flickering fire pit is sure to impress your guests.

8. Accessories

“Outdoor floor lighting is HAUTE! Creating the outdoor living room is easy with on-point outdoor lighting that’s cordless and fashionable.” – Kelli Ellis

Developing your budding outdoor living design goes beyond furniture. By accessorizing your space you can set the tone for your backyard retreat. Lighting, art, and potted plants can all be used to set your patio apart and create the ambiance you want your guests to feel upon first glance.

It’s never too cold to think about your outdoor living ideas. Update old furniture with fashion-forward patterns, embrace bold colors, and repurpose old items for unique furniture pieces that will keep your guests talking.