Furnishing Your Patio

The Right Stuff

PHOTOS/ELEGANT OUTDOORS

BY MARCIA BIGGS

I had to have it – that apple green sofa on sale at Macy’s over Thanksgiving week. Having recently moved into larger digs, I could finally get rid of my little loveseat and move up to a full-size sofa. If I wanted it in two weeks, I could have it in grey? Never. White? The kiss of death. Beige? Boring. And so I wait, and wait, and wait for my apple green sofa to arrive. But I knew this was coming.

Thinking of updating or expanding your furnishings? Get ready for a wait up to three or even four months if you custom order. Alas, the home furnishings industry has been taken by storm in the last year, as the homebound seek to upgrade or expand their living spaces to provide both function and a reflection of their personal style.

With the pandemic shutting down brick-and-mortar stores and many people uncomfortable shopping in person, online purchasing has exploded for everything in the past year -- home furniture included. Ikea, for example, reported a 32 percent increase in e-commerce sales in 2020.

This increase in demand combines with a number of other factors on the production, shipping and distribution levels, such as factories closing and worker layoffs, reduced trade with China, increased tariffs, a lumber shortage, backed up cargo ships and a lack of delivery truck drivers. Adapting to these changes has been challenging for retailers, who are trying to keep up with the demand through online sales and livestream video selling. After re-opening, some stores switched to “virtual showroom” appointments or opened for individual one-on-one appointments in the showroom.

A recent North American Outdoor Furniture Market Forecast report found consumers are looking for outdoor furniture that offers the same level of comfort as that provided by indoor furniture.

The demand for quality outdoor furnishings in Southwest Florida is seeing all-time highs, says Stephanie Stegman, manager and buyer for Bonita Springs-based Elegant Outdoor Living. “Outdoor living has been a growing home improvement category for years,” she says, “but the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the importance of having private space outside. Instead of traveling back up north or to second homes during summer months, people are staying in their Florida homes and investing that travel money back into their homes and creating their own outdoor vacation spot right at home. It is all about making your home feel special … like you’re getting away from it all.”

Her biggest piece of advice for anyone shopping for furniture is to buy quickly when you see something you like, and take it from stock inventory if you don’t want a long delivery waiting period. Her stock at Elegant Outdoor Living moves very quickly, she says, because most customers “want it tomorrow.”

Be patient and understand the principal of supply and demand is at work – even when it comes to pool umbrellas. If you must have a custom order, be prepared to wait. “A special order one year ago would take four to six weeks, but now it is taking 16-20 weeks,” Stegman warns. “Everyone is affected and everyone is working their very best to try to keep up with the unexpected demand.”

Outdoor Living Trends

Expanded outdoor living spaces with upgraded furnishing and firepits for year-round use are in high demand. Outdoor kitchens will continue to grow in popularity, along with patios, decks and screened porches.

Look for more furnishings in neutral colors like gray, beige and white. “Many buyers settle for stock merchandise in order to expedite delivery,” says Stephanie Stegman of Elegant Outdoor Living. “Knowing the demand for in-stock merchandise, consumers should expect lots of neutral color palettes. They can add a pop of color in throw pillows and accessories like garden stools, umbrellas, rugs and tabletop items.” In addition, fully coordinated outdoor setups are popular for entire lanais, she said, such as sofas or sectional seating areas with coordinating dining furniture.

The days of gravitating to a large front porch are waning. Privacy is an increasing priority which is why the back yard is now the main place for gathering with family or relaxing. Sheltered decks and covered patios that offer shade, privacy and flowers or greenery offer respites for dining, meditation, resting or even working. Look for pergolas with flowering vines to lend beauty and shade.

Photos from Elegant Outdoor Living