Interiors by Design
Outdoors is the New Indoors Take a Seat!
By Robyn V. Powell
Over the past year, home suddenly became the office, classroom, and entertainment center for extended family members returning to the nest. Many homeowners adapted by investing in home improvements and finding ways to stretch their living spaces into functional, multi-purpose rooms. While Americans embraced this new at-home lifestyle, the combined effects of cabin fever and the lure of the great outdoors launched a novel design trend—serene and relaxing outdoor environments that feel as good as they look. The demand has been so strong that American yards have become the new frontier for home improvement! Whether your outdoor space consists of a tiny balcony, a mid-size patio, or a sprawling backyard, stylish and comfortable furniture and accessories can transform your outdoor space into your new outdoor living room! A leading trend is to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living with a gorgeous outdoor space that seamlessly flows from your interior. While you want to ensure that your outdoor style blends with the style you’re reflecting in the rest of your home, outdoor design does leave some room for fun. Your outdoor living room is the perfect space to dress up with plush textiles like rugs, soft seating, and cushions. Both indoors and out, we’re seeing a shift away from the cool gray color palette
that featured prominently in the last decade of home design. Warm and earthy tones like brown, taupe, and olive green create furnishing textiles that are warm and inviting. Design has also shifted in the direction of sustainable, natural materials like wood, rattan, and wicker—perfect for outdoor seating! In the past, traditional outdoor seating and dining furniture often sacrificed comfort in exchange for the structural durability required to stand up to the elements. No more! With the emphasis on comfort and support, the latest ergonomic outdoor furniture offers superior comfort and weather hardiness. When selecting a frame material, focus on style and features. For traditionalists with a love for the classics, solid-cast aluminum offers timeless style. For the modernist drawn to sleek, clean lines, handcrafted teak offers design that is fresh and inviting. Sustainable teak holds up to rain and humidity, is naturally resistant to mildew, and develops a beautiful, naturally weathered patina over time. Are you more eclectic, with a love of interesting details and
You know that noise your heart makes when you work out? It’s
called applause.
Think of each beat as your heart’s way of cheering you on for staying physically active. Want a standing ovation? Try keeping your diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat too. For more ways to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, visit www.americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1. American Heart Association
18 AHA - Applause - Half.indd
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May 2021
12/8/20 4:34 PM
