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 unexpected elements? The visual interest and tactile quality of all-weather wicker will appeal to your nature.

Outdoor furnishings have evolved in terms of materials and efficiency. Choose from automated tables designed to change functions with the push of a button. Dining tables that convert to different heights and lengths mean you can begin your outdoor evening with drinks and dinner and move seamlessly into game night. Enjoy different activities without ever changing tables. Innovative bar carts that cleverly conceal removable tubs beneath sliding top panels keep drink refills conveniently within reach, allowing you to relax and enjoy your guests!

One of the easiest ways to elevate your patio or deck is with an outdoor rug—it really helps define the space and makes it feel like a room. Add a splash of color and texture with a rug that protects your feet from rough surfaces that get hot in the sun. A great outdoor rug is constructed of durable materials, typically synthetic fibers that will stand up to weather and resist stains, fading, and mildew. With proper maintenance and storage, a quality outdoor rug can last for 20 years.

Turn your patio or backyard into a yearround living space with decorative outdoor patio heaters. Entertain in comfort, no matter what the season! Propane heaters with flickering flames are a beautiful way to add warmth and create a comfortable atmosphere. Smaller gas patio heaters are ideal for adding cozy warmth on a smaller scale.

Whether it’s sunny, windy, or rainy, you want to enjoy your outdoor space. To extend your enjoyment and protect you from the elements, it’s important to install the right features. Choose from various solutions like parasols, awnings, and sun sails to create inviting and peaceful shady spaces and provide reliable sun and weather protection.

Put the finishing touches on your patio with accent lighting. An assortment of lanterns and battery-operated flameless outdoor candles will create an elegant ambience that is warm and inviting.

The popularity of outdoor living spaces is expected to continue well beyond 2021, as people embrace a healthy, home-centric lifestyle. Whether you plan to host barbecues or just hang out with family on the weekends, there’s no better place to invest this year than in upgrading your outdoor spaces. For countless hours of outdoor enjoyment, choose from furniture designed to be part of your lifestyle for seasons to come!

Sources for this article included: consumerreports.org, elledecor.com, and livingspaces.com.