Being largely confined to our homes for the last year has given many of us inspiration to find new ways to love our dwellings. Getting new furniture is always exciting, and now more than ever, we’re appreciating even the simplest purchases that both spruce up our spaces and lift our moods.
This year, there’s been no better place to invest our design style and our dollars than our own outdoor living areas—whether they are tiny little balconies or big beachside backyards. These days, our patios, gardens, decks, and backyards are doing double duty as office spaces, happy hour gathering spots, workout rooms, and inspiration destinations. We don’t expect that to end anytime soon either, so delegating our creative energy and budget towards some outdoor furniture updates is great idea.
Outfitting outdoor living spaces for year-round use
Invest in products that make your outdoor spaces more livable during cold weather, like heavy-duty blankets, outdoor fireplaces, and even unique conveniences, like pizza ovens, that will allow you to entertain outdoors in winter and beyond.
Heat lamps and fire pits are a great option to snuggle up beside, and with so many styles available, you can easily find one that works. Retractable shade fixtures (think umbrellas and shade sails) will fend off the afternoon sun. Drop-down screens that enclose patio spaces will help with mosquitos. Fans are also a huge benefit.
More seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors
Blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living with a gorgeous outdoor space that flows effortlessly from your interior. Lush up your space with sofas, rugs, cushions and, of course, more plants. As ever, the key to a successful outdoor area is to think about how you want the space to work for you and let that guide your décor decisions.
As most of us—and our family members—have been doing essentially everything at home for nearly a year, creating a natural flow between indoors and out will not only maximize your home’s space, but it will also give you a much-needed mental boost.
One idea for a seamless transition between outdoor and indoor is to arrange the furniture as if the outside and indoor areas were the same room. By treating both spaces as one room, you take the outside in and make the entire space more usable.
Another way is to use the same flooring and fabrics in both locations. These days, outdoor fabrics are phenomenal for comfortable indoor living, plus, they protect from pets, messy kids, and even messy adults.
Make it monochromatic
It’s true that Instagram has had a hand in the rise of the exceptionally photogenic monochromatic outdoor spaces. Or it could be that they embody style and Zen. Either way, using say … all white furniture, décor and flowering plants is a key trend for the coming year. The idea behind this look is a focus on a single monochromatic color. So, if an outdoor room in hues of pink or yellow is more your flair, then go for it. You’ll still be on trend.
Top trending materials for outdoor furniture
• Plastic. Not only can you find it in a variety of colors and shades, but it also follows current trends—in imitation of rattan, stone, natural wood, metal, and antiques. This is a good budget choice, and such practical and comfortable furniture will uplift any outdoor landscape.
• Tree. This choice is eco-friendly, beautiful, and durable but may be vulnerable to moisture, so make sure you buy furniture that has been processed for outdoor use. Wooden garden furniture can be found in many shades and styles, however, the price point might make you want to keep shopping.
• Wicker furniture (bamboo, cane, rattan). Wicker is a classic and is currently gaining popularity both outdoors and indoors. These products are elegant, attractive, and weightless—perfect for any space. Be aware, though, that this furniture is relatively short-lived and easily deteriorates. Unless they are specially treated, rattan, bamboo, and reeds lose color and deform with prolonged exposure to sunlight and moisture. As well, you shouldn’t wash this style of furniture frequently, and during the rainy season, you should store the items in a warm room.
• Forged metal. Sophisticated and gorgeous, this style of outdoor furniture looks expensive and stylish, especially in combination with water features. The disadvantages are its weight and its susceptibility to corrosion without proper care and reliable coating.
• Stone. Durability is the draw to this outdoor style. Stone products are original, significant, and always on trend. The look is expensive and chic, and additionally, the stone is completely insensitive to sunlight and humidity, not susceptible to corrosion and drying out. The only drawback may be the price.
Indoor updates
Interior design trends are always going in and out of style, so once you update your outdoor spaces, you might want to keep it going indoors as well. Here are some things to consider inside your home:
• Pocket doors and classic French doors are replacing barn doors. Pocket doors slide directly into the adjacent wall, and French doors normally open outward and feature large panes of glass.
• Look for “grandmillennial” or “granny chic” style to gain popularity. Described as a modern revival of nostalgic design elements that you might find in your grandparents’ home, it’s a style meant to evoke comfort, nostalgia, and tradition. Think floral wallpaper, antiques, delicate china, crocheted items, and Tiffany lamps.
• Comfort, practicality, sustainability and making your home your sanctuary on every level is becoming paramount. This style includes plushy, sink-into furniture; chestnut woods; warm colors; bookshelves overflowing with tattered covers of novels you’ve read and loved; less mass-produced furniture and more heirloom family pieces; fluffy towels, luxurious candles, and objects d’art from local artisans.
Resale and consignment stores
Resale shopping is trending. According to America’s Research Group, up to 18 percent of all shoppers buy from resale or consignment shops—almost as many who shop at department stores or outlets. Here’s why:
• Quality offerings. Consignment furniture stores offer a variety of unique and designer-inspired furnishings, many of which cannot be found in stores.
• Great prices. Because you’re buying second-hand, you can score some great deals on quality items for your home such as beds, couches, tables, chairs, and more.
• Supporting a local business. Rather than buying new furniture from big box retailers, buying from consignment stores is a way to save money as well to support a local business.
