These days, however, more and more of us are dramatically changing our patterns
of living during the summer months. Now, you can prep and cook dinner for your
family, check e-mail from your workspace, and lounge in your beautiful living
area, all from the comfort of the outdoors. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new outdoor living space or adding a few updates
to an already existing alfresco area, we’ve collected the tips to make sure you do it with superb style. Here’s how.
Trend #1: Blending of Styles and Eras
You needn’t settle on one particular style, such as modern, country, or mid-century, to
beautifully outfit your exterior. Clever mixing of different looks is the new
way to add layered dimension to your décor, with many designers these days also looking to the past for inspiration.
Salvaged architectural items and “found” objects also easily find new homes in this method of decorating. Architect and
interior designer Johnna Barrett, of Atlanta-based Barrett Design, Inc., shares
that she believes many design trends are taking their inspiration from nature,
with more natural elements being used for materials in a way to reconnect with
the outdoors.
Achieve this look: Add a few unexpected items to provide a pop of color, a bit
of asymmetry, or a departure from the conventional style. Accessories are an
adaptable area that can be switched out from one season to the next to account
for changes in trends. If you feel like you’re in a design rut, visit new-to-you shops for inspiration. For vintage pieces,
look for originals at flea markets, antique stores, and vintage shops; many
designers are also reinventing the wheel by making vintage-inspired designs for
everything from charming bar carts for transporting drinks outside to the
beautiful vintage-inspired bottles in which distillers like ROSANGEL are using
to house their spirits.
Trend #2: Substantial Furnishings and Apt Accessories
Now more than ever, you can create a posh living room outdoors, complete with
cushy rugs, gorgeous weather-appropriate lamps, and lounge-worthy couches.
Online patio-furniture retailer Christy Sports predicts that deep-seated
couches and armchairs will continue to be popular this year. “More people are buying outdoor furniture that resembles an indoor living room,” the company says. “The picnic table is a thing of the past as more and more homeowners are
extending their living space outdoors.” Add in the constantly expanding selection of outdoor fabrics from companies like Perennials Fabrics that resist UV fading, mildew, and other
undesired results of inclement weather, and you have the makings for a
beautiful living space.
Achieve this look: If you’re starting your space from scratch, be sure to pick big, comfy furnishings
swathed in outdoor fabrics that can withstand the elements. Fill in the details
with lighting, pillows, side tables, cushions, and ottomans. Rely on
accessories to carry your space from one season’s trend to the next and focus on purchasing larger, high-quality pieces that
will provide the backbone to your space’s look. Remember, the more comfortable you make the space, the more you will
want to spend time there.
Trend #3: Efficient Layouts
The sprawling deck that seems to take over every last foot of backyard real
estate seems to be less desired of late; instead, we are seeing many homeowners
create “rooms” within their yard connected by pathways to suit their varied purposes for their
outdoor areas. Especially convenient for those of us who like to entertain
larger parties, this reworking of an exterior floor plan allows you to maximize
the strengths of your available space. Michael Kaloutas, owner of
Massachusetts-based SEAL-A-DECK, says that many of his clients are making the
most of what they have, building decks around rocks instead of moving them and
using existing plants as privacy barriers. And the deck experts at Thompson’s Water Seal have noticed an increased number of people undertaking a basic
makeover to improve the deck they have instead of ripping it out and starting
from scratch.
Achieve this look: A carefully defined outdoor living space is a must, and you
should be sure to tailor it to your wants and needs. What are your favorite
aspects of your indoor living spaces? Are there features you wish you could
change about them? Translate those wants and needs to your outdoor spaces,
working with your yard’s layout to make your exterior “rooms” a natural extension of your interiors. If you don’t have a pre-existing covering over your main outdoor living space, consider a
retractable awning or a tilting market umbrella, either of which will allow you
to control sun exposure in your alfresco area. Then you can sit and rest easy
from the comfort of your own home—inside or out.
Written by Amber Lindros.
