Backyard Fun!
Are you tired of hearing about “supply chain delays” for furniture? Here’s some good news! We are able to get some outdoor furnishings much faster than interior items, so now is a great time for an update. Summer is officially here, and many of us are diving into “backyarding.” That’s the hot new buzz word for people who use their backyards for everything from bean bag toss and badminton to Pilates, reading and remote working. Just as our homes have become uber-multi-taskers, so have our backyards. My team and I are all about making them as comfortable as possible.
Making memories with family and friends in the fresh air is one of the great joys of lake home living. Photo by David Bader
Inside-Out Break Room
This covered porch is a great place to take a break from the sun, wind and occasional showers. With a full-sized dining table and cocktail table, plus plenty of chairs and a sofa, our clients have a basketful of options for fun. That includes just kicking back in one of those swivel wicker chairs and enjoying the scenery. Ahhh! I can imagine the long table being a popular spot for a jigsaw puzzle or game. The youngest family members can color or play Jenga at the lower cocktail table. Serve whatever food and beverages you like. All of the fabrics are durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean!
The Disneyland of backyard pools. Photo by Photo by Cole Horchler Photos
Maintaining a Sleek Profile
What an awesome outdoor pool, it’s right here in the Midwest! Our goal for the furnishings: to choose subtle pieces that won’t distract from that gorgeous pool design. One solution: these sleek, low-profile lounge chairs. They are super comfortable and luxurious. I’m ready to dive right in and then stretch out on one of those inviting loungers.
Old meets new in this former silo. Photo by LuisHermosilloPhotography
Isn’t This Unusual?
These Chicago-area clients own a spectacular, spacious property which includes – of all things – a former grain silo! We helped convert this space into a patio with carefully chosen wicker seating and a table. Our objective was to create a resort-like ambience that makes everyone feel pampered and at ease. Thick cushioning was a gotta-have, plus some splashes of color like flower blossoms to brighten the old stone silo walls. You can bet that the property’s gently rolling hills, abundant wildflowers, gardens and woodlands gave us endless inspiration.
Southwest living can be slow and easy or fast-pace. It’s Your Home. Your Style. Photo by Cole Horchler Photos
On a Mission
With or without a fire in the outdoor fireplace, this mission-style patio in Paradise, Valley, AZ, says “sit down and stay a while.” We updated the home’s mission-style look with a pair of low-slung, clean-lined sofas. Again, we opted for unobtrusive furnishings that allow the home and the landscaping to stand out. I can guarantee that those custom pillows are plush enough to support leisurely afternoon siestas. Hold my calls, please!
Area rugs are a luxurious indoor look, outdoors. Photo by Jaipur Living
Indoor-Outdoor Living
What is indoor-outdoor living? It’s all about taking your home’s interior design aesthetic into the backyard, and outdoor rugs are one way to do that. This nautical striped rug is classic in grey and taupe with a sisal-inspired look. Of course, the weather-resistant fibers are durable and easy to clean. Your kids, grandkids and pets are no match for this rug!
An outdoor family room? Sure! Photo by Jaipur Living
Color Your Outdoor World
Yum! The delicious summer fruit colors in this outdoor rug remind me of strawberries and raspberries. The large-scale ikat pattern is a bit exotic and makes a global statement in the great outdoors. It’s a mix of traditional design and al fresco playfulness. You can pamper your bare feet on the soft rug or in the pool.
Classic wicker gets an unexpected update. Photo courtesy of Summer Classics
In-Stock and In Style
One of our trusted, go-to vendors for outdoor furniture, Summer Classics, is keeping its most popular collections in-stock, such as this updated wicker grouping above. We love the oyster grey aluminum details on the arms and backs, the timeless woven look and the unexpected curves. Plus, the standard Linen Dove fabric is durable and cleanable for years of outdoor fun.
I always think that food tastes better with a side of fresh air! Photo by LuisHermosilloPhotography
Al Fresco Dining
So many of my clients want to seat as many of their friends and family as possible around the table. This one handles eight comfortably, with 360-degree views. Everyone can be part of the conversation, and there’s always the possibility of changing places for dessert to re-energize the party. Can you believe that these pieces are hand-constructed of aluminum? The craftsmanship is beautiful. We were drawn in by the sculpted arms and curved back legs, and the timeless style. Plus, each piece is finished with a UV-resistant coating that keeps it looking new for years.
Italian styling meets Midwest living. Photo by Summer Classics
Che Bello!
This Italian-inspired collection is bellissimo! It looks so airy and delicate, but it is made of sturdy, richly colored wrought aluminum. The slender lines and beautiful hour-glass chair backs caught our eyes, as well as the subtle gold details embedded in the frames. This style may be European-inspired, but it works with a variety of outdoors settings right here in the USA.
Inspired by the French Riviera. Photo by Summer Classics
Que C’est Beau!
Perhaps you prefer a French accent? This charming collection looks like it comes straight from the French Riveria. The chalk-finish aluminum frames are a striking contrast for the deep Mediterranean blue of the cushions. Un croissant au chocolat et un café-au-lait, s’il vous plait!
ARE YOU READY TO TALK ABOUT UPDATING YOUR backyard?
Contact us at 847-705-9569
