Embrace the colors, materials and accessories that have taken outdoor spaces to a new level
A polished appearance would seem to be the very opposite of a natural look, but the right garden furniture can blend the two seamlessly. If you have a lush, green backyard, you’ll want to bring that beauty into your living area. On the other hand, you can find exceptionally stylish pieces to draw attention away from a mundane setting. Choose your backyard elements carefully and you’ll be able to create an enviable balance of untouched nature, modern style and indoor comfort.
First, you’ll need to assess your garden area—they key is to maximize your use of space, not fill it from fence to fence. Like your living room furniture, the outdoor furniture you choose should be a good physical fit and blend well with the elements around it. Do you have a big, bright, flowery yard? Aside from jealous neighbors, you also have enough eye-catching elements around your space—steer clear of bright patterns on cushions and umbrellas and opt for soft neutrals instead. Greener yards can get a boost from the season’s polka dots, paisleys and stripes, and a water fountain can create an attractive focal point.
One major virtue of the trendy outdoor sofa and coffee table set is its versatility: you can customize the size of your seating area with any number of small pieces rather than having to settle for a lumbering dining table set. Otherwise, consider pairing a bistro or bar set with a porch swing to divide a dining area from a sitting area on a small patio or deck. Whichever style you choose, you’ll want to measure twice and buy once—before you commit to it, ensure that you’ll be able to move around the furniture easily once it is set up in your yard.
Of course, when you’ve put forth the effort to make a beautiful outdoor living space, you’ll want to enjoy it. Bugs can put a serious damper on the fun, so consider hanging some mosquito netting around your patio or gazebo. Netting that attaches with Velcro is particularly handy, as you can open your space up when the bugs stay away in the afternoon heat. While you can find fabric gazebos with netting attached, you can also buy it off the roll and make your own curtains to attach to an awning or a covered porch. Check out a few different retailers to find the best quality for the best price.
Furniture and accessories have a surprising power over the look and feel of a space; in many cases, less is more. Instead of hiding your yard, try to work with the elements that are already there to transform the space into a functional and beautiful oasis.
