Outdoor Furniture . . . In October?!? A Definitive "YES"!

Yeah, yeah . . . . I know . . .it’s October. Most of us are overcome with that brief hit of nostalgia we experience at the beginning of every year’s autumn, and we’re already dreading winter’s ensuing anguish. The last thing on your “to do” list is getting your outdoor living space spruced up for spring. You have plenty of time to deal with that next year, right? Sure you do, but this is the time of year when vendors introduce innovation and hot new trends in outdoor products so it’s the perfect time for you to get ahead of the crowd!

At a recent trade show I came across a variety of styles, finishes and price points to satisfy any budget or design preference.

One of my favorites is a company called Fermob. Funny name . . . . . . great collection. Their products are environmentally friendly and all tables, chairs, benches come in 24 colors. This aluminum bench has a modern organic shape and is perfect outdoors year round. This is a definite statement piece but it’s surprisingly comfortable as well.

The French cafe look is Fermob’s forte. This particular cafe chair (right) is folding for easy storage and comes with or without arms again in 24 fresh color options. Stacking chair styles are also available

And if you want something that’s a bit more of a lounger, Fermob offers a lower chair with arms (left) that is built for comfort and will also stack for easy winter storage.

So, yeah, you might have winter to deal with before you get the bug to freshen up your outdoor gliving space, but if you’re like me, you’ll put it off until spring is upon you and you’ll find yourself frantically grabbing what’s left on the shelves to make do. So, start doing your homework now so you can avoid getting stuck with the remnants in May!

Trends in Outdoor Living Spaces

Interior design has packed up and moved outside this year. People are cooking at home more often and looking toward alternative means of entertainment.  The result is that the outdoor living space has become the hottest new trend in today’s market with endless new options in furnishings, finishes and amenities.

 Customization is key when planning an outdoor living space. You’ll want to create an environment that is comfortable, inviting and geared toward your personal needs.   Consider alternatives to traditional finishes.  Gone are the days of the bare bones pressure-treated wood deck.   Reclaimed Douglas fir flooring and reclaimed ceiling beams add a touch of interior detailing that will draw attention.

 A wall-mounted or freestanding fountain is a wonderful accessory.  The sound of trickling water has a naturally soothing effect and the added benefit of masking the unwanted street noise. 

Don’t’ forget the rug.  There are so many great colorful options in all-weather fabrics that can be cleaned by soap and water and a simple hosing  down. 

 Just because you are outside doesn’t mean you have to forego artwork.  There are a number of companies who are creating artwork that is suitable for outdoor use and can even take some of your favorite images and create a piece in any size or shape. 

 Built-in gas grills are hugely popular.  Instead of a freestanding grill that looks bulky and out of place, homeowners can purchase built-in grill units from manufacturers like Wolf, Viking, Weber, to name a few.  These units slide into a brick or stone surround that has been built into the architecture of the home and become a more elegant alternative. 

 Flat screen LDC televisions are now available with outdoor all-weather technology designed to protect the inner workings from water and overheating.    They can be mounted on a wall, a pole, or any method that is appropriate for a typical interior flat screen TV.

 If you’re a gamer, you can now find an outdoor billiard table with a genuine slate playfield so you’ll still experience great play.  The table cloth is an acrylic fiber with water and U.V. resistant characteristics.  The cloth will not only repel water, it is designed to retain its color and resist mildew and rot for up to 5 years.  The exterior frame looks like cedar but is actually a high tech composite material.

 For the golf enthusiast, Tour Links offers portable outdoor putting greens that are durable and weather-resistant, UV protected and color safe.   The greens are constructed of professional quality turf and retain their play in any kind of weather while the panels are simple to assemble and disassemble for storage.  These greens come in a variety of sizes and shapes for any level player.

 If you’ve ever had to find a fan or lamp that is UL listed for outdoor use, you know that your options have been limited for many years and more than likely you’ve had to settle for the lesser of the evils.  Today manufacturers recognize the growing market for fans and lamps designed for exterior use and the consumer can now choose from a variety of trendy and attractive styles.  

 Furnishings are where consumers can see the most fashion forward advances.  If you haven’t updated your outdoor porch lately, you probably rarely use the space because the older variety iron dining chairs or strap seating aren’t inviting or comfortable for entertaining.   Exterior furniture is now designed for comfort and style for every taste or budget. 

 Exterior wood furniture has typically been chunky teak chairs and nondescript tables but teak has become a fashion statement on its own with clean sophisticated lines and contemporary shapes.  

 The aluminum dining chair has now taken a new shape resembling interior dining chairs in styles from traditional to contemporary.   Venemen offers traditional-style aluminum dining chairs with a fresh new powder-coated finish in bright shades of lavender, red, green and yellow.   Mike Reid Weeks has introduced a wonderful round back dining chair with trendy wire mesh back and seat.   Woodard, one of the most affordable and comfortable lines on the market offers a great finish for it’s aluminum pieces that looks like wood so the pieces have a more elegant, sophisticated look without the maintenance of real wood.

 New table introductions include tempered glass tops with great textures and patterns from Giatti Designs and antique mirrored tops from Mike Reid Weeks. 

 All-weather wicker is still quite popular but the shapes are now sleek and streamlined with a much more sophisticated look.  Gone are the ornamental, curvaceous Victorian styles.   New finishes like metallic silver and bronze and white-washed gray are taking the place of the Java, Espresso and Natural finishes that have led the market for the past few years. 

 To really customize your outdoor living space, pay attention to the details.  Have seat cushions covered in an outdoor fabric that works with your style and color palette.   Fabric manufacturers now offer an endless assortment of fabulous prints and colors in outdoor fabrics.  And don’t forget draperies.  Drapery panels mounted at ceiling height in a wonderful outdoor fabric can frame your living space as well as the natural vista beyond.