Now more than ever, with the impact of travel restrictions and social distancing in place indefinitely, our outdoor living spaces are taking center stage. Some of us are permanently working from home and outdoor living is becoming an important extension of our lives. We all need a place to unwind and relax – what better way to do so than to enjoy an outdoor oasis right in our own back yards? Whether your space is large or small, there are many creative ways to incorporate a fresh outdoor living area. And whether you are sprucing up your back patio, sundeck, front porch, or all three, creating areas that are as comfortable as your indoor space is the key to enjoying them for many years to come.
AHT Interiors is happy to present a three-part article series highlighting ways to update your outdoor spaces! Today we’ll focus on your outdoor furniture and fabrics.
Let’s talk about quality! Today’s outdoor furnishings have certainly come a long way. Back in October at High Point Market, we saw Bernhardt Furniture‘s debut of their outdoor living furniture line for 2020 — we thought it was absolutely gorgeous. One would think the collection was designed for interiors only, but these beautiful pieces are well-built and designed to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
It’s so important to invest in quality exterior furnishings that will last for many years, and we’re excited that the higher-quality manufacturers are focusing on these outdoor pieces and making them more available than ever. Through the years my husband and I purchased several patio sets only to have to throw them out in a couple of years when they started to fall apart. Five years ago we decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and purchase quality furnishings for our patio – it was one of the best investments we’ve made! Our furniture still sports the original cushions and it looks exactly as it did in 2015. No more patio furniture rotations for us!
Fabric quality is paramount when choosing cushioned outdoor furniture or outdoor pillows. Always do your homework and look for fabrics that are fade-proof, mold/mildew resistant, UV resistant, and quick to dry. Polypropylene and Sunbrella® fabrics are excellent choices! Revolution Performance Fabric is an upcycled fiber with no chemical treatments; it’s great for the environment and is produced in the USA. Polyester fabric is not durable enough for outdoor cushions or pillows and will only last about a year in the elements.
Choose your furniture cushion fabric wisely. Opt for a neutral hue and then add your pop of color(s) with throw pillows and outdoor rugs. You can easily change them out when you desire a new look, and you’ll save a lot of money by rotating the pillows instead of recovering your cushions.
Finally, do consider your interior furnishings when it comes to your outdoor furnishings. Stay within the same style for a cohesive transition from indoors to out.
Our next article in the series will focus on outdoor dining areas and some of the many accessory options available to you when designing your outdoor paradise. In the meantime, please feel free to call us if you have questions or need assistance creating the outdoor area of your dreams: (770) 887-7612. We will listen well to your preferences, needs, and lifestyle – and will stay within your budget and timeframe. Give us a call!
Love where you live,
The Team at AHT Interiors
