Naperville Makeover by Alfred Beam of our Oakbrook Showroom
Let’s be honest, Chicago weather is pretty awful a solid seven, eight months of the year- which is all the more reason to make most of every summer day and evening that you can! With the right outdoor furniture and accessories, you can transform your patio or roof deck into an outdoor oasis and it will truly become an additional room in your home.
Here are some outdoor style tips to ensure that you have your best summer ever- right on your own patio or roof deck!
Comfort is a Must!
If you spend cold winters looking out the window onto your patio daydreaming about reading your favorite book in the sun, ensure that you give yourself an extra cozy spot to finally enjoy that book. When choosing furniture, be sure to test-drive it to select what is most comfortable to you. While inexpensive outdoor furniture can be tempting, it’s often not the most comfortable and therefore the enjoyment factor diminishes greatly.
Gold Coast Makeover by Ellyn Anderson of our Arlington Heights showroom
Make the Space Entertaining-friendly
The best summer nights are spent al fresco with good friends and good summer cocktails. How do you like to entertain outdoors? Do you prefer large gatherings with everyone on the block? Probably best to maximize seating in that case. Outdoor sectionals are wonderful for this. Or, are you more of an intimate gathering with your closest friends type? If so, a circular set up with four chairs centered around a circular cocktail table or fire pit might be more up your speed.
Northfield Makeover by Gina Miosi of our Lincoln Park showroom
Accessorize!
Like the indoors, the outdoors need some styling with accessories too! Some go-to outdoor accessories: lanterns, potted plants and flowers in cool planters, garden stools, statues, throw pillows, and white holiday lights. Just be certain that you are using outdoor friendly accessories that can handle the elements.
Naperville Makeover by Alfred Beam of our Oakbrook Showroom
Make your patio your summer dining room
Dining al fresco is a must for summer brunches, dinners, and every meal in between so it’s important to select a table that you love and functions best for your needs. Be sure you have enough seating for your family or entertaining needs- it’s always a good idea to have at least two chairs kept off to the side when additional seating is needed. If the space isn’t covered, use a dining table with an umbrella. If you are limited on space and think you’d rather use your patio for “living room” style furniture, consider at the very least sneaking a small bistro table for two into a corner to have a place to enjoy a bite to eat in the summer breeze.
Keep the style going from the inside out.
It’s best to continue the style you have in your home outside. So whether your home be traditional, modern, or eclectic, look to transcend that style outside.
Northfield Makeover by Gina Miosi of our Lincoln Park showroom
Color Trends to take outside with you
Green is a huge color trend in 2018 furniture and it certainly can be applied to the outdoors. It’s a relaxing color that compliments the natural greenery of the environment surrounding. Throw pillows with a tropical leaf print are very on trend right now and make a gorgeous statement outdoors.
Want to go a little bolder with color? You can never go wrong using black and white with pops of red. It’s a timeless, stunning look for the patio that you really can’t go wrong with.
Quality Counts!
Investing in high quality outdoor furniture is wise. Since the furniture will be exposed to the elements, lower quality outdoor furniture simply won’t last. Spending a little more for a high quality set will ensure you many more years of use.
Our famous Adirondack chairs made from recycled plastic. Durable and easy to care for- and available in your favorite color!
Chaise Loungers are absolutely not only for pools!
Just because you’re not sitting poolside, doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of getting to chill on a chaise lounger. If your space allows, a chaise lounger is a great go to for reading that book described above. It will be your favorite place to take a nap on a lazy summer afternoon.
Skye Chaise Lounger
Ready to make your outdoor space just as beautiful and comfortable as your indoor space? Our designers do indoor and outdoor home consultations! Contact your favorite Walter E. Smithe Designer or let Walt personally select a designer to do a complimentary in home consultation for you here.
AHHHHHH, summer!
