The great outdoors
Spring is springing — you can feel it in the air. Something about the texture of the light starts to shift this time of year. Fall and winter’s sharpness starts to soften into the glowy clarity of new growth, warmer days, energized rhythms. I, for one, have always been a lover of winter — with its coziness, its interiority, and the perfect delight of a mug of something toasty — but I can’t deny that these brighter days are a welcome change. There’s that rich, fresh smell on the breeze, and the crocuses are starting to shake off their dirt coats and open their fine purple petals. It’s always a nice feeling, just stepping into spring, even if March insists on all that lion-like roaring. I find myself more and more inclined to spending time outdoors, preparing my garden for April and May and June, or just taking the time to walk to my favorite local coffee shop instead of driving.
After the restoration and interiority of winter, I think spring beckons to all of us in the same way, calling us back to the great green outdoors. Our homes can open themselves to this verdant spirit, too — we open our windows and spend our time on our porches and stoops, drinking it in, letting the freshness float through our rooms. This makes it a ripe time of year to start thinking about our outdoor spaces: our patios, our pergolas, our backyards.
You might have the most resplendent gardens and the spiffiest front lawns, but until you have the right furnishings, the space never quite feels finished. Outdoor furniture is a specialized notion, and there are a lot of things you want to keep an eye out for when you’re on the hunt for that perfect patio chair. Today, I thought I’d take a minute to give you some tips and tricks on how to find the right outdoor furniture for your home needs!
1. Weather-resistance
Outdoor furniture spends its time— well, outside! So when you’re picking your outdoor pieces, keep in mind that certain materials — poly, and woods like acacia, teak, and eucalyptus — handle the weather better than others. Poly furniture holds up all on its own — wooden pieces will require a bit of yearly maintenance, but can make beautiful additions to your outdoor arrangements. Look for fabrics rated for outdoor use and weather-resistance.
2. Durability
On the topic of weather: you want your outdoor furniture to be heavy-duty, so it can withstand the many whims of your local climate, especially winds and storms. You don’t want to end up chasing that cheap plastic lawn chair halfway around the neighborhood! Look for pieces with some heft to them, so they’ll stand up to blusters and be sturdy enough to last you many years. Typically, outdoor cushions that tie down to the base piece are best.
3. Color
Your outdoor space can be curated exactly the same way you’d curate an indoor space — in fact, keeping an eye on colors and tones that suit not only your tastes but your surrounding natural environment will help creative a beautiful cohesion that can enhance your outdoor experience. Don’t be afraid to weave some color into your patio furnishings!
4. Comfort!
Above all, you want your outdoor pieces to be comfortable, both physically and aesthetically. When choosing your hammock, your sling chairs, your outdoor sofas, and any other piece intended for frequent use, make sure it’s as comfy as the pieces you’d want in your home. Make sure, too, it’s true to you!
Looking to revitalize your patio or your porch? I’d love to help you find the perfect outdoor pieces — shoot me an email! Let’s talk!
As for me, I think I’ll go take a long walk in this crisp new sunshine. Wishing all of you a March season that isn’t too terribly windy!