Tom Story
With summer in full swing, it’s time to get youroutdoor spaceready for the season.
But before you dive headfirst intorevamping your patioor backyard, double-check you’re not committing any furniture faux pas.
Poor Quality Furniture
Be intentional with your furniture selection, says interior designerLindye Galloway.
Credit:Tom Story
Instead, she recommends investing inhigh-quality furniture piecesthat will stand the test of time.
Not only will it look better, but youre doing the environment a favor, too.
Not all fabrics are made for outdoor use, and many people find out the hard way.
Luckily, the days of slippery nylon cushions and covers are long gone.
Now there is a whole host of luxurious and well-designed fabrics that can be used, Harris says.
Instead, Galloway suggests designing the space around the experiences you want to have there.
In other words, design your backyard with purpose and intention rather than on a whim.
Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Functionality
Another common outdoor furniture faux pas is overlooking functionality in favor of aesthetics.
Not Enough Shade
Dont be blinded by the sun.
Shaded areas are a must for al fresco dining (one of the best parts of summer!
If your backyard is expansive, create multiple intentional arrangements that feel grander in scale, Galloway says.
Consider how people move through the space, and always account for chairs being pulled out.
No Focal Point
Interior designers love to create a focal point in a room.
The same theory rings true for your backyard.
“My favorite way to do so is by incorporating a rug.”
Clashing Indoor and Outdoor Decor
Do you think of your home interior and backyard as two totally separate spaces?
If so, that might be where youre going wrong.
At Andrew Martin, we see outdoor spaces as an extension of your indoor interior aesthetic, Harris says.
Extend your interior design style seamlessly from inside to outside, ensuring a smooth transition between both spaces.
