Outdoor decor brings durable style inside
Low maintenance furnishings offer a taste of summer in every season
For a short time each year, we have access to very stylish home items that are made specifically to withstand the outdoor elements. Waterproof furnishing, fade-resistant fabrics and unbreakable tabletop items are just a few of the decor treats on offer to dress up our outdoor spaces.
Some of it is so attractive that it can work inside your home year round. Outdoor furniture and accessories are usually more durable than indoor-only products, too. So hurry to the shops while the selection is at its best. Here’s what to keep an eye out for to enjoy a bit of summer during all four seasons.
FURNITURE
Sofas and chairs, especially with solid woven frames and loose cushions, are great contenders for inside the home — and ideal in casual spaces like children’s rooms or rec rooms. Much lighter than regular furniture, these outdoor beauties are easy to move around. Washable, loose cushions also make it simple to spot clean and replace when worn out.
Look for: Removable cushion covers and sturdy metal framing (usually aluminum) under all-weather resin wicker-weave. If the furniture has woven material, check underneath to ensure it’s tightly woven with no loose or frayed ends. Leafy or floral-printed cushion fabrics shout outdoorsy and summer a little too loudly — I suggest plain cushions in a neutral fabric to look great throughout the year.
RUGS
Outdoor rugs are often made of polypropylene (a synthetic fibre), which offers much more durability but the same great look of rich wool rugs. Colourfast and waterproof, these rugs are excellent to use anywhere around the house. I recommend them for homes with young children or new pets. They’re also excellent in hightraffic hallways or in a bathroom in lieu of a small bathmat. Outdoor rugs are usually affordable, so you can use them for a few years and then repurpose them by moving them outside or giving them away if you tire of the pattern or colour.
Look for: Sophisticated designs and styles that suit your interior decor. Always choose the right size (most people purchase too small). In a living room, furniture legs should sit on the rug; in a hallway, fill two-thirds of the length with a runner.
FABRICS
The last few years have seen great advances in all-weather fabrics. Some look and feel like high-end textiles for interior use but are made from manufactured fabrics that surpass most indoor fabric in terms of longevity and easy maintenance — just wipe clean. Even designers of highend interior projects are using them. Outdoor cushions, pillows and breezy drapes are just a few popular items to incorporate, but consider outdoor fabrics for indoor upholstery projects, too. Look for: The comfort and feel of soft fabrics. Also check the rub-count (how many rubs a fabric can take before it shows wear — more than 20,000 rubs is very good). Keep in mind that quality outdoor fabrics can cost as much (if not more) than interior fabrics but are a great investment for busy family homes in need of an elegant look that’s durable and easy to clean.
TABLETOP
I’m a fan of outdoor melamine, metal and wicker dishes to use as a layer in casual table settings indoor and out. Outdoor lanterns also work perfectly on a sideboard or a hall table.
Look for: Charger plates, trays, serving items and lanterns. Melamine dishes and resin glassware offer the realistic look of ceramic and glass but are practically unbreakable. One downfall is that they feel lighter to the touch and usually aren’t dishwasher friendly, but their ability to mimic ceramic and glass while outlasting them in the durability department more than makes up for that. When on sale, stock up on melamine cereal bowls and salad plates to dress up the kids’ table on special occasions.
SHOPPING FOR SIZZLING SUMMER STYLE
Similar to indoor furniture prices, ■ you get what you pay for when purchasing outdoor furniture. If planning to use it indoors and on a daily basis, purchase better quality pieces. (It will probably still cost less than comparable interior furnishing).
Buying outdoor dishes? Pick up ■ enough pieces for an entire table setting. For instance, purchase eight to 10 chargers so you can set a themed table when entertaining.
Want the best deals? Shop in ■
August when most stores are clearing their outdoor furnishings and accessories to make way for fall. The drawback is supply is limited, but you may save 50 per cent or more on regular prices.