SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Pro tips on setting up outdoor living room
As corporate manager of West Elm’s Design Crew, Laura Wilson trains and inspires crew members. She has a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a master’s in sustainable design from Philadelphia University. Here are her tips on creating an outdoor room.
Q: I have an antique wicker love seat and two chairs in my newly renovated screened porch. I would love ideas on what to add to make the space more inviting. I used ferns in tall pots last summer, but it looked just OK. A friend gave me a used Martha Stewart synthetic wicker coffee table and side table. They look just OK too. What can I do to make the space look more than just OK?
A: Add some color, texture and accenting materials. Introduce pillows, an outdoor rug and an accent side table to pull the ensemble together while giving it a cozy vibe. You can also update your planters or layer them with complementing new ones that add different silhouettes, textures or colors.
Q: How do you protect outdoor rugs and furniture against bad weather?
A: This ultimately depends on the climate you are located in. For example, a windy apartment terrace may need heavier furniture; deep-freeze winters may mean you’ll need to move tiled tables indoors. You’ll also want to consider whether you have a dry, protected place to store furniture in the winter or if you’ll need to invest in furniture covers. Ultimately, furniture covers are always a smart investment regardless of the climate. Covering outdoor furniture when not in use will enhance its longevity.
Q: Any tips for how to cheaply decorate a small, narrow balcony in a high-rise apartment?