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Look at what's turning up outside, from updated classics to the terrifically trendy.
By Anne Krueger, HGTV.com
When I was a kid in Wisconsin, decorating for the summer was as simple as removing the plastic sheeting from the screen porch and dusting off the picnic table. Later, as a 20-something in New York City, outdoor living meant taking a few beach chairs and the hibachi up to the roof of our fifth-floor walkup. Forget about decorating; we were focused on schlepping large quantities of beverages up all those steps and throwing the extension cord off the roof into a window so that we could plug in some tunes. Today, however, it’s a whole ‘nother story. |
 Decorating patios, porches, decks—even rooftops—has become all the rage, and there are a slew of products out there to prove it, from new takes on old classics to furnishings and accents popping with summer color. “People are realizing that their neglected outdoor spaces can be easily turned into casual, functional outdoor living rooms,” says Kathy Peterson, author of Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers, who has used her back porch for sit-down dinners for 10 and large outdoor parties. The fun of it all, she says, is that in most cases all it takes to upgrade an outdoor space is a little creativity and color, and people often are willing to take more risks outside. “Outdoor decorating can be much less intimidating than interior design because of the openness,” she says. And, after all, it’s outside. So why not try that bed made of grass or a patio of colored glass? |
| Landscaper designer Pamela Berstler, of Flower to the People Inc. in Los Angeles, is all about creativity. Her work for Landscapers' Challenge has ranged from the before-mentioned grass bed to a '50s-style pergola, Asian-inspired retreats and disco decks. "We're going through the 'Mediterraneanization' of America," Berstler says. "Even people in parts of the country with very short growing seasons are developing outdoor living spaces during the warm months, adopting a uniquely American version of the Mediterranean lifestyle," she says. Innovations in fabrics, lighting and native plants are making outdoor living all the more interesting. Read on for more outdoor decorating trends from Pamela Berstler»
Need more inspiration? We’ve collected a sample of some of the best outdoor furnishings out there, from the classic and colorful to terrifically trendy. |
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Paint, paint, paint!
Paint is an inexpensive way to make a fast and easy dramatic change. You can spray-paint almost any outdoor item, including wicker, wood, plastic and metal–even pots and other accessories. A fresh coat of paint on exterior walls facing your outdoor area or on porch ceilings and floors can update a space in no time, especially if you use one of the season’s trendy colors. |
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Flip for fabric.
Yes, fabric has moved outside to add comfort, texture and color on napkins, tablecloths, pillows, cushions and even valances or sheers. Check out the options in stylish and sturdy all-weather fabrics and you’ll be made in the shade. |
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Mix it up.
There’s no need for matchy-matchy outdoors. Mix up your outdoor color scheme with three or more colors and patterns in paint, fabrics and accessories. It’s a great place to throw out the rules and create an eclectic atmosphere by using and renewing what you already have. Bring indoor furniture out or turn the birdbath into a table. Add fountains, candles and portable fireplaces for even more relaxing ambiance. |
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Some things never go out of style for alfresco fun, from Adirondack and glider chairs to tiki torches, umbrellas and beverage holders. But this season they’re updated with new metallic finishes, bright colors and stripes. And remember oilcloths? Cath Kidston does a charming re-creation of that classic picnic table covering in festive patterns. |
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Last year’s orange and this year’s blue are showing up everywhere in outdoor furnishings, but when it comes to color outdoors, anything goes—from lush green hurricane lamps and sunny yellow spike tables to vibrant stripes and patterns. |
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For those who’re tired of candles stuck in wine bottles, how about outdoor lights housed in pots? And you can’t help but love Pamela Berstler’s tree tables, which preserve a bit of nature but give you room to perch your lemonade too. For a bit of sparkle, think stainless: it didn’t take long for the metal to move from the kitchen out to the grill and other outdoor products, including shiny fire pits and sophisticated lounge chairs. And last but not least, who wants to drag all that furniture inside every time rain is forecast? All-weather is everywhere these days, from rugs to fabrics to synthetic wicker. |
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| Anne Krueger is the editor of HGTV.com’s Decorating newsletter. She has written for In Style, This Old House, Martha Stewart Living and The New York Times. |
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