This question is quite common at the store!  It’s interesting that many consumers have no problem “pegging” a design/theme for every interior room in their home, but when it comes down to the outdoor space…they just don’t know where to begin!  Much of this confusion comes from not knowing what our Outdoor Living industry has to offer….

Here is my thought process when helping a consumer with their outdoor space:
  1. Define the space – this means get a real sense of how large or small your space may be.  Grab the tape measure and take some basic measurements (doesn’t have to be exact).  Draw the space out on paper…and take close notes regarding where windows from inside and doors are located (ie. does the door open into your space or into the house?)  Also, take notes on which direction your outdoor space faces…this becomes important to determine how much shade you may require.  If your outdoor living space has a plethora of trees and shade that’s great…but may also impact your choice of outdoor furniture later.
  2. How to “live” in the space – brainstorm how you plan to live in the space.  If your family is not “big” on the idea of eating dinner regularly outside…then there is no need to be thinking 4 chairs and dining table if this arrangement is a few feet away inside the house.  Vice Versa, if you hold regular dinner parties and plan on being outside with guests, don’t commit a lot of space to furniture like sofa and club chairs.  Get a basic idea of how you plan to spend time in your space.  In many cases, outdoor living areas are limited in space, so you want the best “bang” for outdoor lifestyle!
  3. Choose the furniture– The Outdoor Living industry has come a long way from the last time you shopped for outdoor furniture!  I guarantee you will be blown away with choices..in fact there are more options today than ever!!  Most of my clients want some basic characteristics in the furniture they purchase.  1-Comfort is KING! If it’s not comfortable…what’s the point.  Don’t be afraid to butt test everything…some people prefer firmer seats some prefer soft.  Some seats are deep and some are shallow.  Find comfort for your first and foremost! 2-Design is important!  What’s comfortable should not be UGLY!!  Look for designs that speak to your personality.  Lots of pattern or simple clean lines.  Don’t worry about frame colors or fabrics…this will always work out once you find comfort and design! 3-Buy Quality!  Nowadays..nobody wants to buy JUNK!  If you have extra money to make your lifestyle more comfortable and enjoyable at home, you don’t want to rethink this whole process 1 to 2 years from now, because the crap furniture you purchased now is “old” and “dingy”.  We call that “landfill patio”!  You use the furniture for a party..it never really fit the space or was comfortable, now you throw it away to rot away in a landfill for the next 100 years?? C’mon..a little more time and money spent doing it right, and you won’t need to do the outdoor patio purchase again anytime soon.  We should know..after being in business for 23 years, we are just now seeing our original customers give their furniture away to the kids…and buying new stuff for themselves!!  I hear about it everyday!
  4. Enjoy the space-  After some consideration your Outdoor Living dressed correctly with the right kinds of furniture to fit your lifestyle…WILL CHANGE how you live outside!  You will find yourself relaxing more and spending more time with your family and friends.  In fact, when company comes over to visit…you’ll go straight for the outdoor space to chill..instead of that formal living room inside. I promise!  The space will be carefree and worry free from spills and pets, because all the materials will be able to hosed and cleaned.  Instead you can focus on the conversation and good food to eat!

This is a basic introduction to the thought process.  Visit the store and we can expand on each of these points with as much or as little detail as you will like to hear.  Until then!