Spring brings with it a host of possibilities.
Performance fabrics and quality durable furnishings create personalized spaces for outdoor living.
Dusting off or upgrading patio and deck furniture and accessories gives us a chance to celebrate spring and the advent of warmer months.
Think of the spring season as a chance to try something new or different, whether you’re looking for a custom fabric, table, chairs or other patio furnishings, let the warm weather tempt you back into the backyard.
From outdoor gatherings, BBQs and fun with family and friends, for those who want truly unique home furnishing options for their outdoor spaces, custom is the way to go.
With coronavirus pandemic delays pretty well behind us, custom orders are back in outdoor furniture conversations, according to Eli Hymer, general manager, buyer and designer at Gasper Exterior Furnishings Studio in Furlong.
“During COVID all the manufacturers were eight to ten months on special orders, and the demand was through the roof. I’m happy to report delays for orders are down, and orders are back to (fulfillment in about) four to six weeks,” Hymer explained.
While most exterior furniture retailers offer ample stock on location Hymer said “we encourage clients to make (choices) their own” with special ordering options and flexibility.
George Schick, shop manager at Bountiful Acres in Buckingham said special orders are back in the game, providing customers the option to purchase from store stock or place custom orders with reasonable turnaround times.
Schick said Bountiful’s cast of furniture styles with various powder-coated paint finishing options continues to appeal to buyers because it goes with just about any décor and offers a classic, timeless look.
Upping the game for cushions and pillows, performance fabrics are designed specifically to look great outdoors and stand up to the elements.
Popular performance fabrics come in neutrals like beige, gray and lighter pastels, as well as bold colors, prints and patterns.
Hymer said greige is a popular choice for many clients – a color between gray and beige.
He recommends selecting large furniture frames and pieces in neutrals and earth tones because it’s unlikely you’ll tire of them the way you might a strong saturated color like red or navy blue.
Save those strong or trendy colors for accessories like outdoor throw pillows, pottery or other decorative pieces.
Schick said the most popular table sizes continue to seat four to six people and orders remain strong for those dining sets.
To accommodate more people for occasional parties and celebrations, consider accessorizing with bistro or other seating for casual meals.
For larger seating and outdoor living spaces, chaise lounges, oversized chairs and sectional sofas are added to create outdoor living and entertaining rooms or compliment pool areas, he noted.
Round egg chairs and hammock chairs can be easily added to create chat areas, Schick said.
Performance rugs are another way to test-drive bold color, textures or pattern with low risk. These can brighten and warm up a patio or deck space.
While no rug is weatherproof, today’s performance rugs are sunlight and UV ray resistant and make outdoor living spaces cozy, according to Consumer Reports — www.consumerreports.org.
When considering performance rugs for outdoor use, keep in mind the surface on which it will be placed, as well as your goal for using it. The substrate, or underlying surface material, can be impacted by a rug.
Keep all material needs in mind before buying and setting one on the deck, porch or patio.
Will the rug be under cover or exposed to rain and full sunlight? Outdoor rugs are an investment in care, maintenance and storage during the off season.
Another reason to consider investment pieces in neutral colors is flexibility.
“You want the containers (for plantings and flowers) to be your big pops of colors,” Schick said of container gardening trends.
Hand-glazed ceramic pottery is a way to add bright color to patios, porches and decks.
Schick said newer products made of high-end European recycled plastics and polyethylene are lightweight and less costly, offering an alternative to glaze ceramic pots.
“The recycled materials are heavy-duty, lightweight plastics that look like ceramics. We couldn’t believe they were plastic, they looked so good,” Schick said.
He said the new European recycled plastic containers come with warranties and are durable.
“Pots let you show off your personality, and you can do bright colors to complement plant materials. Accessorizing with garden décor really lets your personality shine and accentuates the whole outdoor living experience,” Schick explained.
From strings of “fairy” lights to interesting solar light options, lighting is another way to complement your furnishings, gardens and outdoor home décor.
“You want to be able to enjoy the evening and the enjoy lights as an accent,” Schick said.
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