Design and style comes outdoors…

The newest room in the house isn’t inside the house at all. Simply put, style comes outdoors. What was a patio is now a lanai with style to match the upgrade in name. Patio furniture as well has changed from boxy uncomfortable shapes to stylized comfortable pieces as diverse as furnishings for the interior. The outdoor furniture industry has awoken to the idea that form is as important as function. And the public is taking notice especially in South Florida where we can enjoy the outdoors year round.

The design of the house can now flow the indoors to the outdoors. From Mediterranean and Mission to Contemporary and Asian, pool and patio furniture can now fit virtually any style and function. What was a dining chair that was moderately comfortable is now a lounge chair that can serve for dining as a wonderful place to read and spend an afternoon. Instead of a basic sun lounger, you can have your choice between a double chaise and a circular sofa bed for two with a canopy top. No outdoor room would be complete without outdoor rugs, waterproof lamps, art and even televisions that can function with full water exposure. Even side panels from outdoor fabric can be customized to soften stone architectural details. However, unquestionably, the fans and the proper airflow are the most important feature, as the outdoor room will be used only if it is cool and comfortable.

Again, as with interior design, mixing pieces make the arrangement interesting. Stone consoles and tables can be mixed with Old World styles. Wrought iron torchieres and hand painted lit umbrellas can provide the ambience of a summer night in Tuscany. Or perhaps stacks of boxed cushions used as seating can surround a contemporary frosted glass square cocktail table. Colorful Moroccan outdoor rugs frame the seating area and double chaises with tasseled throw pillows accent the pool area.

And with all good things, God is in the details. A patio and pool area can be transformed to an outdoor spa with the addition of fountains as well as plants in beautiful pots. Soothing running water, an orchid garden and outdoors music can serve for a wonderful place for well-deserved massage. Joseph Roehm of From Roehm with Love in Delray Beach adds that ‘the addition of plants brings a wonderful energy to the space’ and has been designing architectural pieces with succulents and split bamboo for dining tables. Larger palms in beautiful pots truly finish the look as well as adding privacy an intimacy to a space.

Truly given the amount of new outdoor products the possibilities are endless. However, a few words of caution are in order before purchase. Most fabrics, furnishings, fans and lighting will specify they are rust or mildew resistant. In layman terms, they are not guaranteed due to salt air and sun exposure. Be sure to ask. As with designing the interior, measure your space and plan the layout. Scale is as important on the outdoors also. What may work on the showroom floor, may not work in your space. And as always, have fun and select with your interior style in mind to expand your home to the patio and pool.

5 points to consider creating an outdoor room
1- Make the house flow with a similar style from the interior to the exterior
2- Measure your space to see the furniture will fit properly in your space. Consider scale as well.
3- Ask whether the furnishings are appropriate for full sun/weather exposure
4- Be sure there is enough air circulation
5- Do your homework- How can we hang art or side panels on exterior walls?
Is this plant recommended for a pot and is there proper drainage for potted plants? Is there existing electrical for fountains, fans and lighting?

Summer entertaining just isn’t what it used to be.