Furniture for decks and patios come in many different styles and collections. There are no right or wrong selections -it only depends on your style! And discovering your style is the first step in creating an ultimate outdoor experience where you can invite friends, neighbors, and family for evenings of great fun, conversation, and relaxation.

Here are this summer’s most popular outdoor furniture ideas:

Teak and Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Teak chairs and tables with clean lines create a modern contemporary sleek look, especially if paired with black or stainless steel frames. Alternatively, beefy cuts of teak produce a mission-inspired craftsman feel.

Wicker outdoor furniture comes in a variety of colors and textures with choices from contemporary, traditional, and transitional styles in a wide array of seating and lounging options.

Create the Caribbean look with a square wicker design, or opt for a classic summer cottage style with curves, arched high backs, and rolled arms. Are you the contemporary type? Or maybe even mid-century modern? There are plenty of sleek wicker styles out there for your modern outdoor furniture fix.

Outdoor Fire Pits

When the sun goes down, don’t forget to fire it up! Outdoor fire pits will add warmth and a distinctive style to your backyard evenings.

There are plenty of options to choose from to match your style. Round metal portable fire pits are a classic choice, but if those aren’t your fancy, a square fire pit might just be the ticket. If you’re looking for something a bit more extravagant, a fire table is always an impressive conversation starter. Alternatively, a DIY fire pit is the perfect choice for crafty types. Either way, bring on the S’mores!

Outdoor Dining Room

When it comes to dining experiences, hardly anything beats the great outdoors. And thankfully, it’s easy to create that same memorable experience for your guests that they will be sure to talk about for weeks.

Use whatever outdoor space you like, such as your patio or deck, to create your own outdoor dining room. Depending on the size of your space, you can choose from round, rectangular, or square tables. Pick a length that will accommodate the number of guests you expect to have for your events.

Mix up the seating around the table using a combination of chairs and benches, and also switch between wicker and metal chairs. Use chairs with curves to add an inviting feel and high-back chairs to bring a formal element to the outdoor dining room. For a more comfortable seat, use colorful cushions to add a pop of color to the table.

If you are out in the open, you’ll absolutely want to add an umbrella, pergola, trellis divider, or large decorative pots to surround your space. If you do happen to have a wall in or around your space, spruce it up a notch by adding some color for a bold statement.

Outdoor Accessories

Rugs are an easy way to anchor your outdoor dining room. They also help in creating a more intimate dining area, especially in larger open space. Rugs with patterns or stripes add dimension and texture to the floor. Be sure to carry the same design elements from the rug to the table using placemats, table cloths, table settings and a centerpiece.

Don’t forget to light it up! The ambiance is always important, and nothing looks better than an outdoor living and dining area that has mood lighting -be it intimate dinners or a full on party!

So deck it out -string those lights around your railing, hang them high across your deck, throw them over your table, or swirl them under your umbrella. Try hanging a chandelier or off-set pendants over your table. Place solar lights throughout the yard, patio and deck wherever you want your guests to roam. It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate; keep it simple and the evening will come together with family and friends!

 

Ready to transform the look of your entire home? Contact Karen Linder Design for an easy consultation and see why we are a top interior design firm in Portland, Oregon.