online RESOURCES
American Home Furnishings Alliance: www.ahfa.us
Outdoor Elegance Patio Design Center: www.outdoorelegance.com
Trex Company: www.trex.com
American Home Furnishings Alliance: www.ahfa.us
Outdoor Elegance Patio Design Center: www.outdoorelegance.com
Trex Company: www.trex.com
Outdoor spaces are mirroring indoor counterparts as the lines between the two have blurred. Both sport comfortable seating complete with pillows and throws, welcoming accent lighting, textured rugs and even lush curtains.
Outdoor furnishings already are being showcased in stores, and if you want custom designs, now is the time to order.
“March 20 is the first day of spring, which for custom outdoor pieces, means you need to spring into the season now,” said Doug Sanicola, owner and president of luxury retailer Outdoor Elegance Patio Design Center in La Verne.
TRENDS FOR 2017
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s a lot to consider when furnishing your outdoor space. According to a 2016 survey by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, more than 70 percent of American households have created outdoor spaces, using them at least once a week in-season. Southern Californians can use theirs most of the year. Here are some top trends according to Jackie Hirschhaut, an AHFA spokeswoman.
ANGLE FOR MODERN: Get into the mood for modern by displaying crisp angles set off by high-gloss finishes. It’s being paired with neutral fabrics with pops of color thrown into the mix.
SIZE AND SCALE MATTER: Millennials in urban settings and baby boomers who are downsizing want compact comfort. On the other hand, those with lots of space want big pieces that accommodate entertaining. The aim is to pack all the elegance and style of larger scale collections into furnishings suitable for a balcony or smaller backyard. For those opting to live large, though, sectional sofas in modular designs, dining tables on a grand scale and even outdoor beds are trending.
ACCESSORIZE BOLDLY: Homeowners want warm atmospheres with cool accessories. Table lamps are being replaced by more organic and even bold designs that seem to fit right into outdoor surroundings. And the cool factor comes from the ice buckets, bar carts and vibrant accent pillows being used.
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s a lot to consider when furnishing your outdoor space. According to a 2016 survey by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, more than 70 percent of American households have created outdoor spaces, using them at least once a week in-season. Southern Californians can use theirs most of the year. Here are some top trends according to Jackie Hirschhaut, an AHFA spokeswoman.
ANGLE FOR MODERN: Get into the mood for modern by displaying crisp angles set off by high-gloss finishes. It’s being paired with neutral fabrics with pops of color thrown into the mix.
SIZE AND SCALE MATTER: Millennials in urban settings and baby boomers who are downsizing want compact comfort. On the other hand, those with lots of space want big pieces that accommodate entertaining. The aim is to pack all the elegance and style of larger scale collections into furnishings suitable for a balcony or smaller backyard. For those opting to live large, though, sectional sofas in modular designs, dining tables on a grand scale and even outdoor beds are trending.
ACCESSORIZE BOLDLY: Homeowners want warm atmospheres with cool accessories. Table lamps are being replaced by more organic and even bold designs that seem to fit right into outdoor surroundings. And the cool factor comes from the ice buckets, bar carts and vibrant accent pillows being used.
He also is chairman of the International Casual Furnishings Association. About 75 percent of his business is custom orders with the rest available on the floor.
The casual furnishings market debuted its new lines in September, and warehouses are filled with merchandise ready for patios, porches and in backyards. The desire for and use of functional outdoor living spaces is way up, according to the American Institute of Architects 2016 Home Design Trends Survey.
That’s no surprise to Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of the International Casual Furnishings Association and spokeswoman for the American Home Furnishings Alliance.
“Homeowners are looking beyond the basics to fully customized outdoor living spaces for 2017,” she said in a statement. “Manufacturers have responded with an unprecedented array of color and texture in outdoor fabrics and accents, a wide variety of styles for every taste and budget, and creative lighting and accent items to help create just the right ambience for every homeowner’s dream outdoor space.”
If you still have that outdoor dining set from 10 years ago, take a look at it. The fabric choices, frame finishes and styles of today’s outdoor furnishings have changed. Modular sectionals, wingback chairs and upscale lighting aren’t just for the den anymore.
Mixing and matching styles is in. For example, a homeowner may opt for a woven wicker sofa offset with two iron club chairs and a wooden coffee table. Individuals also are looking for warmth, as in fire, but even fire pits have graduated to fire tables.
Outdoor Elegance has a guide that asks consumers to consider what type of frame material they want, which patio set works best and how long they expect it to last. It also discusses what goes into the manufacturing of the items.
The frame of the furniture forms its foundation, and the material chosen will determine its durability and longevity and the return on your investment.
Sanicola believes that outdoor furniture should be considered an investment. Aluminum is a top choice because it is versatile and light enough to move and reposition. Next, consider style choices: cushions, slings or straps. Cushions provide the soft feel of a comfortable sofa. Straps usually require little maintenance.
Decide how your furniture will be used. Do you plan to host small family get-togethers or large parties? Sets come in all shapes, sizes and configurations. Those planning to spend a lot of time outside may want to bolster their selections with deep seating lounge chairs, ottomans and side tables. High seating bar sets may be the answer for those with patios and backyards with outdoor kitchens.
Outdoor designs not only look like their indoor counterparts but also feature much of the same functionality, according to advice from Paul Lafrance and Kate Campbell of HGTV’s “Decked Out” and representatives for Trex Company. They predict that trends will include outdoor kitchens maxed out so that the entire meal can be prepared al fresco. The space has fully outfitted appliances with functional elements such as trash bins, built-in ice chests, bench storage drawers and even hampers.
Another backyard staple has been deck railing. It’s gotten a makeover.
“One of the most popular trends right now is ‘cocktail railing,’ which provides a flat surface for you and your guests to place drinks and plates,” Campbell said in a statement. “By using a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail, you can achieve a look that perfectly complements your home’s deck, while making great use of space.”
Trends for 2017
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s a lot to consider when furnishing your outdoor space. According to a 2016 survey by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, more than 70 percent of American households have created outdoor spaces, using them at least once a week in-season. Southern Californians can use theirs most of the year. Here are some top trends according to Jackie Hirschhaut, an AHFA spokeswoman.
Angle for modern: Get into the mood for modern by displaying crisp angles set off by high-gloss finishes. It’s being paired with neutral fabrics with pops of color thrown into the mix.
Size and scale matter: Millennials in urban settings and baby boomers who are downsizing want compact comfort. On the other hand, those with lots of space want big pieces that accommodate entertaining. The aim is to pack all the elegance and style of larger scale collections into furnishings suitable for a balcony or smaller backyard. For those opting to live large, though, sectional sofas in modular designs, dining tables on a grand scale and even outdoor beds are trending.
Accessorize boldly: Homeowners want warm atmospheres with cool accessories. Table lamps are being replaced by more organic and even bold designs that seem to fit right into outdoor surroundings. And the cool factor comes from the ice buckets, bar carts and vibrant accent pillows being used.
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