Create the Perfect Outdoor Staycation
Author:Lindsey ShookIt’s pretty clear, all of us will be spending a lot of time at home for the foreseeable future. Being you might not be traveling far, use this time to make the most of your outdoor space by creating cozy, room-like environments. Here, Joanna Leung, Vice President of Business Development for outdoor furniture at renowned furniture company Ratana shares with us tips and a delightful round-up of furniture, lighting and accessories that will help maximize your outdoor lifestyle this summer.
Photography: Christie Graham
“Due to the current pandemic and our new landscape of social distancing, it is more important now than ever to have a comfortable and private outdoor space. Even a small city balcony becomes a refuge when one has to stay distant from others. Spending time outdoors has been shown to do wonders for relieving anxiety and stress, so let us look at ways to elevate our outdoor space for personal wellness.
When looking at outdoor designs, we have been looking a lot at textures in the past few years and moving away from the traditional materials like wicker and iron to new and innovative tubing technologies. Expanded options for outdoor furniture materials can result in entirely new and exciting designs. However, there are also opportunities for minor but meaningful changes.
A dining program in teak or aluminum is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Project your personal style through table styling. The way one sets their table is important because it influences the atmosphere we want to present. Von Gern Home has some fabulous items for table styling. We are loving their Green Ombre Napking Rings because they are a colorful and uplifting addition to your al fresco meal. Something as simple as adding a pop of colour in unexpected places can revamp your outdoor space.
The devil is in the details for an outdoor living room. Having the right outdoor lighting can create a satisfying ambiance on your outdoor area. The Italian lighting company FLOS has some beautiful indoor lighting designs for the outdoors. I love their pieces designed by Michael Anastassiades like the Captain Flint Outdoor. These pieces are durable and weather resistant but have a sophisticated look to complete your outdoor space.
Adding a new statement piece is also a good way to elevate your space. Select a piece that embodies all the best aspects of your style and your surroundings. For instance, enhance the versatility and design of your patio by including furniture with drastic angles. English designer Thomas Heatherwick’s Spun chair has a sculptural appearance that adds style and refinement to the outdoors.
A way to add comfort and texture to your design is with an outdoor rug. This is also an opportunity to add personality to your space. Spanish designer Jaime Hayon has some beautifully composed imagery on his designs for outdoor rugs. Silhouette, Haydon’s rug design for Nanimarquina, is adorned with illustrations of imaginary characters and is hand tufted with 100% recycled PET fiber. Durable and unique rugs such as this add a finished elegance to your outdoor arrangement.
An exterior addition that one should not go without is a patio umbrella. This can help block harmful UV rays and can even revamp your outdoor design. Leung says that, “going with a custom RATANA umbrella is a great option for those who want to pick and choose fabrics and colours that go with their outdoor hopes and dreams.” Tucci also has a great selection of umbrella options. Made in Miami, these umbrellas are durable and stylish.
Whether you are considering a total redesign or small improvements, there are design solutions for your outdoor space.”
