After several long months inside, summer and warm weather are finally here! If you’re dying to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home, an outdoor living space is for you.
Between harsh weather, animals, and more, purchasing beautiful and comfortable furniture for an outside space may seem like a daunting task. However, outdoor furniture has come a long way in recent years, and our designers are experts at bringing the style and durability to any outdoor space. Read on to learn how to create the perfect summer space for you!
Plan How to Use The Space
While the outdoors seem less structured than the interior of your home, you will still want to start your project the same way: think of your outdoor area as a room and plan from there. The first question to ask yourself is: how will I use this space? Your use of the space will look different between a screened-in porch, a poolside dining room, or an open backyard. We suggest creating a space plan, which our designers always do when beginning a new project. By drawing an aerial view of the space, you can more accurately see how much room you have and how you want to designate certain areas for lounging, eating, and more.
Next, evaluate your goals for the space. Do you want to have meals outside all summer? Will you more realistically lounge by a fire pit or lay by the pool? Do you want shade from an umbrella or would you dislike the maintenance? All of this matters in determining what you need for your space. It’s easy to get pulled in by a beautiful outdoor set, but if you will only realistically use one piece of furniture from the set, it’s not a good investment. Deciding exactly what you’re hoping to use your space for will help you narrow your furniture search to only pieces that will truly work for you.
Consider your Style and Budget
When you know what you want to do with your space, narrow into what you may want the outdoor area to look like. If you aren’t sure, don’t fret! Our interior designers are experts at helping you uncover your ideal style. If budget is an important factor to you, let your designer know ahead of time. This way, they can prioritize your needs vs. your wants. Luckily, at OP Jenkins we carry over 400 vendors and can source beautiful furniture at all price points, as well as show you options at different budget levels. Seeing possibilities at OP Jenkins is a great way to begin to determine which styles you prefer and believe fit best with your home and your lifestyle.
Work with a Designer to Find the Most Durable Outdoor Pieces
Just because outdoor furniture looks great in a yearly catalog, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be worth your money or last beyond this season. This is why we carry quality furniture at OP Jenkins. We work with only the best designers, vendors, and textile companies who produce beautiful outdoor furniture that will last for years to come. Gone are the days of stiff vinyl lawn chairs in one color option. Today, there are hundreds of fabrics made for the outdoors that feel as soft as a piece of indoor upholstery. We also carry beautiful outdoor rugs, window treatments, accessories, and even outdoor art. Working with one of our interior designers allows you access to all of these beautiful outdoor furnishings so that you can find the pieces that best suit your lifestyle and home.
If you’re ready to create your dream outdoor living space, talk to one of our talented OP Jenkins interior designers. You can contact us via our website, phone number, or in-store. We are experts at making your dream home a reality!