It’s finally summer here in Northwest Nebraska and that means lots of days spent in our backyard. We eat most meals outdoors and other than the few hours in the afternoon when it is too hot (and the kids nap) we basically live on our patio. So, it is important that this space feel like an extension of my indoor living area. Here are some of the key pieces in my outdoor oasis and how you can create a similar look and feel at your own home.
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Outdoor Patio Set
True to Danielle fashion, our outdoor seagrass furniture comes with a story. If you’d rather skip straight to shopping, scroll down. But you will be sorry you missed the story, I am pretty entertaining. . . just ask me.
I purchased our current set on Facebook Marketplace several years ago from a lovely couple who lived at our local lake–Angostura–where Clint’s family has a summer home. When I contacted them to pick it up, I assumed they lived somewhere near our lake trailer . . . . so I told Clint about this excursion under that assumption and we made plans for a quick trip up and back to get this amazing set.
Well, they responded that they lived in Shep’s Canyon . . . on the other side of the lake . . . and that our less than 2-hour round trip adventure now became a well over 3 hours . . . thank goodness my husband has a sense of humor. It also helped that they lived in a rather swanky part of Shep’s Canyon (it was gated . . . very fancy) that he’d never been to before, so at least we got to see some good scenery . . . and it’s really all about the experience, right!?
I should also mention that they were lesbians, one of them had a Southern accent (to match the style of this sweet sectional) and they met because one was the local Post Master and the other was a real estate agent. The Post Master would clue the real estate agent in when people came into start the change of address process and she would get the listing. It was love and business at first sight.
Most importantly I wanted them to adopt me. They were the sweetest ladies ever. And we obviously had great taste in common.
Long story short the furniture was as exactly what I wanted. I mean it was Pottery Barn–you can NEVER go wrong with Pottery Barn. I’d looked the set up online and we were getting it for a song–less than half of what it sells for new. TOTAL SCORE.
Until I got it home . . . and actually did the REAL research. Come to find out, the set is not made to be outdoor furniture. It’s more for a fully enclosed patio or sunroom. It shouldn’t get wet and shouldn’t be in direct sun.
Not ideal for my patio. Covered only by an open-air pergola. In direct sunlight. And subject to frequent and unexpected thunderstorms.
Oh well. If I learned anything in my life (or from Tim Gunn) it is that you make it work. Swerve girl! So I got a cover for the set and watch the Weather Channel app like a hawk. It’s a big job, but it’s worth it.
Did I mention it’s Pottery Barn?
Anyway, I am linking the exact set here–in the event you have the appropriate covered and enclosed space that is just calling for this beautiful, Southern-as-sweet-tea-pearls-sun-porches-and-bless-your-heart, sea grass set.
Shop the exact set here:
If you’d rather go for something a little less temperamental then Scarlett O’Hara, here are a few similar options.
Adirondack Adoration
I’ve searched long and hard for these chairs and it was worth the wait. They are classic, just the right size and have this amazing lacquer-like paint finish made to withstand all the elements. The perfect alternative to plastic at just the right price. I have two in my front yard and two on the back patio, but they are not so heavy that I can’t move them should we need more seating in either location.
Shop Below
Side Tables & Extra Seating
I am all about multi-purpose furniture–especially when you just never know who might drop by or when an impromptu party might pop up and you need extra seats or places to put drinks.
Thus, a poof is my ideal piece of furniture. A poof can be a side table, a foot rest, or a chair. And so began my search for an outdoor poof that would not only bring a boho vibe, but also be fabulously functional.
This set was an amazing find–you get three (yes, you read that right–THREE) pieces. Two poofs and a side table that you can also use as storage. The best part . . . it’s all heavy-duty plastic. So, it’s waterproof, easy to wipe off and the poofs are sturdy enough to sit on.
Another great piece is this plant-stand-turned-tray-table. I can easily move it from front to back yard and move it inside during the winter. Love, love, LOVE this guy.
Rug
This rug is even better in-person, and for the price (less than $50 for the 5×7) it is a no brainer. And, can we talk about the fringe!? So good.
About the Accents
The best way to cozy, brighten up and give your outdoor space an expensive feel is with colorful accents–throw pillows, outdoor curtains, lighting, blankets, plants, etc. I purchased my pillows from our local dollar store, but have linked similar options, in addition to a few of the other items pictured in this post.
Enjoy using these tips to create your own outdoor oasis. But remember, no matter what your outdoor space looks like–all you really need is a bottle of wine (or whatever your drink of choice), a little sunshine and a whole lot of chill. A few fabulous people to share it with helps too.
Cheers,
