If you’re looking to revamp your outdoor space this season, start by mixing and matching outdoor furniture. Designers like Suzanne Kasler, Bunny Williams and Miles Redd all prefer to mix and match outdoor furniture pieces on a porch or patio to create the same layered look they design for their indoor spaces. We’re showing you how you can put this strategy to the test by blending elements from different outdoor collections in the same open-air space.
In the above video, designer James Farmer shares his guidelines for mixing outdoor furniture collections.
1. Pick Three Finishes
When picking pieces for your outdoor porch furniture, start with mixing three different finishes. For this outdoor space, we chose to mix in woven, teak, and concrete finishes. The woven sofa, lounge chairs, and teak table legs gives the entire space a cohesive look, while the concrete accents help break everything up and keep the space from being too matchy.
2. Mix in Accessories
In this space we used the rectuangular fire table to contrast the natural teak of the Madison Collection. Since so many outdoor porch furniture pieces tend to be woven, metal or wood, mixing in concrete is a great way to break up a stagnant outdoor space. We also brought in different outdoor decor like the outdoor throw pillows, LED lanterns, and various planters.
3. Seating Switch
Rather than a matching dining set, we chose a mix of chairs from Suzanne Kasler’s outdoor collections to partner with Miles Redd’s rectangular dining table. And in the same way you’d add in a different head chair in your formal dining room, we chose folding teak campaign chairs.
To finish off the space, we flanked an outdoor-safe mirror with wall sconces, creating a focal point on the far wall.
4. Play with Shapes
In addition to the variety of interesting finishes and extra warmth, one of our favorite reasons to mix and match collections is the interplay of interesting shapes. The scalloped edge and contrasting trim of the umbrella adds a touch of drama to this poolside space.
5. Finishing Touches
Don’t forget the final flourishes – they’re just as important outdoors as in. To complement this outdoor kitchen island, we used a trio of barstools and a large arrangement of faux palm leaves. The leaves add a fresh and natural element to the space, while the woven barstool seats echo the weave of our dining chairs.
Need more outdoor decorating inspiration? Read these related posts to learn more:
- 12 Ways to Make a Big Outdoor Statement
- 5 Outdoor Decorating Rules to Live By
- How to Up Your Outdoor Decorating Game
- 25 Dreamy Patios, Pools, and Porches
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