“My version of a summer house is drinking on the patio at my regular house” – sommeecards
Ahoy design enthusiasts and patio aficionados! With Summer fast approaching—hellloo twenty plus degree heat—we are diving deep into the realm of patio design, where every detail counts. From chic furniture pieces to sleek finishes, we’re here to guide you through the latest trends that are redefining outdoor living. These six trends are curated for functionality and encompass designs that are appropriate for the Maritimes & read til the end for our personal favourite places to shop at every price point.
Pieces Made to Last a Lifetime
If you and your family frequently use a particular space, our advice is to always invest in what brings you joy. With three to four glorious months of summer ahead, imagine yourself lounging on your patio—whether it’s at home or your cottage. Invest in materials that will stand the test of time. Think stylish teak, chic premium wicker, or cool concrete. Lucky for you—and your pockets—these are on trend for 2024!
Oh baby, baby… concrete never looked so good
Sculptural
Sculptural pieces are real show-stoppers, and we adore a well-placed piece in a living room or any common area where it can truly shine. And guess what? This includes the great outdoors—your backyard! You heard it from us: don’t be afraid to go bold with interesting shapes and designs.
Check out the curves on her!
Fire Features
A well-designed fireplace isn’t just for indoors. Imagine an outdoor fireplace made from natural stone, brick, or weather-resistant wood—perfect for adding a rustic or modern flair to your patio. These stylish choices will not only elevate your space but also extend your outdoor fun for those cooler summer nights. So, get ready to toast some marshmallows and enjoy the warmth under the stars!
Did someone say s’mores?
Layered Greenery
We’re always raving about depth and textures, the same principles can be applied outdoors! By using your surroundings with plants, greenery, or your garden to add an extra level of depth. This will assist in polishing off your space and making your outdoor area as inviting as the inside.
Fun tip, every May I see Maritimers race to their local garden store to grab their ferns for the summer. They are such a beautiful plant to display in your exterior and bring such great dimension to a space. Ferns can live outside but they’re just as successful inside for when the winter comes knocking!
Bold Colour’s & Print
Take. The. Risk… that’s all.
If you’re saying, “no way guys!” This option is for you:
Try colorful flowers instead and bonus you’re hitting two summer trends at once!
Small/ Functional Designs
I know apartment dwellers might be glaring at us right now but hold on—We’ve saved the best for last! Tiny yet mighty functional designs are all the rage. The secret? Making every square foot count and turning your space into a marvel of efficiency with style. It’s all about crafting a living area that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
WHERE THE SJ TEAM SHOPS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS
RH & Hauser have it all: function, comfort, aesthetic and a price point that matches their incredible quality. Sticker shock is a real thing, especially when it comes to outdoor furniture, but these brands will both withstand the test of time. Bonus, Hauser is Canadian-owned & operated!
Anthropologie is always our go to for interesting & colourful decor. Take a look here if you want to jazz up your outdoor dining table or find a cozy throw blanket for those colder winter nights.
Dockyard by Thornbloom is a local Halifax-based store and carries one of our favourite mid-priced outdoor brands, C.R. Plastics. Their furniture is made from 100% recycled plastics and checks off our sustainability box.
And a crowd favourite, HomeSense, coming in with pretty planters & accessories to finish off your space!
No matter how big or small your space it’s about the people who fill it…. we hope to be invited to your next patio party; we’ll bring the lemonade!
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