Outdoor Furniture Fads for Summer 2011

Everyone remembers the outdoor furniture of old: metal, rusty; wood, molding; foldable, fragile. Decades of the same old options have held many consumers hostage, unaware that with the changing times outdoor furniture was changing as well.

In fact, since the turn of the century outdoor furnishings have been cycling through trends, just like indoor furnishing always has. It seems like year-by-year Americans take another step towards creating a home outside of their house. Outdoor kitchens, dining rooms, and entertainment centers have seen their rise in popularity over the last several years. Flat screen HD TVs and even fireplaces have found their way outdoors, and this year, it looks like the rest of the living room will follow.

Truly hell-bent on doing more with their patios than just barbecues, outdoor enthusiasts have been bringing couches, recliners, coffee and side tables (even incorporating antique outdoor furniture) outside. To protect their more delicate furniture, these avant garde outdoor decorators have been incorporating awnings and curtains.  Comfortable indoor pieces are covered with weather-resistant fabrics to add the cozy comfort of home to your outdoor patio.

Instead of hanging around a table, or the barbecue, bring in a fire pit to be the centerpiece of your intimate outdoor hangout.
There are two competing schools of thought on how to thematically decorate your new outdoor living room. Some decorators believe your outdoor area should transition seamlessly from the styles inside your home. Others believe the outdoor décor should be complimentary, but different, from the rest.

Experts agree, however, that the key is to find those cozy, comforting pieces of furniture that you simply won’t want to get up from. This summer, the theme is comfort. Get more out of your outdoor space this summer by bringing everything that you love from the living room out to the patio!