
-Treat your outdoor patio as you would the interior of your home — make it as comfortable and stylish as your indoor entertainment rooms.
-Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Add a fire pit, extra seating, throw pillows, umbrellas and outdoor lighting to spruce up your patio while increasing the versatility of your space.
-Ask yourself how you plan on using your outdoor space before purchasing furniture. Keep in mind that the space could be used for a variety of purposes — outdoor dining, evening entertainment or sunbathing.
-Keep up with the latest trends by adding deep-seating cushioning or a chat pit and by mixing patterned fabrics with solids.
-Incorporate a variety of textures in your outdoor space by combining materials. Bear in mind that there are a number of options, including cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, synthetic wicker, marble, stainless steel and wrought iron.
-Don’t feel as if you have to buy every piece at once. Many collections don’t change radically from season to season, so you can add pieces over time.
-Take a risk. Outdoors is a great place to experiment with design. For example, a freestanding cantilever umbrella in bright yellow or red is a great way to add a pop of color to your outdoor landscape.
-Pay attention to lighting. Rechargable Vega LES lights with adjustable clamps fit under most umbrellas and brighten up a dinner table without being intrusive.
-Ask questions. Compare warranties. Be sure to sit in everything before you buy. Remember, what’s comfortable to one person might not be comfortable to the next.
-Consult a home furnishings specialist if you are unsure of how to maximize your space or how to link your outdoor space to your interiors.
—courtesy of Amini’s Galleria