Need input on patio umbrella colors
Hi there,
I'm struggling to decide what color patio umbrellas to use and if I should match them.
I have on large beige umbrella already, am looking to add 2 or 3 additional 9' umbrellas to be positioned around the pool.
First, some reference information.
- I picked mostly neutrals so we can have different color schemes without anything clashing. I went with brown and grey because the kitchen that opens up to this patio is a reclaimed brown wood floor with painted grey cabinets, and it ties in nicely to the outdoors.
- Waterline tile on the pool is a mix of grey and browns
- Furniture is beige and brown because it is the easiest to find
- Pool slide, bar top tables, ceiling fans, and the spa are all grey
- I went with green as the accent because the house trim is a dark green, also just the outdoors in general, and I think green matches almost any color scheme that we might need.
- The two accent patterns being used are beige stripes (curtains, throw pillows) and a palm leaf print where I need color (rug, dishes, large pillows on the daybed)
Pictures:
The covered patio area, where most of the color is. Hard to see but the curtains have beige vertical stripes.
Looking back towards the house, umbrellas would be around the ledge, one for the chaise lounges, one for the circular sectional, maybe one towards the deep end on the far side. You can see how monotone this looks, which is why part of me wanted a green umbrella, also the huge grey slide looks very huge and very grey.
Looking out towards the pool from the patio, this would be the view from the patio doors and the kitchen, an umbrella would go approximately where the planter is. Also you can see the palm leaf cushions in the daybed in the back.
I am trying to decided between beige, grey, or green umbrellas. I like beige because it is very neutral but worry it's becoming boring, I like grey because I think I might need a bit more of it to tie everything together, and I like green because the pop of color is nice. I'm paralyzed and don't know which to choose.
I'm not sure if they should all match, or maybe get one or two neutrals and one green for the color.
In terms of patterns, I'm really drawn to the stripes but I don't want to overdo it. I like how the stripes give it sort of a resort feel though.
So please help!
What colors work best?
Should I keep it all matching or mix and match?
Stick to solids or incorporate the stripes?
Comments (14)
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Becky
4 years agoBecky
4 years agoBecky
4 years ago- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoSorry I never like beige outside. IMO bright colors work best where there is sun and I like yellow and red for sure or orange and green I like this idea with the white umbrellas to tie in the curtains .I also would like to see much larger planters on the pool deck.
Becky thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting 
PRODesign Interior South
4 years agoBecky if you like the blue I would think about paining the ceiling or underside of your patio overhand a light blue. It looks like its solid and can be painted.
Orange would be a fun pop with the blue. I noticed your orange flowers on the table.
Becky thanked Design Interior SouthBecky
4 years agoI would also love to see bigger planters, but they are expensive and not currently in the budget. I'm planning on large heavy concrete planters where the dinky ones are now, and also near the steps to give a little extra stabilization to people who need it entering and exiting. We've always worked with what we had as a proof of concept until we're ready to tackle the permanent solution, hence the little ones for the time being. I can easily move them as I determine where I want the permanent ones, and how many I want.
I think the hubby would kill me if I tried to paint his new patio cover. I might need to give him a few years before attempting that. It's alumawood, so not sure how well painting would work. I'm filing that away for future reference though. We had a local grocery store who painted their ceilings a sky blue, even all the exposed pipes and what not and it really was a nice feeling. They even added a few cutout clouds, it was a really cute design.
Summers here are regularly over 100, so every bit of cool helps.
I found an amazing umbrella at World Market, but when I went to go buy it today they're now out of stock. Here's hoping they find some more.
You guys are amazingly helpful, thank you so much!Becky
3 years agoUPDATE WITH LOTS OF PICTURES
So, I chickened out on the blue and got a white umbrella. I appreciate everything everyone had to say about color, and agree, but I think I'm going to adhere to my first rule that expensive purchases be in neutral colors so I can easily change things down the road.
This new little shady spot was the thing we never knew we needed. On top of shading the ledge, the bench provides a nice safe place to put drinks, hats, towels, anything you want within reach of the pool without getting wet while still providing some shelter from the sun. It also has become a great place for people who aren't swimming to hang out.
Then I SCORED at Costco. I found beautiful blue pillows to add and it definitely helps. Also found some large planters for $15 that I'll head over to the gardening section to help get filler ideas. I think I'll get some blue turkish towels, and a few decorative accents to help finish tying it together. When the lilies start blooming we'll have more color as well.
Thank you everyone again for your help. I thought you'd like to see how it's turning out.
modernfun
3 years ago
Elizabeth Minish Design