Guest Picks: Wake Up a Patio or Porch With Color
Punch up your outdoor rooms with colorful planters, outdoor furniture and accessories that welcome the start of warmer weather
Laura Gaskill
March 24, 2013
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
As an antidote to the gray skies outside my window, I find myself envisioning outdoor rooms enlivened with bold pops of saturated color. From colorful planters and bright outdoor rugs to furniture and pillows in the splashiest of hues, there is no way to not feel cheered up when you add one or more of these finds to your porch or patio. Happy decorating! — Laura from Lolalina
This airy, lightweight coffee table is ideal for the outdoors, and the bright lime green hue is sure to wake up your space.
You may not normally choose dishes this bold for dinner, but outdoor dining should be fun, right? I say, bring on the paisley dinnerware!
A mirror on the patio? Why not? As long as it is covered and protected from the elements, a mirror on the patio is unexpected and fun. Plus, it's great for making a small space seem bigger.
Dash & Albert Rug Company
Wide green and ivory stripes feel fresh for spring. I am planning to lay down a pair of these Dash & Albert indoor/outdoor rugs on my own porch, though they would be awesome in a kid-friendly living room too.
This mirrored lattice planter from Zinc Door is a major statement-maker. It will bring a little Palm Beach chic to your patio, no matter where you call home.
I've been smitten with these mod pod-shaped planters for ages. They make any plant look amazing and work equally well as chic ice buckets at parties.
If you live in a tiny city apartment or condo with only a fire escape or balcony to call your own, this could be the perfect solution for you. The bright striped fabric attaches to your railings, providing shelter from wind and a bit more privacy from the neighbors.
Furbish Studio
Even sipping water on the patio will feel chic when it is poured from this gorgeously retro hobnail glass pitcher. Of course, you could always plunk an armful of flowers into it, and that would look amazing too.
This vintage rattan love seat has been spruced up with a fresh Trina Turk fabric cushion. I admit that as soon as I saw it (and the price), I began imagining how to whip up some DIY cushions for my own old porch furniture using fun, colorful fabric.
Hable Construction
All of the prints designed by Hable Construction are fresh, modern and fun, but this may be my current favorite. While not technically an outdoor pillow, the canvas fabric is really thick and sturdy and holds up well over time.
Ceramic garden stools have to be some of the most useful little pieces of furniture around. Use one as a table, stool or extra seat, indoors or out. This one caught my eye with its fiery orange hue and cute potbellied shape.
Apartment 48
I love how the fringe trim on this pillow seems to echo the softness of the bird's feathers. It would make a wonderfully whimsical addition to an outdoor love seat or bench.
The trend for graphic patterned rugs is still going strong, and this outdoor version from Horchow looks especially crisp.
I also adore this super-bright outdoor rug from Overstock. Not only is the price right, but it's made from recycled materials and is reversible.
Target
I would use this coral tray to tote icy beverages outside when entertaining. In between hosting shindigs, it could happily live on the coffee table holding a stack of books and the remote.
Target
I saw this table in person at Target, and it was just as adorable as it looks online. Topped with glass and in a minty green, it would be at home just about anywhere you care to put it.
These gem-like cubes designed by Frank Gehry are like little sculptures that you can actually use as furniture. They are UV-protected and completely weatherproof, so you don't have to worry about dragging them indoors during a rainstorm.
Every outdoor space needs a bit of mood lighting, and these Cube lanterns from CB2 fit the bill perfectly. Line them up down the center of a long table for even more impact.
These pom-pom-trimmed cushions from Horchow have got to be some of the peppiest outdoor pillows around. Bonus: They are reversible!
For the monogram-obsessed, these crisply framed and piped outdoor pillows are so lovely that you will have a hard time not bringing them indoors to enjoy. But on second thought, why not? That's the great thing about outdoor furnishings — they are sometimes even better for adding a colorful kick indoors.
Next: Patio Power: 12 Ways to Energize Your Outdoor Room
Next: Patio Power: 12 Ways to Energize Your Outdoor Room
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Best,
Jill@DWR
Actually - what about these solar powered outdoor lamps - featured a while back on Houzz. Here is the url
I'm not sure whether these will generate enough light for reading, but they look great, plus you could get the Houzz iPad app when you get the iPad for reading! or maybe a kindle?
Cheers T.