Brown Design + Development

Outdoor Furniture Concept

We are putting the final touches on client's home where we renovated both the interior and exterior.  In the backyard, an outdoor fireplace and kitchen were added and now we are in the process of selecting furniture and accessories.  Since summer is just around the corner, we wanted to reveal the items we chose, our ideas and color palette.  Once the space is complete, we will post a blog to show you how it all came together. 

When it came to the furniture budget, the client wanted to apply the majority toward the interior of the home, but still wanted to create a warm and comfortable exterior living space. Although we shopped at major chain retailers for the furniture in order to be more economical, we mixed furniture from several stores and also found ways to bring in personal and unique touches to make sure the final product was anything but "cookie cutter." 

We selected a large rectangular dining table from Crate and Barrel that will comfortably seat 8 people, as our client loves to entertain. 

We paired the table with this matching bench also from Crate and Barrel, but brought in these side chairs from Restoration Hardware to anchor the heads of the table. 

    

For additional seating and places to enjoy the southern California sun, we selected this sofa, lounge chairs, and ottoman all from Restoration Hardware.

   

We found these outdoor pillows from Crate and Barrel to add a pop of color to the space.

  

  

As designers, we couldn't finish the space without a completely custom and personal touch.  An easy way to do this on a budget is with custom pillows.  We selected the following 4 fabrics for the custom pillows that will enhance the ready made pillows purchased from Crate and Barrel. 

  


  

Another way we are going make the space unique and different is to incorporate various stools or Japanese rain drums similar to the ones pictured below.  These can be used as side tables, accessories, or for additional seating. 

      
     

Outdoor Furniture - Part II

If you already have outdoor furniture, but are looking for some designer details to pull it all together, the options are endless. 

Try adding new outdoor pillows and cushions. Retailers like West Elm and William Sonoma Home sell outdoor furniture with fun mix and match colored cushions and patterned pillows. These details will add the final touch that makes your outdoor space feel comfortable and inviting.

   

Look for interesting tables and don't be confined to 'typical' choices. A Japanese garden stool or a copper rain drum are creative, colorful and easy to move around. This one is from Williams Sonoma Home.  

Instead of your typical outdoor coffee table, try an interesting driftwood table top with a lucite base that can be used indoors or outdoors like the one we used for a Beverly HIlls home.  You can also look for an iron base with a stone top.  Mecox Gardens has beautiful options.  

  

Outdoor rugs are a great new trend.  A new selection of designs and materials are now available at most large retailers.  These are from Pottery Barn and are really affordable.  

   

  

If you are in need of outdoor lighting, be on the look-out for options other than the typical tiki torch.  There are stone and glass torch options that add more class to any space.  

  

You can also opt for simple outdoor lanterns when the party continues after sunset.  These can be purchased at any large retailer such as Williams Sonoma Home or Restoration Hardware.  

  

Outdoor Furniture - Part I

Summer is fast approaching and it's time to get your home ready for outdoor dining and entertaining. Try these simple tips and tricks to revitalize your space.

Don’t feel restricted to the typical 6 person dining table for your area to be functional.  Steer clear from ‘sets’ of outdoor furniture.  Any space looks much more interesting when you mix and match. There are now several options in outdoor furniture including sofas, sectionals, and lounge chairs.  Guests will be more than happy to sit down to eat in a casual environment and even more relaxed after dinner is over. 

In a Hollywood Hills home, we added vintage iron chairs with fun outdoor fabric to liven up the space.

At a Beverly Hills residence, we had a larger outdoor space and were able to create multiple conversation areas.  This included a dining table as well as a few seating areas. 

   

         

Beautiful options are available in the designer outdoor furniture lines.  One of our favorite stores, Janus Et Cie is known for their unusual selections. 

 

Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home and decorate it as such.  The nicer it is, the more likely you are to utilize it.  Great options are available at different price points.  If you are designing on a budget, try Restoration Hardware or Williams Sonoma Home for functional, yet stylish pieces.