Made to Last: New Trends in Outdoor Furniture and Fabrics

Creating outdoor rooms remains a popular design trend with home owners particularly in Naples. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to increase your home’s square footage and to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you have a large small lanai or outdoor space, this space can easily reflect your style and become a treasured gathering for entertaining.

Yet, many home owners quickly become frustrated when the beautiful furniture and fabrics they select do not survive the outdoor elements. Fortunately, manufacturers are now creating more durable outdoor furnishings to help your decorating dollars go even further.

Outdoor fabric companies, such as Sunbrella and Perennials, offer expanded lines of sun- and weather-resistant products that are made to withstand harsh weather. These resilient fabrics are low-maintenance and can easily be cleaned by hand. Despite the increased durability of these fabrics, they remain soft and comfortable for everyday use.

Retailers also are responding to the popularity of outdoor rooms by increasing their inventory of indoor/outdoor rugs, weatherproof cushions and fabrics, and all-weather furniture.  Even big-box stores may have only had three or four color choices for outdoor cushions in the past. Now, you can choose from a wide variety of durable solids, patterns, florals, and stripes, both online and at all major home retailers.

Home owners also want to spend more time enjoying their outdoor space and less time maintaining it.   Not surprisingly, today’s outdoor entertaining spaces reflect the growing trend of creating outdoor spaces with indoor amenities. Clients are requesting fireplaces and other features  to  feel like luxurious indoor spaces. Other home owners are adding kitchens to their outdoor spaces, allowing them to more easily cook outdoors year-round.

Easy Maintenance Tips

After you’ve furnished and decorated your outdoor space, be sure to follow a few simple tips to ensure that you can enjoy it for years to come.

  • Protect outdoor furniture with weatherproof covers during the times of year when it’s not in use. Or, bring smaller furniture items inside.
  • Store cushions in weatherproof containers during summer/winter weather extremes – or if a big storm is on the way.
  • Spot clean spoils or spills on outdoor fabric right away to prevent the growth of mildew. Use a mild, bleach-free soap-and-water solution and rub gently with a cloth or sponge.
  • Always air dry outdoor fabrics, which generally are made of synthetic materials. Never dry clean or tumble-dry these fabrics – or the protective finish will begin to erode.

This article is brought to you by the Collier Building Industry Association at www.cbia.net.