Welcome back friends! We’re so glad you’re here to join us for our expert outdoor planning tips. This weekend, our BLOG HOP is a celebration of indoor/outdoor SEASONAL LIVING. We’re excited to be sharing our expert planning tips and our first CLEAN FRESH MODERN shopping guide…California style!
Now that we’ve all had the unprecedented opportunity to be “HOME” for an unexpected and extended period of time, we’ve all probably been spending more time than usual observing our homes in a new way. As a result, we’re creating new “zones” for our homes that respond to these new living style needs. With the sudden re-creation of our home offices and home school zones trending, and as the summer approaches, the discussion about re-imagining our outdoor spaces for this new style of living, working, playing, and entertaining is at the forefront of conversation.
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A CALIFORNIA GIRL
I still remember that fragrant smell of star jasmine wafting through my bedroom window in the evening breeze as summer was approaching. Counting the days until that final school bell rang that launched summer break like a rocket. I couldn’t wait to get outdoors with friends! As a Los Angeles native, still living right here in the Southern West Coast of California, OUTDOOR LIVING is pretty much a “year round” thing, and creating summer “stories” is everything; and of course, we do love our sunshine, jeans, bare feet, and beaches!
DESIGN
As you may already know, our signature CLEAN FRESH MODERN style is one that embraces well edited functional design, clean lines, and a fresh modern take on traditional styles; built for longevity and wear…and of course, all with that distinct Southern California sensibility!
When designing outdoor spaces specifically, we give the same time, focus and effort to discover every detail and nuance of our client’s needs, behaviors, activities, pets, kids, and personal style. We take into account the light strength, climate, typical moisture, dew and heat levels, and landscape growth, moisture, path of travel, fire, and wind.
Further, there are some VERY IMPORTANT and strategic considerations when selecting outdoor living space materials and furniture that can live within the location. But perhaps one of the most exciting and lovely things to consider is the story your selections will create and tell over time.
These, friends, are exactly the reasons why I want to share with you a FOUR POINT favorite outdoor furniture company, SEASONAL LIVING and our TOP TIPS for selecting outdoor furniture.
INTRODUCING SEASONAL LIVING // HOLISTIC FULL EXPERIENCE DESIGN
“Seasonal Living is an innovative, multi award-winning Boutique source for high quality, cutting edge, indoor/outdoor, multi-functional furnishings and decorative accessory collections. They are passionate about redefining living spaces, building long-term relationships with designers and suppliers all over the world. They have one-of-a-kind resource for fresh, bold, nature-inspired works of art. Part of their ethos is to never follow the crowd. They constantly challenge themselves to design and source collections that push prevailing definitions of design and mass-market product offerings.” – Seasonal Living
“Seasonal Living’ ethos is to source from family owned businesses from around the globe; from Thailand, to Vietnam, to Mexico, and various destinations in between, in order to support small-batch artisanal hand craftsmanship that’s been passed down for generations.” – As further described by Leslie Carothers, Chief Energizing Officer of Savour Partnership, who, along with her business partner Sam Henderson, Creative Director, and Gary Pettitt, Founder and CEO of Seasonal Living, produce and publish a stunning digital magazine. “The mission of Seasonal Living Magazine is to encourage people around the world to live more in harmony with the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall, through inspiring images and fun, informative articles on all things food and recipes, entertaining, travel, wellness and design.” Learn more.
LINK TO SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE >> WINTER ISSUE >> SUMMER ISSUE
LINK TO COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION HERE
LAS VEGAS MARKET // A CHANCE MEETING // A LOVELY FRIENDSHIP
Two years ago, Cliff and I (as two of the esteemed [and very grateful] 2018 Market Tastemakers at the prestigious Las Vegas Furniture Market), had the great pleasure of meeting the very charming Seasonal Living Founder and CEO, Gary Pettitt. Here, in their fantastic, bright, happy and welcoming permanent showroom, Gary shared his passion for sustainability, wellness, the human experience, hand crafted design, and the importance of stories; it wasn’t hard to see that a friendship would follow. We voted this showroom our TOP PICK at Market!
I think what impressed both Cliff and I most about this company (besides the extreme comfort of every piece of furniture, literally), was the obvious value they place on the three things that are most important to me when specifying and presenting products to my clients: Quality, Sustainability, and the value they place on the customer’s Experience. Every item has a story and tells a tale of love, sustainability, compassion, and joy!
Beautiful and mindfully produced products will not only update your outdoor space, they will create a lifetime of memories. But before you jump in, consider these top tips to help you make the most of your budget, and experience.
OUR TOP EXPERT PLANNING TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
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ONE // MAKE A LIST
Start by considering HOW you would like your space to function: Will it be serving as a elegant dining experience on warm summer evenings, or primarily small intimate dinner parties? Perhaps there’s a lifetime of kids birthday parties in your future? Will this outdoor space be a direct extension of your indoor space? Consider that connection and make selections that will “speak” to the adjacent interiors.
Ask yourself, how many needs will your outdoor space serve? For example, If you primarily entertain for cocktails in a small space, then perhaps there is no need for a dining table. You can easily opt for a cocktail bar with cozy lounge seating.
Create a budget, draw a floor plan, take pictures, and determine the color scheme.
HINT: For a CLEAN FRESH MODERN look, keep your base furniture materials neutral, and add layers of pattern, texture, and tone in ash grey, soft taupe, and putty. With a neutral bold architectural base, the colorful accents are easily rotated throughout the seasons and will further provide a seamless overall design; and one that responds organically to the natural surroundings.
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TWO // LONG TERM LOVE AND CARE
It is important to consider your ENVIRONMENT and the long term wear, comfort, use, and maintenance of your furniture. Will your furniture be in SHADE or FULL SUN? Do you have a pool where soaking-wet little tushies and playful pups will be sitting and napping on the furniture? Considering these elements will help to narrow and focus your selections and create bold intention when you begin shopping.
Schedule a time to test drive the furniture…do a SIT test! When making an investment in high quality furniture of ANY kind, it is always important to sample; make sure the armrests, seat height, depth, width, and table height are comfortable.
Quality materials such as teak, powder-coated metals, aluminum, iron, synthetic resin, and cedar, will stand up to almost anything mother nature throws at it. It may be more expensive, but well worth it over time, and it will look beautiful for many years to come. Consider investing in stylish, high-functioning furniture protection as well for those times when your furniture will not be in use. This will further the life of your outdoor furniture.
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THREE // FOR THOSE BARE SUMMER FEET
Consider grounding your furniture plan by creating subtle “zones”. Place furniture groupings on all-weather high quality indoor/outdoor rugs. Whether soft, neutral, textural or patterned, rugs are a great way to add a little energy; which will further enhance the overall design, making it feel more pulled together, chic, cozy, and inviting.
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FOUR // SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCY, AND COMPASSION
Consider the story you want to tell. Is sustainability, wellness, compassion, and resiliency your priority, then seek materials, practices, and products that comply with your mission. There are MANY choices out there and it can be overwhelming. Creating priorities for yourself BEFORE you shop, will assist you in discovering products that will support you. Do your research!
We hope these tips help you get started with your outdoor planning, and gives you a few things to think about that perhaps you might not have considered. Of course, you can always reach out and let us know how we can help! For now, however, let’s get inspired…
OUR TOP SEASONAL LIVING FURNITURE PICKS AND SHOPPING GUIDE
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THE EXPLORER “OCEANS” COLLECTION
“For those who crave adventure, who long to explore all the riches the work has to offer, will recognize the essence of discovery and exogticism in the EXPLORER COLLECTION. Hewn from recyclable, organic, all-weather materials (fast-drying rope, 10,000 double-braided and UV-stabilized yarns), these pieces reflect your adventurous spirit and thirst for discovery.” – Seasonal Living
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THE ARCHIPELAGO COLLECTION
“This handcrafted collection is finely crafted using powder-coated metals, lovingly wrapped with polypropylene yarns that are twisted and knotted to create alluring shapes, styles, textures, and patterns. Airy-comfort is key here. But, of course it is. Luxury like this is not merely artful, it transports you to faraway destinations, whether they exist along the equator, in the Arctic, or the wide world of your imagination.” – Seasonal Living
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THE PERPETUAL COLLECTION
“The Perpetual Collection is the beautifully-designed constant in your life. Indoors or outdoors, amidst a crisp garden or on a city rooftop, these hand-made, lightweight concrete tables suit every occasion. The designer’s innovative approach to soften the appearance of concrete with natural sands and hemp-like grass creates a sophisticated, personalized aesthetic where no two tables are the same. “Perpetual” also embodies the durability and sustainability of the furniture—constructed from biodegradable materials with a low luster finish, the pieces are beautifully weather resistant.” – Seasonal Living
IN CLOSING
I hope you loved meeting our friends from SEASONAL LIVING and will check out their beautiful magazine and hope you feel inspired!
FOR EVEN MORE inspiration, I invite you to MEET AND FOLLOW our esteemed fellow BLOG HOPPERS.
To see the more of our indoor/outdoor project above, click here.
As always, if you have any project questions or if you want WORK WITH US, tell us about YOUR next project and please say “HELLO” by contacting us here. Fill out our questionnaire, and let’s get started!
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Thanks for stopping by and we’ll see you next time!
Until then friends, be well and stay safe!
Blessings,
Laura
Good morning, Laura!
What an amazing tour de force of a blog post with respect to outdoor living! I am just blown away by how detailed it is about every aspect of what we all need to consider when designing our indoor outdoor living spaces.
There is so much here to absorb, I am going to have to read and re-read it several times!
And I love your focus on the stories behind Seasonal Living’s products..and how you spent time really getting to know Gary Pettitt, the founder, at #LVMKT.
And thank you for the lovely shout out about Seasonal Living Magazine that Sam and I design and write for Seasonal Living. That is so appreciated!
I hope you and Cliff continue to stay healthy and safe, along with your entire family….and I can’t wait to see what new outdoor rooms you create for your clients! They would be blessed to work with someone as meticulous, kind and talented as you are.
THANK YOU, BEAUTIFUL LESLIE! You always take such love and care when taking the time to read and comment! It means the WORLD to me to have your support and of course, our cherished and deep friendship! Love you! xox
It’s difficult to find modern outside furniture here in New England. These are some great options! I love the clean, fresh, modern!
Hi Wendy! It’s true… Good furniture is difficult to find especially in extreme weather prone areas! Seasonal Living truly does have a special heart of quality! I hope you’ll check out their products and consider them! They’re such good people! Be well! xx
Such a great post! I’m planning some outdoor spaces right now and this is such helpful information.
Hi Jillian! So glad this was a help! Best of luck to you and can’t wait to see your finished space! Be well and stay safe!!! 🙂
Laura – I so enjoyed reading through your beautiful blog. I particularly relished your tips and considerations on how to really plan and think about your outdoor space – outdoor living is so much more than just a bench. Space which is outdoors has so many considerations and the combination of layered colors and textures combined with the occasional delicious pop of color say a summer plum or a fresh lime adds energy and excitement to the beautiful selections you may made – what’s so great is that there are so many ways to add these pops of colors from a splash of a Seasonal Living ceramic table, a beautifully tailored throw pillow or an over-sized large colorful ceramic vase filled with sun or shade loving plants…..think Fiddly Figs, Japanese Maples, Silver Falls Dichondra or popping it with a chartreuse Lysimachia nummularia ‘Goldii’ to name a few. There’s so much more to “accessorize” an amazing space. One last word here……don’t forget storage…whether it be for your accent pillows, a tactile throw or something to house your outdoor libations….check out the Seasonal Living Wings cabinet for further inspiration. Thank you again, this was a beautiful blog post.
Hello Hello dear Gary!!! Isn’t this fun! What a joy to read your supportive kind message! I’m so glad you approve of our CLEAN FRESH MODERN take on outdoor living here in LA. I agree, and I can completely “see” how you have described the lovely pops of accent colors throughout the seasons to celebrate the beautiful colors of mother nature! I look forward to creating many Seasonal Living spaces here in Cali! Thank you again sweet friend, and I DO look forward to sharing another bottle of wine soon! 😉 I will be emailing you this weekend!!! Be well, stay safe… xox 🙂
Fabulous post, Laura! Love seeing how we’ve all imagined these outdoor spaces using Seasonal Living wonderful products. 🙂 And you obviously find them comfy!
Hi Carla and fellow blog hopper! LOL Thanks and YES, they really ARE amazingly comfy pieces!!! Great work on YOUR amazing post as well… I’m so honored to be on the team! xox 🙂 Be well my friend, and thank you for your continued masterful guidance!
This is an incredible post Laura! I loved reading every carefully thought out detail of it, particularly your four top planning tips for outdoor living. Nkw that its spring in Austin, we’re sitting out on our patio a lot. And it desperately needs a face lift. Loved the thought of something soft under my feet and am going to take a look at getting a rug.
I didn’t know you knew Gary personally and loved reading your story of meeting him. The Seasonal Living Magazine and products are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing all this in such a beautiful post!
THANK YOU DEB!!! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, and love that you feel inspired to consider a rug for your outdoor space! Seasonal Living is a truly fabulous brand and company! Love you!!! xox
Those pics of you in LV are fabulous Laura! You really are goals! xxooL
Hi Linda! Thanks! It was so much fun visiting with Gary in Las Vegas! He really is a lovely and passionate soul, and the furniture is truly wonderful! XOX 🙂 Be well, sweet friend!
What a beautiful post. Outdoor living in such a stylish way is a wonderful way to live. Thanks for all the inspiration
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for your continued support and lovely friendship, I’m so so glad you feel inspired! YAY! XOX Be well and stay safe! 🙂
I’m so jealous that you have year-round outdoor living! We’re just now starting to get some nice weather here in Rochester, NY. What gorgeous picks you’ve selected. I’m pinning so many! Looks like you were having fun at Las Vegas Market too!
Hi Julie! You’ve sure been through a lot these past few months…I can only imagine how Spring and sunshine is making you feel energized! I’m so grateful that I could inspire you, and thank you thank you for pinning! It’s such a beautiful line, with such HEART! And yes, #LVMKT is always fun! XOX Be well and stay safe!
Laura-
Great post with some really helpful tips and a wonderful selection of product! Bravo, Jeanne
Thanks, Jeanne! Means so much coming from you! Love your post too! I took NOTES!!! incredible, as usual! 🙂 xox
Wonderful tips and testimony for Seasonal Living which is fabulous. And I love the THE ARCHIPELAGO COLLECTION!
OMGOSH, MARY! ME TOO!!! I can see a grouping of those around one of their wonderful fire pits, on french gravel, in a limestone french setting under the olive and lemon trees! Right!?! It is DEFINITELY my favorite piece from the collection! Be well, friend! xox
How beautiful! Love the selections you’ve made.
Oh wow! Hi, Shannon! Thanks for stopping by today! I just LOVE Seasonal Living’s beautiful story, and how they are so mindful of the EARTH and Humans! A really good company! Be well dear friend! XOX
What a BEAUTIFUL post, Laura! I adore the Seasonal Living ethos, and love the archipelago collection – clean lined and supremely comfortable, it would fit in well anywhere! I am a bit jealous of your gorgeous year round weather, but we are finally getting some warmer days here and I suppose we appreciate them all the more for surviving the cold and damp! Be well!
Hi Janet!!! Thank you so much for your kind words… I totally agree, the Archipelago line is my FAVORITE!!! I’m sending you some sunshine and hugs! Much love, friend! xox
Design is all in the list of what you need and want. In that order! Don’t skip the list.
Amen, Christina! Planning is everything! NEED first, (considering budget, space, etc., of course) THEN the WANT. But with careful planning, good resources, and a strategic approach, mostly likely we can deliver both! I agree completely though, Don’t skip the LIST! Be well, and thank you so much for stopping by! xo
First of all, that image of you in the chair is a keeper! How beautiful and relaxed you look.
What a very timely post for me. We are in the process of redesigning our entire backyard and your post has given me some food for thought.
I really love all of the gorgeous pieces you have chosen. The Perpetual Collection is one that I will be looking at for our backyard.
LOL…Thanks, Sheri! I love Seasonal Living and LOVE that you are considering them for your own backyard! I love the Perpetual collection too! Such smooth clean lines… So versatile! Much love and keep me posted on your backyard makeover! xox 🙂
What a beautiful and thoughtful post, and I love the Archipelago COLLECTION!
Hi and WELCOME, Carla! thank you for you kind comments! I’m so glad you stopped by and (like me) LOVE the Archipelago Collection! It’s AMAZING!!! I hope you will stop by again! Until then, be well and stay safe! xox
As always, you cover your topics so throughly Laura – you cover it all! I love all the Seasonal Living products you featured here- you know how to pick them! 😊
Hi Michele! Thank you so much!!! I’m so glad you stopped by and comment…my heart is full! xox 🙂
Oh my gosh, beautiful, beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for the tips, and the introduction to Seasonal Living furnishings. I love your blog!
Hi Suzi!!! Welcome! So glad you’re here and your enthusiasm FILLS MY HEART! Thank you for stopping by! I think you will LOVE getting to know Seasonal Living; it’s truly a wonderful company and the products are beautiful! I look forward to getting to know you here! I hope you will stay connected with us and come on back again! Until next time, I pray you stay well and safe! xox 🙂