8 ошибок в уличной мебели, которых следует избегать этим летом

From awkward arrangements to incorrect outdoor finishes, designers say these are the furniture faux pas to avoid this season.

With summer in full swing, it’s time to get your outdoor space ready for the season. But before you dive headfirst into revamping your patio or backyard, make sure you’re not committing any furniture faux pas. From awkward arrangements to the wrong outdoor finishes, we’ve got the lowdown on the outdoor furniture mistakes to avoid to ensure your outdoor oasis is the envy of the neighborhood. So, grab a cold drink, kick back on your weather-proof cushions, and discover the right way to set up your deck, patio, or backyard this summer.

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1. Poor Quality Furniture

“Be intentional with your furniture selection,” says interior designer Lindye Galloway. “When buying furniture, people often choose pieces that look great but are made from materials that end up wearing and tearing over time from the weather and heavy use.” Instead, she recommends investing in high-quality furniture pieces that will stand the test of time. Not only will it look better, but you’re doing the environment a favor, too.

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2. Choosing the Wrong Fabric

Have you ever missed the small print on the label that said to ‘keep out of direct sunlight’ or “water resistant,’ meaning not waterproof? According to David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin, “One of the biggest mistakes you could make when decorating your outdoor space is choosing the wrong fabric for your furniture and accessories.” Not all fabrics are made for outdoor use, and many people find out the hard way. “Luckily, the days of slippery nylon cushions and covers are long gone. Now there is a whole host of luxurious and well-designed fabrics that can be used,” Harris says. “Outdoor weaves and eco-digital prints perform incredibly well against light and fading, and they can withstand a shower or two as well.”

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3. A Furniture-First Approach

Many people make the mistake of buying outdoor furniture first, and then trying to make the space work around it and fit their needs. Instead, Galloway suggests designing the space around the experiences you want to have there. “Whether you want your backyard to be where you host guests or enjoy relaxing, once you envision how you want to use the space, it will become much easier to select the right furniture,” she says. In other words, design your backyard with purpose and intention rather than on a whim.

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4. Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Functionality

Another common outdoor furniture faux pas is overlooking functionality in favor of aesthetics. “While it’s tempting to prioritize looks, ensuring your outdoor furniture is functional is crucial for creating a comfortable and practical space,” Harris says. He recommends opting for practical outdoor furniture that is lightweight yet sturdy, easy to clean, move around, and properly store when not in use.

5. Not Enough Shade

Don’t be blinded by the sun. While we all like to make the most of good weather, creating cool hangouts in the shade is just as important. “Many outdoor spaces have plenty of spots to lounge in the sun, but none for the shade,” Galloway says. “I recommend incorporating overhead umbrellas or positioning the furniture around foliage to keep cool and create spots for effortless relaxation.” Shaded areas are a must for al fresco dining (one of the best parts of summer!), and an awning or patio cover will give you and your guests a welcome cool respite from the blazing sun.

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6. Overlooking Proportions

It’s easy to overlook proportions in an open, outdoor space, but they’re just as important as they are indoors. “If your backyard is expansive, create multiple intentional arrangements that feel grander in scale,” Galloway says. “Similarly, if your outdoor space is smaller, choose proportions that allow plenty of room to walk around and keep the area open and airy.” Consider how people move through the space, and always account for chairs being pulled out.

7. No Focal Point

Interior designers love to create a focal point in a room. Having a focal point can add visual interest and provide a central element to base our design choices on, resulting in a beautiful, cohesive space. The same theory rings true for your backyard. “Even in the outdoors, many people forget how important it is to ground your space,” Galloway says. “My favorite way to do so is by incorporating a rug.” Beyond grounding the space, a colorful statement rug brings an inviting, homely feel and creates a central point filled with personality and style.

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8. Clashing Indoor and Outdoor Decor

Do you think of your home interior and backyard as two totally separate spaces? If so, that might be where you’re going wrong. “At Andrew Martin, we see outdoor spaces as an extension of your indoor interior aesthetic,” Harris says. “This approach has been popularized in recent years with more and more product types available for indoor and outdoor use, from rugs and cushions to furniture.” Extend your interior design style seamlessly from inside to outside, ensuring a smooth transition between both spaces. “Whether going for bold and vibrant colors or softer, subtler tones, choose a style that resonates with your home and personality,” he says.

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