Today's homeowners are spending more time outdoors with family and friends and want to enjoy the same amenities they have inside for entertaining, cooking, and meals. Many are adding outdoor living spaces to their existing homes.
As the trend toward outdoor living has grown in popularity, the home furnishing industry has also expanded its offerings beyond the traditional table and chairs patio set. A new industry category known as outdoor living has emerged and offers the same design quality found in indoor furnishings.
Just as they do with interior spaces, designers at Sisler Johnston Interior Design help clients visualize elements their outdoor spaces should contain, such as fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, sundecks, dining, or entertainment areas. Together, they work to design a plan that includes furnishings and finishes that complement the client's lifestyle and the home's interior design.
According to Sisler Johnston, every outdoor living space design should include specific furnishing elements, including a dining group. It can be small and intimate, such as a bistro table, or large like a dining room table.
In the past, outdoor tables and chairs were typically painted white aluminum or resin and had acrylic or glass tops. Today's choices include wrought aluminum designed to look like expensive forged iron. This comes in an array of rustic finishes, and tops can range from marble, mosaic, and granite to tile or glass. Other choices include furnishings designed to look like authentic wicker and rattan. Since it is synthetic and durable, this type of material offers an attractive option for outdoor use.
Outdoor living spaces create wonderful entertaining areas, ideal for sofas and sectionals, while lounge chairs and chaises can provide additional seating in the furnishings plan. Weather-resistant outdoor fabrics, especially in the premier furniture lines, have a similar style and appearance to those used indoors and can be corded in contrasting colors as an added design element. Custom pillows are available with weather-resistant cords, fringes, and tassels. Other furnishings include coffee and lamp tables, which are offered in distressed woods, wicker, rattan, and metals.
Rug manufacturers have expanded their lines to include indoor/outdoor products in a variety of styles from contemporary to traditional, understated or elaborate. These rugs are durable enough to be cleaned with a hose and are fade and stain-resistant.
Lighting manufacturers also have started offering decorative floor and table lamps designed for outdoor use. The lamps have mildew-resistant shades and decorative styles that are sophisticated enough to also use indoors. Many of these new products help blur the lines between the home's interior and exterior spaces.
"The continuity and coordination in the design of outdoor living spaces can make a home appear larger and add to its appeal," Sisler Johnston said. "Outdoor living spaces can provide great pleasure for homeowners since they combine the comforts of indoor living with the refreshment of nature and the great outdoors."
ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with timeless elegance and classic style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville's leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional, and reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles.
Sisler Johnston's design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines, and television programs. Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.
For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.
