How to Choose Outdoor Furniture for your Clients Landscape Design
In the midst of a global pandemic, creativity is more important than ever. In order to deliver for your clients, you need an edge. This can include showcasing the best lines and giving customers proper service. People are doing a lot of mundane things— putting together puzzles, working and sleeping in the same place, and taking short walks on the same streets. Your customers want to have fun! They’ll look for wow-factor daybeds, places to unwind with their kids, and a relaxing spot to have a meal with close family.
As we see outdoor design companies launch their 2021 lookbooks, I put together 6 things to help you choose outdoor furniture for your next project:
1. Measure out the entire space.
Skyline Design’s 2021 Dynasty Collection in White
Whether a commercial or high-end residential client, you’ll want to know exactly how much square footage and product can fit in the area. It’s important to have the complete area measured out. This information will give you an idea of how big (or small) the scale of furniture you can place throughout the project. In order to find out the amount of seating to plan for, ask your client the number of guests they’ll entertain on any given time or during a full-scale party.
2. Choose furniture collections that offer longevity and high performance.
MAMAGREEN in a Commercial Application at Fork + Ale House in Indiana
The outdoor living environment is quite harsh and will put any furniture to the test. You don’t have to sacrifice style for quality— it’s all there. You’ll be looking for heavy gauge aluminum frames with heavy micron powder coating. Keep an eye out for synthetic wicker wrapped with brand-named high density polyethylene or textilene. When possible, always choose Sunbrella fabric for cushions, shading options, and canopies for umbrellas.
3. Create measured out zones.
Skyline Design’s 2021 Dynasty Collection in Kubu Mushroom
Measure out each area and determine its theme. Will it be for dining, entertainment, or a play area? From there you’ll be able to select whether chaise lounges, sectionals, daybeds, or dining pieces are the right fit for each zone. One thing you won’t want to forget is to select proper umbrella coverage and canopies for each zone.
4. Select finishes to enhance each zone and landscape environment.
Shademaker’s 2021 Polaris Collection with Sunbrella fabric
Whether you’re working on a terrace or pool area, make sure you choose the right finishes for the frames. Bring the look up a notch with fabrics that compliment the entire look and feel of the zone and space. The key is to constantly enhance the environment through everything you incorporate— you’ll want to layer cushions, lamps, and rugs for a polished and well dressed ensemble.
5. Know when to customize.
MAMAGREEN’s 2021 STRIPE Collection
My general rule for customization is the customer is always right. You might think budget might come in play but customization is only around 10-15% more. If the collection is perfect but the color just isn’t quite right, you have an opportunity to customize. If you are looking to fill a zone with a daybed that is bigger, you can make that request. One major potential barrier to keep in mind is that with customization, you need time. If you have a 4 month project customization is perfect opportunity. I’d recommend starting a custom project for an upcoming Summer in the Winter months.
6. Add accessories to amplify the fun.
Panama Jack Outdoor Billiards— Outdoor Pool Table
Picking accessories is very important especially when people have been isolated for so long. Many are now looking to unwind, have fun and interact with one another. What comes to mind, are games and ambience - my favorites are outdoor pool tables, swings, and colorful lights for fun and happy times during the summertime poolside staycation days ahead!
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✌️ Be well, be safe, and be happy.