Hanging on to summer with these outdoor living trends ...

While I've been happily eying all of the velvets, studs and chunky knits that are making their way to store shelves in time for fall, I'm also stubbornly holding on to visions of patio season. And it's not too late to spruce up and enjoy your outdoor space!

So in the spirit of hanging on to that summer feeling, here are the top outdoor living trends for 2010 from Andrew Bockner of Andrew Richard Designs:

Boutique chic: “If it’s not possible to come home and instantly create that environment, choose your favorite aspect of the luxurious boutique hotel and use it as an inspiration or starting point to build from season to season," says Bockner in a release. "Though these days we like to be instantly gratified, there is still something to be said for adding to your perfect outdoor oasis to personalize it and make it right!”

Casual dining: Skip the traditional table and chairs and opt instead for relaxed groups of sofas, love seats, soft cushions and comfortable chairs gathered around a coffee table.

Fabrics that last: “Chenille, silk- and velvet-like fabrics are all big for 2010,” says Bockner, citing new advances in outdoor fabrics that allow these interior finishes to stand up to the elements. 

Understated colours: Subtler tones, like whites, slates, greys and blacks, are taking over from bolder hues, though Bockner recommends adding in a few bright accessories for a little summery pop.

Accessorize: Try outdoor rugs, stainless steel lanterns or pool torches, Moroccan lanterns and battery operated candles to give the outside the same polish as your interiors. “A little goes a long way,” explains Bockner. “A few well-placed accessories make any outdoor living space homier.”

Create separate spaces: Create areas for sitting, eating and entertaining to help break up your space into functional chunks.  “I often use small pavilions, outdoor rugs and strategically placed furniture to define the spaces from one another. It gives each area its own feel and purpose” says Bockner.

Read more about getting a glam outdoor space.

Comments

[Majesty Palm]

One thing that stood out in your picture was the outdoor plants...

We added Majesty Palms to our outdoor space and it added privacy which was great, but also gave it a more tropical feel!

Thanks for the extra ideas though!