Ask a Designer: Your Outdoor Furniture FAQs, Answered
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Designing an outdoor space — whether it’s a cozy backyard, a stunning garden, or an elegant patio — can be both exciting and overwhelming. We’re your goto outdoor furniture BFFs, here to spill on the most frequently asked questions outdoor space designers get. And trust us, we’ve heard it all. From “How do I make a small patio feel big?” to “Can my outdoor cushions survive my dog, my toddler, and a sudden rainstorm?” — we’ve got answers.
Where do I even start when designing an outdoor space?
Ah, the age old question. Where to start? Right where you are. Take a stroll around your space, squint a little, and imagine: How do I want this to feel? Cozy and intimate? Pool party central? Kid and wine glass friendly?
Designers typically begin with a goal for the space, then build out zones — dining, lounging, grilling. If your space is more “charming nook” than “sprawling estate,” prioritize. You can eat on a sofa (we fully support this), but you can’t lounge on a dining chair.
Pro tip: Start with furniture that works hard and looks good. (Hi, that’s us.)
Does outdoor furniture really matter that much?
If you're asking us, the answer is a very enthusiastic 1000% yes. The right furniture is the difference between a space you rarely use… and one you never want to leave. It’s what turns your backyard into an outdoor living room — just as comfy as your trusty indoor sofa.
Designers know outdoor furniture is the backbone of the whole setup. It sets the tone for how people gather, relax, and just hang out without a care in the world. The right pieces can make a tiny balcony feel like a rooftop resort. The wrong ones? Yeah… we don’t talk about those.
Bottom line: Invest in pieces that can handle weather, spills, and whatever life throws at them — while still being oh-so-comfy.
What materials actually hold up outside?
Designers get this question a lot. The quick cheat sheet:
Teak: Beautiful, strong, and ages like fine wine.
Powder-coated aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, sleek, and super easy to clean.
All-weather wicker: Attractive and tough.
Sunbrella® fabrics: The best of the best when it comes to performance fabrics.
And yes, our collections check all these boxes. 😉
Fire pits — do I really need it?
If you’re asking us (and outdoor designers everywhere), it’s a solid yes. A fire feature instantly adds warmth, glow, and that irresistible “let’s stay out here all night” kind of energy.
Whether you’re hosting happy hour or winding down with a good book, a fire table becomes the cozy, flickering heart of your outdoor space
What’s the deal with accessories? Are they actually necessary?
Short answer: absolutely.
Pillows, lanterns, outdoor rugs, planters — these little touches can elevate your space from “nice” to wow. They bring in color, texture, and, most importantly, your personality. That’s why we designed our furniture with a neutral palette: the perfect blank canvas for your personal flair.
Designers always say your outdoor space should feel just as cozy and styled as your indoor one. If you’re looking for that seamless indoor to outdoor transition, look no further, you’ve found us.
We keep our accessory collection small and thoughtfully curated because quality beats quantity every time — no pushy upsells, we promise. For all the fun extras, your favorite stores like Target, HomeGoods, or local shops have everything you need to make your space truly shine.
Can outdoor furniture survive pets, kids, and surprise weather tantrums?
If it’s ours, absolutely.
Our goal is to deliver durability and style, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice either. Our pieces are tested to handle all the “oops” moments life throws your way: muddy paws, Cheeto fingers, spontaneous storms, and even enthusiastic cannonballs.
And as Minnesota natives, we designed our furniture to brave those chilly winter months. Just a heads up: we recommend bringing cushions indoors if temperatures dip below freezing. But the frames? They’ll tough it out just fine under their protective covers.
Need a little help turning your outdoor dreams into reality?
We’re here for you with free design consultations — no pressure. Whether you need a listening ear, an ideamaker, or a backyard layout pro, we’ve got you.
If a design consultation sounds helpful, here are some questions and topics you can bring to your designer to set yourself up for success. Remember: better questions = better results. But don’t stress — our designers are pros and will guide the conversation to get you exactly where you need to go.
Questions About Space & Layout
“How much furniture will comfortably fit here?”
“Where should walkways go?”
“Can we fit multiple zones?”
Questions About Use & Lifestyle
“How do we design this for how we actually live?”
“How many people should this space seat?”
“Do we need shade, storage, or heating?”
Questions About Materials & Durability
“What materials work best in my climate?”
“How weatherresistant is this fabric?”
“What maintenance is required?”
Questions About Style & Cohesion
“How do we make the space feel intentional?”
“What colors or finishes work with my home?”
Designing an outdoor space doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and you definitely don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right furniture, durable materials, and a few smart design choices, your backyard, balcony, or patio can become your new favorite place to hang out.
Whether you’re dreaming up a cozy lounge spot, a dinnerpartyready dining area, or a space that can survive kids, pets, and surprise weather tantrums, we’re here to help you make it happen. Our inhouse designers love turning “I have no idea where to start” into “wow, this feels like me.”
If you’re ready to create an outdoor space that’s comfortable, functional, and built to last, book a free design consultation. Bring your questions, your Pinterest boards, your measurements — those help us work our magic even faster. And if measuring feels intimidating, don’t worry. A quick lengthbywidth of your space (plus any doorways or tight spots) is all we need to get started. We’ll guide you every step of the way and help you build a space you’ll never want to leave.
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