Mixing solids and prints gives your patio furniture style and helps hide wear and tear.

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, we will return to our patios for outdoor living. If you are thinking toward summer like I am, here are some tips for improving your patio space.

Most outdoor furniture lasts a long time because it is made to be durable and withstand weather’s worst. But even if your cushions are covered in outdoor fabric, they take a beating from sun and rain. Fortunately, it’s easy to get your outdoor cushions recovered, and it gives your whole patio a new feel and look. We work with a couple of outstanding area upholsterers who will recreate your cushions using in-stock or special-order fabrics.

Group your patio furniture into "rooms" to give the space purpose and flow.

I like to mix up the patterns a bit on those fabrics. For example, if your outdoor furniture includes a sofa and chairs, you might use a solid fabric on the sofa and stripes or another print on the chairs. Toss in some colorful pillows to add even more interest.

As you choose outdoor fabrics, remember the dirt factor. That light beige might be really pretty on your dark furniture, but it won’t be so great after your kids climb on it. Instead, look to patterns for hiding wear and tear.

If you have a large patio space, consider grouping furniture much like you would inside your home. For example, you might have a sitting area, a dining area and a firepit area. Lay outdoor rugs within each space to provide room “borders,” and add potted plants in various sizes as accents. And don’t forget to block the sun—if you don’t have a patio cover or pergola, an umbrella offers yet another punch of color to your outdoor living room and keeps those rays at bay.

Need new outdoor furniture? Turn to iron first. It lasts better than wood outdoors, and it can be painted. Some coated rattans are also quite durable. We favor Vista-based Sunset West, who offers several patio lines that are really great quality.

Most important: once patio season is over, be sure to cover your furniture and store your cushions. If you do, you’ll find they are fresh and ready for the next season, saving you time and money.

If we can help spruce up your patio for spring, or with any of your design needs, please contact us.

Many of us in San Diego have pools that take up a good portion of the backyard or patio area. So after the day’s pool fun is over, use your pool area as a focal point for evening relaxation or parties.

Flowers and layered stones repurpose your pool as part of your outdoor decor.

If you’ve ever been to Vegas or an upscale hotel with a pool, you’ve seen the day beds you can rent for lounging. Outdoor day beds are expensive but you can make your own lookalike by buying two chaise lounges that lay completely flat. Put them together (you could connect them underneath with wire or rope) and either use the existing cushions or buy a large cushion that covers both chaises. Voila – you have your own daybed!

Another way to use your chaises is to set some the regular way – separated with the backs up – and then place others flat in an L-shape. This creates optional seating for those who might not want to commit to stretching out on a full chaise.

Since you will be seated around the pool, use your furniture to form conversational areas rather than lining up around the pool. Pick up a few inexpensive tables—some for those who stand and some for those who sit—and place them randomly around the area. Be sure to include a few seats and tables near the barbecue grill or outdoor bar, where people tend to congregate.

This lighted waterfall adds colorful ambience to an evening party around the pool.

Rather than ignoring the pool, use it as party décor. Buy a portable pool fountain at a discount store as a focal point. Or float flowers in the pool. The best flowers for this are those with a wider base, such as gardenias, gerbera daisies or orchids. Snip the stem, leaving about a one-inch length below the bud. Silk flowers are just as pretty and less likely to absorb water and sink away. Intersperse these with floating pool candles (don’t use regular candles – a quick online search will offer you numerous choices for buying these specialty candles).

Even if your gathering is not a designated pool party, be prepared for the rogue who jumps in (or gets pushed in) anyway. A wicker basket filled with soft, colorful beach towels will add splash of color to your pool deck and be a welcome comfort to those who get wet.

Please contact us at Style on a Shoestring if we can help with any of your home design needs.