Outdoor Decor Trends for Better Summer Entertaining

Outdoor living in Southern California is a way of life. The outdoor space needs to be comfortable and eye-catching for a variety of entertainment occasions. An outdoor space should also reflect the character of the home and the personality of the homeowner. While home exteriors follow similar interior design rules, they do pose durability challenges. Withstanding the sun, rain, wind, occasional bugs, pollen and tree sap, are just a few of the dangers that await in the great outdoors.

Natural wood products are perhaps the most enduring for use in an outdoor space. The most desired and weather resistant woods are teak, redwood, cypress and cedar. Teak products develop a gray patina, providing additional character over time. Most wood items used outdoors require wood treatment to extend their life. Other popular materials for outdoor spaces include rattan, wicker and synthetic wicker made of resin materials.

Steel and wrought iron are often used in exteriors but over time will rust if not repainted and weather-proofed regularly. Lower-end outdoor furnishings are often made of aluminum and plastics. These items are functional but typically do not make bold design statements. They also tend to be less durable and often look nice for a few summer seasons before they wear out.

Fabric selections for exteriors are considerable, ranging from low-cost vinyl materials to high-end spun polyesters, olefin and acrylics. The fabric selected for the outdoors should be breathable, water resistant, UV resistant, abrasion resistant, colorfast and easily cleaned. The exterior color palette should be influenced by the natural surroundings, be it ocean, mountains, desert or countryside.

Solution-dyed acrylic fiber offers a natural look and feel while polymers are resistant to ultraviolet deterioration. For a lasting appearance, colors should be spun into the fibers of the yarn itself and not layered on the top of the fabric. Sunbrella is a popular brand of outdoor fabrics.

Mike Bowman of Patio Productions in San Diego (http://www.patioproductions.com) said, "Sunbrella is really great and we’re proud to offer it with our furniture…While Sunbrella fabrics are very stain resistant, they are not completely stain-proof and so it is recommended that you treat your outdoor furnishings like any other piece of furniture in your home."

When outdoor furniture is delivered be sure to complete and return the warranty card. Often there is a separate card included for the fabric. Most outdoor fabrics are not completely water proof especially when left out in a rain storm. If this happens water will eventually get into the cushions, buildup moisture, and cause fabrics to mold. If possible, bring the items or the cushions inside in bad weather.

Bowman of Patio Productions shared further thoughts on what people might look for when shopping for their outdoor spaces.

"In San Diego, we deal with a couple of unique environmental qualities," said Bowman. "For one, we have so many sunny days that sun damage and color fading are serious issues. The other unique environmental quality we contend with is the saline content of our air, because we get so much salt water evaporating off the ocean…So with our own line of furniture, Harmonia Living, we set out to address these two issues head-on while still delivering a product that is very aesthetically pleasing."

The selections for outdoor living are extensive and worth investigating over particular needs and outdoor challenges. Before making a final selection you should do careful planning about color, design, fabric and the type of entertaining you might do, further showcasing your home and personal style.