Sunshine brings updates to outdoor living spaces

Some 75 percent of households across the United States intend to purchase at least one piece of furniture for their outdoor living space this spring. According to new research conducted by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, homeowners are assessing their 2013 purchase priorities in terms of functionality and price over size and style.

“The promise of spring has Americans anticipating time spent on their patios, decks and porches,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of public relations and marketing for AHFA. “Whether for relaxing alone or entertaining friends, these new outdoor furnishings will spruce up their space and help them take pleasure in the downtime they deserve.”

When selecting pieces to enhance their backyards and gardens, consumers indicated the most desired new furnishings include a chair or chaise lounge, umbrella, dining table, outdoor lighting, fire pit, pillows, outdoor rug and hammock.

The most prevalent product designs point to transitional and soft contemporary styling, with an abundance of soft curves and straight lines. Collections are enhanced with pieces designed for function, including storage ottomans and wedges, sofa tables and a serving station.

The new outdoor furnishings for 2013 reflect a range of woods, synthetic weaves and sturdy aluminum as well as a dynamic use of mixed materials. Sustainably harvested teak, mahogany and South American hardwoods, including eucalyptus, ipe and roble wood, are found in rich natural warm tones as well as weathered gray hues. And following a popular decorating style in interior furnishings, a number of lines are utilizing reclaimed teak.

Interestingly, a number of seating and table frames are crafted of aluminum finished with a faux-wood grain. All-weather wicker is constructed from synthetic materials formed into strands of various shapes and sizes, and woven in a range of patterns. Fashionable alternative tabletops include acrylic stone and leather.

Pointing to a sense of optimism and brighter, livelier days ahead, outdoor fabrics and finishes include bold pops of color for this season’s outdoor spaces. These graffiti brights include lime green, tangerine orange and vivid blues, from turquoise to azure.

Most common this season, Americans will relax on their patios (55 percent), decks (49 percent) and on their porches (38 percent). Other favorite outdoor spaces include flower or vegetable gardens (38 percent), swimming pools (21 percent) and balconies or rooftops (17 percent).

When asked how they plan to relax outdoors this season, 80 percent reported relaxing with family. Not far behind was relaxing alone (76 percent), followed by entertaining groups of friends (61 percent), downtime with a significant other (60 percent), entertaining other families (46 percent) and entertaining others’ children (28 percent).