Outdoor style

Summer may not officially begin for another three weeks, but this weekend marks the start of outdoor living season.

Relaxing, dining and entertaining al fresco are sure to be on the calendar in the coming weeks and there are plenty of options to create your ideal outdoor setting.

"It's time to begin planning improvements for the warmer days ahead," said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance. "It's a great time for sprucing up outdoor living spaces. Even shoppers on a limited budget will find a lot of style and a lot of function without a lot of looking."

This year, those shopping for new outdoor furnishings will find stores stocked with fresh color, surprising new motion furniture and maximum value in all categories, she said.

Just as gray has become the new neutral in indoor spaces, it has quickly become a favorite for outdoor furnishings as well.

"Gray rolled into the outdoor living palette this year like a fast-moving summer storm," Hirschhaut said. "It is the trend-forward choice in every major material for outdoor furnishings."

Whether it is polished steel, hand-forged iron, weathered teak or synthetic wicker, gray is the backdrop for all other outdoor color directions this season. Stripes, geometric prints and florals pair gray with everything from butter yellow to poppy red to tropical blues.

"Thinking about your patio, garden or deck as an extension of your indoor living space is a great step in bringing great style and comfort outside," said Stephanie Grotta, Target's lead designer for Smith & Hawken. "No matter how many guests you are entertaining, make sure your outdoor space is inviting and comfortable."

Grotta recommends finding pieces that are versatile. "Look for multifunctional pieces that work with the size of your space and can accommodate more than one type of gathering -- from a casual barbecue to a cocktail party."

She is particularly fond of the Smith & Hawken Avignon teak extending table because it is flexible enough to accommodate a large gathering or an intimate family dinner.

Whatever piece is selected, Grotta said to purchase the highest quality furniture you can afford. "Look for pieces that can stand the test of time. Products made from premium-grade materials, such as Grade A teak or all-weather wicker, will create a great framework for your terrace, deck or patio for years."

She said if you consider how you like to entertain, it will help shape the look of your style and décor. "If you think about how you like to entertain or relax on weekends before you purchase, you can better tailor your furniture and accessories to your tastes."

Whether shopping for dining or lounge furniture, homeowners will find it's increasingly difficult to sit still this year, Hirschhaut said. Dining chairs bounce and swivel, while lounge chairs rock, recline and rotate.

"And two old-fashioned favorites are making a strong comeback this season: rockers and gliders," she added.

Also hard to miss this year is the added attention to small details in all price points and styles. Design flourishes -- from detailed scroll work in chair backs to shaped table bases to motion features -- mean added value for outdoor furniture shoppers, Hirschhaut said.

Because warm temperatures linger into the night, it's crucial that lighting is included in your outdoor décor. It also is a major component to setting the ambience, Grotta said.

"Festive string lights are a great way to create a stylish look without breaking the bank. Target has LED string lights in bright colors and patterns that offer up to eight hours of great LED light that automatically illuminate when the sun goes down," she said, adding that zinc-finished glass lanterns can double as centerpieces.

John Nault, a commercial sales representative for Lowe's in Las Vegas, said LED lights are economical as well, helping save costs on power. Another choice is solar-powered lighting.

When combined with music and plants and flowers in the garden, the outdoor lighting sets the mood, he said.