It may be cooling off in some parts of the country it has been in the 70s here the last few days! but I don’t think summer has given her swan song. There is still some heat to go, meaning we’ll be relishing the pool a bit longer. I gave you a glimpse of our outdoor furniture when I shared Milly’s birthday, but today I wanted to go into a bit more detail. Because it really is all about the details…
Let’s start from the beginning. Our pool deck is quite spacious in terms of outdoor space, but all that concrete means something needs to go on it to make it look more inviting. Before we moved into the house my parents offered up an old patio set they had bought in the 90’s at a local store called Seasonal Concepts. It may not have been my ideal furniture, but it was free and something I knew I could work with.
My mother-in-law saw it and said they had the exact same set from the exact same store and decade weird and we were welcome to it. I knew I had struck gold here. Whenever you can have multiples you create a more cohesive look which in turn feels more purposeful and less hand-me-down. So yes, not looking so great above, but with a few changes, the sets went from dated to timeless.
I’m talking more about their transformation on Domino today, but essentially a little paint and some fresh cushions gave new life to these chairs and tables. It’s pretty hard to find great cushions locally they’re all so…brown so I turned to an amazing online source: Cushion Source. They custom make everything from outdoor curtains to window seat cushions and offer over 1,600 fabrics to choose from.
I was able to order fabric samples and then build my cushions and pillows, picking every last detail. Add ons like piping and tufting make a huge difference in the look, and those are all completely customizable. These more lounge-y chairs were huddled around a fire pit table at our last house. The table had seen better days but the chairs were still in good condition minus the cushions so I broke them into two sets to form little seating areas. The button tufting is my favorite. For something hollywood regency I could have gone with black buttons, but I stuck with white for a more traditional feel.
This particular fabric came with a 6 year colorfast warranty. I don’t know anything that has a warranty that long. Many a family member scoffed at my fabric choice white? I guess we’re not allowed to sit on these? but I had the last laugh when Flamin’ Hot Cheeto fingers ended up all over them on the fourth of July, and the red residue practically evaporated off the fabric. These are investment pieces, but they’re definitely worth the investment.
No space is complete without a little styling, and the best way to achieve a comfortable outdoor area is to treat it like an indoor one. Rugs, potted plants and mood lighting in the form of candles and string lights will go far. A mirror will open up the space, add depth and bring in extra sparkle.
In about a month the midwest will be seeing the best weather of the year. We may be known for unpredictable weather, but the fall brings the most steady and delightful temps. While many people are thinking about packing away their outdoor living and focusing on the inside, I say why not embrace the best time of year to be outside? I’m planning to relax out here as long as I can.
theclosetter.com says
These look so pretty, what a great look, they look super expensive
🙂
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh wow, this is gorgeous. I love the black and white and all the detail is stunning.
Claire Brody says
Really gorgeous, Gwen! A little off topic – but have you ever done a post on your photography gear/tips? Ha, it's so good.
themakerista@gmail.com says
It's honestly been on my list since I started blogging, but I just never have done it! Guess I should. 🙂
mary h says
Pretty small font on that partnership disclosure……
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
You've made such a lovely poolside space gwen. I am always a fan of b + w outdoor details and these are STUNNING my friend! xo
Amanda says
I love that you reused the outdoor dining tables and chairs. I think that vintage vibe is fantastic, plus those are cast iron right? They'll last forever! We have a big 6-top table and chairs like that, we love them, although they need repainted!
themakerista@gmail.com says
They are, thanks so much, Amanda!
Francine Dressler says
Where did you purchase the umbrella? A beautiful makeover.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Francine. I actually snagged it at Aldi a few summers ago. It was $20 or $25. I know, crazy. I should have bought more!
Kimberly Duran says
Oh this is just STUNNING. I love all the details in the cushions and the black piping is just so chic. Absolutely utterly gorgeous! xxx
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks. 🙂
Jessica Holte says
LOVING this look! I've been meaning to hang some pretty white lights like that around our pool; what kind do you use? Just outdoor Christmas lights? Are they glass?
themakerista@gmail.com says
These are the big outdoor bulbs from Lowe's, they're the allen + roth line. Outdoor lights aren't cheap, but they are really hardy and long lasting. Thanks, Jessica!
Amy Carrillo says
Gorgeous. I love how you transformed that patio set! I love all the details, especially the piping on the cushions.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Amy!
A Designer At Home says
It's such a different looking set! I'll definitely look at those dilapidated craigslist listings a bit different now.
sarah m. dorsey says
What a difference!! SO SO good!
Emily Wignall says
beautiful! Love the classic black and white. so chic.
Ann says
I too was about to scream "WHITE???" — but then I saw the cheetos debacle…phew!
http://www.annlanglois.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
😉
fsouter says
what kind of fabric is that???
themakerista@gmail.com says
It's outdoor fabric. It's pretty amazing stuff!
Dee says
Gwen, can you tell me the name of the exact fabric you used? Many thanks! Ciao, Dee
themakerista@gmail.com says
http://www.cushionsource.com/fabrics.php#fabric=TT-1044-15%7C6280 Here is the fabric for the chairs. The second picture from the bottom has all of the fabrics linked underneath it. This one is the Para Tempotest Sand Gardenia. Hope this helps!
Harry Zimmerman says
Can you please tell me the depth of your chair cushions?2"?3"?4"? Thank you. Are they Sunbrella ?
themakerista@gmail.com says
The patio set cushions are 3" and the others are 3" on the back and 4" on the bottom. They are the PARA Tempotest White Gardenia. Hope that helps!
Whitney Shortt says
Wow. It's amazing how you can transform a piece if you just take the time to look past what can be an ugly or dated exterior. Fabulous job!
Sharon says
Fresh, current, and fabulous! Job well executed. I hope you have a summer of enjoying the fruits of your labor. It’s everything.
Sharon
The House of Hampton
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Sharon!
Carol says
I am furnishing a new sunroom and last night FINALLY made the decision to use black and white. This post couldn’t have been more timely or inspirational! It’s lovely, thank you.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Carol, glad you felt inspired!
Tammy W says
Can you please tell me where you bought your umbrella? It’s perfect for the look I’m going for on my patio!
themakerista@gmail.com says
It’s from Aldi several years ago, but Walmart has a similar one this year from Better Homes and Gardens collection!