The sun is out, the pollen count is high, and the cherry trees are blossoming. That’s a sure sign that it’s time to transform your outdoor space. This is an exciting year for planning or upgrading outdoor furnishings, as there are so many fun, functional, and beautiful options from which to choose.
To help you plan, we’ve put together an overview of the top seven trends for 2019.
1. Curated
Gone are the days when we’d buy a matching set of patio furniture, all from the same collection. A curated look – where it appears as if the pieces have been collected over time – has replaced the matchy-matchy vibe that was popular a few years ago. The curated trend makes sense, as many of us do add a sofa one year, swivel rockers the next year, and a dining set the year after that. The key is finding pieces that work great together.
This image shows how two collections by Jensen Leisure pair up beautifully. The Laguna settee and lounge chair (cushions in Premiere Lagoon) are mixed-and-matched with a Topaz chat table and side table.
We love the understated, streamlined look of the new Laguna settee group. The settee features gorgeous lines, with an Ipe timber frame and a mid-century bench-seat cushion that can seat three adults. The firm cushions are comfortable, hold their shape well, and drain water quickly.
The low-profile chat table and side tables from the Topaz collection feature a contemporary geometric design that completes the classic-yet-contemporary curated look.
2. Hybrid Materials
In keeping with the curated look, furnishings mix a variety of materials, finishes, and fabrics. You’ll find pieces that include powder-coated aluminum, timber, and outdoor wicker.
In this Coral deep seating collection by Jensen Leisure, the frame is a commercial-grade powder-coated aluminum. The arms and base are crafted from rich, brown Ipe hardwood. And the 100% recyclable all-weather, non-toxic Virofiber weave is handcrafted using a twisted, traditional basket weave.
3. Modular Seating
You can get so creative with a modular configuration, where every piece is a separate section. Create a love seat, U-shape, or serpentine. The versatility of modular pieces allows you to move seating around and tailor your space exactly the way you want it.
These pieces from the Mobilis collection by Tropitone include curved corner modules, a reverse curve module, and armless modules. Two 16” round tea tables complete the look. (The collection also includes ottomans and coffee tables.) The Mobilis collection can be special-ordered from Rich’s, with fabric choices in an array of colors.
4. Low-profile seating
Low-slung sofas and chairs with minimalist, streamlined silhouettes have been the rage for several years, and 2019 is no exception. Neutral colors continue to be “in,” complemented with throw pillows in contrasting colors, textures, and patterns.
This Leeward rocking sectional by our newest vendor, Telescope, is constructed of an almost indestructible marine-grade polymer (used as decking on cruise ships) with aluminum. Each section of this piece rocks independently. (We’ll have rocking sectionals in our showrooms soon, so be sure to stop in and give them a test-drive.)
5. Sculptural Oversized Pieces
While low-profile seating is extremely popular, “big” furniture is beginning to trend, as well.
Once you settle into one of these “marshmallow” chairs from the Monterra collection by OW Lee, you aren’t going to want to get up. They are unbelievably comfortable!
Featured here is the Monterra crescent love seat, swivel lounge chair, and spring lounge chair. And don’t forget the fire pit to complete the ambiance.
6. Fire Tables and Fire Pits
A fire pit or fire table is a must-have focal point of an inviting outdoor space. (Our next blog post will be dedicated to fire pits and fire tables, but we’ll give you a quick peek here.)
The Zen fire pit by OW Lee features an LED light display (over 1,600 colors to choose from), with modes such as fading, pulsing, glowing, and flashing. This fire pit is available in the popular “chat height,” which pairs nicely with low-profile furnishings.
7. Neutral and Vibrant Color Palettes
In the Pacific Northwest, our favorite “neutral” furniture colors range from whites to indigo blue to dark charcoal.
This Augusta deep seating collection by Ebel features a smoke-colored finish. The design combines a classic style with a modern edge. The finish looks like real wood, but is actually aluminum. The Augusta collection looks fantastic when paired with woven furniture. (Rich’s stocks the Augusta sofa in smoke.)
As shown in the Augusta collection, you can start with a calming base color such as grays, tans, and blues. Add pops of color in patio umbrellas, throw pillows, blankets, and outdoor rugs. Experiment with patterns, stripes, and fabric textures.
You may want to accent your furnishings with Living Coral, the Pantone Color of the Year
Here are suggestions for trending colors to try (color swatches courtesy of the Treasure Garden website):
Top row:
- sky
- cobalt
- navy
- blue jay
Middle row:
- aqua
- forest green
- kiwi
- sunset
Bottom row:
- red
- auburn
- berry
- amber
To add a Southwest kick to your neutrals, you can special-order fabric by the yard in 12 beautiful colors. Pictured here is fabric from The Pendleton® Collection by OW Lee.
Pendleton® Woolen Mills teamed up with Sunbrella® fabrics and OW Lee to create a fresh, new collection of products that encompass the rich artisanal heritage of all three American brands.
This video gives you a taste of what you’ll discover at Rich’s when you ask to see The Pendleton® Collection.
Ready to Update Your Outdoor Furniture?
Our five Puget Sound showrooms are chock-full of furniture groupings that will inspire you, and our staff is eager to help you select or special order the ideal furnishings to complete your desired look. Rich’s is located in Bremerton, Bellevue, Lynnwood, Tacoma, and Tukwila.