It’s easy to turn your poolside into the vacation destination of your dreams – all you need are the right outdoor pieces.
According to Mia Delport, marketing manager of Patio Warehouse, the best way to do this is by creating a look that’s decidedly Miami-retro – think black and white stripes, pops of pink, flamingo accessories, palm tree motifs and leafy plants. Comfort and convenience are other buzzwords, so select pieces that allow for low maintenance.
Not sure which pieces to choose? To create a sociable area that’s perfect for entertaining, as well as comfortable, consider the following:
A contemporary lounge set. Outdoor sets have become far more stylish, with new materials creating the same feel as indoor furniture. “The new acrylics allow for quick drying and drainage,” Alon Sachs, co-owner of Mobelli Furniture + Living, notes. This means you can leave them outside, no matter what the weather.
Image: Mobelli
A comfortable pool lounger. Sachs reveals that the spa look is very much in vogue, as is furniture that does double duty: for instance, go for a lounger with a built-in deck for stashing your drink or reading material. Quick-dry material is a must. Delport, meanwhile, says relaxation can be taken to the next level with a lounge daybed. Seaside-inspired shapes are in, she adds.
Image: Patio Warehouse
An umbrella. If your patio is on the small side, a centre-pole umbrella may be the best, making for the most compact and portable solution. Alternatively, opt for a cantilever model, with functionality allowing you to tilt or rotate the shade as the sun moves through the sky. As with everything this season, practicality and convenience are key.
Image: Patio Warehouse
Occasional tables. When you’re lazing poolside, you need somewhere to put your sunglasses and magazine when you go for a dip. Choose lightweight options so that they can be shifted around easily – placed next to your lounger if you’re alone, or moved to sit between chairs when guests come around. Sachs suggests nesting tables to create a current aesthetic.
Image: Mobelli
The right lighting means your pool area can be transformed into a great sundowner spot. Sachs notes that LED lights are an increasingly popular choice, particularly as they are waterproof. Purchase several different colours to wow guests with a water display.
Image: Mobelli
Pot plants are Delport’s accessory of choice, in keeping with the tropical trend.
Image: iStock
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