Outdoor Furniture Trends for 2014: How to Create Your Own Oasis

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Maybe it’s to live a healthier lifestyle, save more money or go on that trip you’ve been talking about for years. Or perhaps it’s to bring the holiday retreat to your own backdoor, and create an outdoor oasis that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a whole different world.

As you go out with the old and in with the new, we look at few outdoor furniture trends set to rule 2014 and transform your terrace into a much needed vacation spot –  ideal for entertaining in, relaxing and escaping to your own private haven.

50 Shades of Colour

Think vibrant and cheerful shades with a hint of playful patterns to reflect a feel-good holiday vibe. People want to incorporate more colours into their lives for 2014 so fun and classic outdoor fabrics, treated to stain resistant, will appeal to a variety of décor flavours.

For added boldness, pair patterns and intense colours with neutral palates such as natural browns, whites and greys. Outdoor furniture ranges that lean towards these tones will always stand the test of changing trends and times too.

Deep Seat Dining 

Sunken, casual dining is a growing movement and set to be even more popular for the New Year.  Whilst the convenience of outdoor kitchens has made purchases like stools and mini bar fridges common, people want something a little more laid back and versatile when it comes to eating outside.

Deep seat dining promotes a more spontaneous feel for families whilst still incorporating the outdoor alfresco atmosphere. Outdoor dining sets have always been a necessity for entertaining in the past but now people are following the bigger is better trend, allowing more room for all their guests at the one table.

Keep it Sizzling Hot

Traditional coffee tables are being spiced up with a little heat to accentuate an outdoor space and so fire pit tables are the hot new feature. Not only are they acting as a wow-factor focal point, they also create the perfect opportunity for friends and family to gather around and chat.

Fire pit tables are creating a cosy and welcoming ambience in homes and are great tool for toasting kebabs and of course, marshmallows.  They look attractive, boost the appeal of your home and come in a huge range of styles to reflect all tastes. Although they are safe to use when installed properly, be sure to keep an eye out – especially if you have children.

Cohesive Style vs. Mix and Match

When purchasing outdoor furniture, most people tend to look for sets that match and complement the existing décor and style of the home. Whilst it’s really a personal taste, the cohesive look is being replaced by a more adventurous preference.

To artfully mix and match different mediums can be hard so those opting for this alternative tend to work with a designer to achieve a certain look and feel. A great example to try is to pair wrought iron chairs with wooden tables.

The mix and match decision comes with more creative freedom but also depends on how much time you want to spend designing your outdoor space with furniture. Regardless of whether you choose to experiment with styles or go with something consistent, people still tend to enjoy buying everything from the same collection.

Expand and Enhance 

As outdoor entertaining becomes a more essential part of our lives, there is a growing desire to view the space as an extension of the home. Backyards are being transferred into a personal vacation spot so people are looking for products that are not only durable enough to stand up to all weather conditions, but look attractive and inviting.

More people seem to be investing their funds into enhancing the space they already have to create a holiday illusion just a few steps away.  Spending more time in natural surroundings and bringing the indoor vibe to outside living is what many of us want to incorporate for 2014.

Your Latest Investment 

Although buying low quality furniture may save you money in the immediate future but you’ll find it will need to be replaced every 2-3 years. Even at a low price, this figure can add up so it’s important you’re choosing items based on quality first to stand the test of time and harsh outdoor elements.

Indoor furniture tends to be seen as an investment for most of us, especially the bed and couches. Thinking of your outdoor furniture as an investment will ensure the long lasting appeal will make the savings worth it.