Patio Season Prep

Patio season is practically synonymous with spring and summer in Canada. It may not feel warm enough yet, but now is the best time to search for outdoor furniture and accessories that will serve you well this year and next. Many stores are even offering sales to ease us into the right mindset.

Here are a few of my favourite stores and patio sets for 2015:

HIGH END

Andrew Richard is the go to store for many Torontonians’ looking to invest in quality patio furniture that stands the test of time. Offering countless collections that appeal to all styles, they’re a great place to begin your search and determine the right direction for your outdoor space. They've also just extended their Pre Season Sale with up to 75% off for another week! Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with a few options while visiting their beautiful store on King East.

Restoration Hardware is another personal favourite when it comes to countless styles of outdoor furniture and accessories. Check out their NEW Cannes Collection with sculptured arms and removable cushions or their Algea Collection for something more minimalist and contemporary. Some of my favourite lounge chairs this season are also by RH including their brand new Tulum and St. Bart’s series.

Never one to disappoint when it comes to outdoor accessories, they also feature countless sunbrella cushions, durable and bright umbrellas and a series of fire tables like their NEW concrete Ixtapa to inspire warmth and ambience outdoors. Although their website pricing is in US Dollars, many of their most popular items including their Parisian inspired bistro sets are currently on sale.

Jardin de Ville is a Quebec based company that’s been in operation since 1965. Their Toronto store, also in the King East Design District, is another great resource for beautiful, Miami inspired outdoor patio sets, dinning tables and lounge chairs.

MID RANGE

CB2 is the perfect store for anyone looking to purchase contemporary patio furniture and not break the bank. Favourite sets include the Java Outdoor Sectional and Horizon Chaise Lounge, both of which are described as minimalist but warm. I’m a huge fan of contrasting these styles with their indoor/outdoor concrete coffee tables like the Element and the Shroom. If you’d rather something more monochromatic, their all grey Ebb Outdoor Sectional uses traditional woven material in a streamlined, contemporary way.

West Elm is your store if you love vintage inspired furniture both indoors and out. I’m a big fan of all of their mid century inspired dinning and lounge sets. The Auburn Outdoor Lounger is a particular favourite given its colour combination that’s both masculine and practical for the outdoors. They also feature fun accent pieces like their Pebble Coffee Table and Mosaic or Metallic Side Tables.

Crate & Barrel, the parent of CB2, is another mid range store with beautiful outdoor options. My personal favourites this season are their Dune and Ventura collections. Be sure and check out Crate & Barrel’s outdoor accessories as well with tons of beautiful planters, textiles, area rugs etc. to help create an indoor inspired oasis outdoors.

MOST AFFORDABLE

IKEA is well known for affordable pieces that are a pain to assemble but extremely practical from a space saving perspective. Many of their bistro sets adorn patios and balconies across the city for this very reason. Favourite sets include Applaro in Hallo or Kungso fabric. The Falster table and chair or bench combination is both simple and practical for entertaining outdoors. While visiting IKEA be sure and checkout their outdoor storage solutions and pick up their Runnen deck tiles now available in black and grey as well as wood finishes.

Hardware Stores like Lowes and Canadian Tire are equally great resources for affordable patio furniture while supplies last. Personal favourites this year include the Canvas Teak Dinning Chairs and Canvas Salina Couch at Canadian Tire as well as the All Things Cedar dinning tables of varying sizes at Lowes.

It’s important to think of your outdoor space just as you would any room in your home. Don’t forget all the important elements including furniture, textiles, colour, scale, proportion, lighting, accessories and ambience to ensure countless warm days living the good life outdoors.