Take It Outside

        As a Decorator, I don't like to leave any room or space untouched and my favorite room to decorate is the livingroom.  I treat the livingroom like a lounge where it's all about style, comfort, and mood.  One way to extend that look is to take it outside, especially if you live in an environment where the climate allows this year round, but even if it doesn't, there are cool ways to easily enhance your outdoor living space beyond basic patio furniture.  If you have a balcony, terrace, rooftop, veranda, or even a fire-escape which was the case in my old studio in Brooklyn, all it takes is a little creativity and vision to hook it up. There is a lot of well designed, no fuss outdoor furniture which is great, but for me that's like buying a livingroom set e.g. uninteresting. I like to mix indoor pieces with outdoor pieces even though it requires a little more effort to maintain and manage. One way around this however, is to buy second hand pieces from flea markets, yard-sales etc. that are interesting and that you don't mind getting weathered, or pieces that are light weight and modular like folding chairs, small tables and even inexpensive rugs that can be folded as if it were a blanket such as the ones in photo #1.  That's an image of a balcony to a loft in Jersey City that I styled for a client who was entertaining and wanted a colorful and decorative extension to her livingroom where her guest could assemble and chill outside.  The pieces she didn't want to leave outdoors after the party were easy to gather and store indoors and replace the next time for her own personal leisure.
        The space in photo #2 is another example where comfort doesn't have to stop at the door.  Set in the Caribbean, it is a year round functional space used for entertaining and relaxing.  The large bottom rug is sea-grass which endures the Caribbean climate and the small shag was purchased at an antique shop which the owners don't worry about getting weathered, (even though for some reason that section of the veranda rarely succumbs to wetness during frequent rains).  The loveseat pulls out to a sleeper if an afternoon sieste is needed.  The coffee table is a Nelson Bench designed by famed designer George Nelson.  I wouldn't recommend using this outside if you don't want the worry of it getting ruined, or depending where you live, stolen. It is however, lightweight and therefore easily moved; a small sacrifice for style. When furnishing your outdoor haven, a couple of things to be aware of is direct sunlight and moisture.  Over time sunlight will fade and/or destroy fabrics, textiles, and woods. The small cylinder stools in the photo are made of mango wood which cracks in direct sunlight and the basket housing the plant under the console is water hyancinth which will deteriorate if in contact with excessive moisture.  The African lounge chairs however, are perfect for outdoor use. They're comfortable, durable, handle the elements, easily disassembled and stylish. Although they were purchased stained, the fading provides a more raw and rustic look that works well in this scheme.  Whatever you choose, do your research and ask questions before purchasing items or just make it funky with things you like and don't mind enduring the elements. In any case, take a load off, it's time for a cocktail in the great outdoors.  Cheers.