Article chairs, side table, pouf (not specified for outdoor use) c/o
Moving from a city condo to our suburban house has been life changing in all the best ways. We went from being anonymous owners in a great big building to interactive neighbors with square footage that’s all our own. But by far my favorite upgrade is having outdoor space with a mix of porch and lawn. Trading in that three story walk-up means we can step outside at any time, grill to our hearts content, and entertain on a whim. It also lets me harken back to middle school + high school years of roasting s’mores over the fire pit in my parents’ backyard. Those fond, smoke-smell-in-my-hair memories get me all the more excited to begin new traditions in this home.
But with this added area came the challenge of maximizing function while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. The online furniture retailer, Article was a perfect fit for checking off those criterion. Everything they offer is cutting edge without crazy markups and built with quality in mind. So I stuck to three basic guidelines in creating a welcoming, outdoor entertaining space using pieces from the brand that embodied our simple yet chic aesthetic:
start with quality foundation pieces
When it comes to outdoor furniture there’s no question that durability is key. So finding items that will withstand any elements and provide comfort should top the priority list. This is where the bulk of the money ought to be focused because the investment will offer longevity. Our chosen chairs and side table have all the functionality for seating while still giving us that minimal look we wanted.
add in multi-function accents
Tackling a small space can be tricky in that it gets cluttered quickly. So identifying necessary additions that can serve multiple purposes will keep that overload to a minimum. Our firepit serves as both an aesthetic addition and practical heater. It creates ambiance but with good reason. Similarly, the pouf can act in lieu of another table, as a footstool, or even offer a plush third seat. There’s no shortage of options with these specific items.
finish off with interchangeable elements
Here’s where a design eye will really go to town. The finishing touches of a small space lend character and personality. Plus, they’re generally the area in which to bargain hunt because they can be switched throughout the season. Our throw blanket, outdoor pillows, and candleholders are all pieces that won’t break the bank. So if I tire of a pattern by mid-July, I’ll swap it out for a contrasting look.
Now that we’ve maximized this little square footage to fit our needs, we love the opportunities it provides for outdoor entertaining. I recently had a couple of my girlfriends over to sip spritzers, look laughable eating watermelon, and bask in the beautiful summer weather on our updated porch. Here are some images from our day–enjoy!
If you’re looking for more outdoor entertaining inspiration, check out these fellow #ArticleHosts who are also sharing their designs + tips: Bethany Menzel, Bethany Menzel, Jenna Rammell, Jenna’s Kitchen, Bre Bertolini, Brepurposed, Amanda Holstein, Advice From A 20 Something.
Thank you to Article for partnering with us on this post.
