Do you want to create your ideal outdoor living space? Something that suits your needs and makes you the envy of all the neighbors? Sounds great, but most people aren’t sure how to get started. We’ve asked our Homecrest Design Pros to answer your questions on outdoor living. See if any of the questions below could apply to you. We also invite you to email your questions and our Design Pros will offer solutions: Contact Us

Q: I see that deep-cushion furniture is available for outdoor use. Does it really hold-up outdoors? And what about drying time in wet conditions?

You’re right – we are seeing more outdoor cushion furniture that resembles interior products. Yes, it does hold up well and it can be worth it for those who want the ultimate in comfort. Fabrics have come a long way and most people don’t realize that the individual threads are treated for water repellency, making the resulting fabric ultra-impermeable. And the new fabrics aren’t stiff, either. They’re soft and comfortable. And tough!

Outdoor cushions are specially constructed for quick drying, but it’s best not to expose them directly to a lot of moisture, if possible. Check out Homecrest’s Divano and Grayson collections for deep-cushion comfort and beautiful design. If you are looking for the fastest-possible drying time, consider Permaplush, a special, quick-drying cushion product available on many Homecrest collections.

Q: What pieces should I add to complement a basic outdoor dining table and chairs and create more of a “living” area?

This is such a great question – it really goes to the heart of the matter. Think of it this way – when you entertain indoors, you don’t sit around the dining table all night. You usually move to more comfortable seating. So, do the same thing outdoors. Add a chair and ottoman with a side table, or even an entire grouping that is more of a “conversation” area. In fact, one of the hottest trends in outdoor furniture is the conversation height table (lower than a dining table) with lower profile, wider chairs. Some tables even come with a small firepit built into the center. Homecrest makes a firepit table with either granite or cast iron inserts. Add a few swivel rockers or motion chat chairs and you’re ready for a good, long talk with friends. Homecrest’s Uptown Adirondack or Holly Hill collections are both good options for chat chairs.

Q: We love spending time outdoors, but we live in a condo. How can we make the best use of our balcony space?

It really depends on how you want to use the space. If you like to eat outside, there are balcony height tables and chairs that allow you to sit a little higher and not look directly at your railing. There also are options in smaller, lightweight, but durable chairs and tables. Check out our Manhattan collection for a sleek, urban look. There are also chaise lounges and chairs/ottomans that offer comfort at a smaller scale to fit well on a balcony and not overpower a smaller space. Balcony bar stools are what we’d recommend for balconies.

Q: Are there regional trends in outdoor furniture – or materials that work better in different climates?

As you might expect, people in coastal regions lean toward the brights and pastels that reflect the environment. Nature colors are popular in Northern regions and sophisticated fabrics and modern lines work well in urban areas. For more information on regional color themes, go to Homecrest Color Stories.

Aluminum frame outdoor furniture is lighter weight and easy to move. Steel frame furniture works well in permanent settings or where windy conditions call for a heavier frame. Often design aesthetics dictate the materials and the look you want – and whether or not the furniture will be stored in the off-season.