Right at Home: Bright Ideas for Outdoor Furniture

Earthy hues that blend into the landscape tend to dominate the outdoor furniture market. Understated woods, metals and cushions are easy-to-incorporate neutral elements.

But outdoor spaces also offer the chance to be more adventurous than we are inclined to be indoors.

Maybe bolder balconies and peppier patios on your redecorating radar?

"Vibrant color has dominated the home furnishings arena since last fall, and after an unusually cold winter, the time's ripe for bright color to become a focus for our outdoor spaces. Color is a great energizer," says Jackie Hirchhault, marketing vice president for the American Home Furnishings Alliance, based in High Point, N.C.

Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist at Pier 1, says lively outdoor pieces give people a way to make a statement: "Incorporating pops of color with furniture and accessories adds personality and flare."

She suggests adding a colorful bench to the patio to coordinate with a more traditional or neutral dining set. "One new piece is a simple, budget-friendly way to make a big impact," she says.

"Brightly colored furniture is also a quick way to punch up a small space," she adds. A bistro table and chairs in playful hues sets the stage, and you don't need much more than a few additional pieces to create an inviting space, even if it's a tiny terrace.

Pier 1's Paris-inspired Neely Bistro Set comes in red or peacock blue rust-resistant cast aluminum. Frontgate's powder-coated aluminum side and bar chairs in fresh colors like aqua and melon come in whimsical designs like curlicues and floral motifs.

The Rock Point acacia wood bench can be had in red, marine blue or dandelion yellow, and has the added benefit of being foldable for off-season storage. Synthetic rattan chairs are weather resistant and come in an array of clean, crisp brights like ocean, purple, orange and yellow. ( http://www.pier1.com )

Z Gallerie's Madison garden stool comes in gold for a touch of metallic flair. You'll also find the Mimosa lantern, featuring a filigreed Moroccan motif in mandarin, white, lemon and aquamarine. ( http://www.zgallerie.com )

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Right at Home: Bright Ideas for Outdoor Furniture