Last Sunday was a beautiful blue sky day with golden sunlight highlighting the fall foliage around the lake so it glowed red, orange and yellow. Although I felt warm in the sun, I knew my husband was right when he announced “Today we need to break down the outdoor living and dining areas and get the furniture stored because the weather’s going to turn.”
The outdoor sofa is one of my favorite places to write.
Heavy sigh – I hate giving up our outdoor living space – even if it is only temporary. As you know from my previous posts, I literally lived outside every chance I got during the spring and summer. But even all-weather wicker doesn’t work well in snow – and El Nina promises us a white winter. Time to store the furniture, take down the outdoor curtains and move the lamp and candles indoors.
Outdoor Living Trend
I know my fondness for my outdoor rooms mean I’m part of a trend - outdoor living has grown tremendously over the past several years. Retailers have noted that outdoor home furnishings are one of their strongest offerings. Homeowners have discovered they can add extra living space to their home without remodeling! By furnishing a porch, patio, deck or balcony with comfortable furniture, outdoor rugs, weatherproof decor and lighting, homes feel bigger as owners flow from inside to outside seamlessly. In some areas outdoor heating has even extended outdoor living beyond the warm weather months.
A consumer survey by “Furniture Today”, an industry magazine, revealed homeowners considered the outdoor room as their third most popular space for adding new furnishings – just behind the family room/den and the master bedroom.
If you’re among the 60% of consumers who plan to buy outdoor furniture in the next two years you might want to think about doing so now. You may not get to use it until next year but in many parts of the nation retailers have slashed prices on remaining summer furnishtings to make room for current seasonal items. If you’ve got a place to store outdoor furniture, you can save significantly buying off season…and you’ll be ready to get back outside the minute the weather allows.
Really?
I know it may seem strange spending money on summer outdoor furnishings in November but the outdoor room is a trend with staying power. Why not save money while creating your own little sliver of paradise for stay-cations? Besides, if you are lucky enough to get a few good pieces with significant savings now - you’ll have enough budget to daydream about summer decorating plans during some of the cold, dark nights this winter!
Do you think I’m crazy or do you love outdoor rooms – and are you an off-season shopper too?
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Thanks for sharing this ideas, I love the concept. Keep it up.
Stores have long been out of stock for summer furniture in our northwest area. We’ve noticed, in fact, that inventory is way down during the season, partly because stores are watching their overhead. But if you see something in their catalog or like a floor model, they will order it. I held off this year so will be looking again next spring.
I find myself in the same boat – needing new yard furniture but too late for end of season sales. I’ll be watching those early spring sales like a hawk!
.-= Terrie´s last blog ..Accessorizing for the Seasons =-.
I had already “marked” your June 4th blog.
Still looking for that “bargain” on outdoor “steamer chairs” for the boathouse deck, etc. What did we EVER DO before Google, etc.?? Happy hunting! franki