Outdoor living spaces are all the rage, and it’s easy to see why. Outdoor entertaining is incredibly fun, especially during the spring and summer months when friends can gather for anything from casual cookouts to sunset cocktails. But they’re just as great for relaxing in the crisp morning air with a cup of coffee. Whatever your dream may be, there is a lot you can do to create an outdoor living space you’ll love for years to come.
Creating an outdoor living space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you have a large patio or just a small garden area, with a little creativity and some expert advice, you’ll have a new favorite room of the house — and it won’t even be under your roof!
But where to begin?
Forshaw of St. Louis is a one-stop shop for all things outdoor décor and furniture, from patios to fireplaces, furniture, grills and accessories. Now in its fifth generation, Forshaw has become one of the oldest privately-owned hearth and patio retailers in the county, with a legacy dating back to 1871.
The company has seen a lot of fads come and go, but one of the company’s current owners, Rick Forshaw Jr., says furnished outdoor areas are here to stay.
“Before COVID-19, the outdoor area was really just an afterthought. Now it’s a core element of how people socialize. Furnished outdoor areas are a great way to extend the enjoyment of your home for all seasons — if done right,” he said.
Expert advice for creating an outdoor living space
Before making any purchases, take a look at your outdoor space — its size and orientation. Then consider how it will be put to use.
“Focusing on comfort and how you’re going to use the space are a few questions I always start people with,” Forshaw said.
That means considering the types of entertaining that you’re going to do most.
“If you’re going to eat meals outside a lot with a group of eight, make sure you get a large enough table. If you only have a small garden area, consider adding some of our Polywood recycled material Adirondack chairs,” Forshaw said.
Planning to sit around a fire pit roasting marshmallows and more? Go for comfort.
“You’re going to want to splurge on something more comfortable if you’re sitting out there for longer periods of time,” he said.
There are a variety of trends right now in outdoor furniture, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Wicker and aluminum are popular durable materials that Forshaw carries in a variety of brands, colors and styles. Pure teak and hybrid teak designs appeal to sustainably minded shoppers.
“We can also help customers mix pieces, too, and create a more eclectic look,” Forshaw said.
Forshaw says another feature of a well-designed outdoor living space includes mushroom patio heaters, a fire pit or a gas or wood standalone outdoor fireplace, of which Forshaw can handle the construction.
“Heating elements or fireplaces make a huge difference in how long into the season you can use your outdoor space,” Forshaw said. “It’s a reason for entertaining. Marshmallows, s’mores, hot cocoa — it’s really fun entertainment.”
Other must-have outdoor accessories include Sunbrella shades and patio umbrellas, including the cantilevered umbrella that tilts to provide much-needed shade all day long, as well as outdoor grills. Forshaw stocks more than 100 grills but can also build custom outdoor kitchens with refrigeration, griddles, sinks, ice makers and more.
“When you have a nice space for grilling with outdoor furniture and ambiance, it’s just nice to have people over,” he said. “It really helps create an intention for what you’re doing, and it makes it more intimate.”
Post time: Mar-05-2022
