Create your own luxurious patio retreat

When Elvia Picco and Rob McAllister of Kelowna, B.C., downsized a year ago to a condo unit with a small patio, they kept their outdoor furnishings simple. The couple “now have a simple wooden drop-leaf table and four wooden folding chairs, as well as two comfy gravity chair loungers.”

It’s all about making life easy, functional — and comfortable.

If you’re in the market for outdoor furniture, now is a great time to check out the sales and possibly get a good deal on a patio set or add a piece or two to what you have.

While there is lots of cheap, cheerful — and indestructible — furnishings (think bright pink plastic Adirondack chairs and folding tables), Metro columnist and design expert Karl Lohnes says there’s also a trend to create a luxurious retreat on the patio with furniture and furnishings.

Higher end furniture looks like it belongs in a luxurious spa or hotel, says Lohnes — big, round outdoor beds with pull-up canopy; and spa loungers with terry towel covered cushions.

While there’s a return of real wood, including exotic woods from Thailand and Asia, and teak, the new outdoor colour palette revolves around neutrals and soft metal tones like gunmetal grey.

The whole idea is to create a getaway place ... and even if you’re in a downtown core, it will feel like you’re somewhere faraway and exotic like the south of France, says Lohnes.

BUYING TIPS

• Outdoor Patio Furniture Info, a helpful online blog, provides these tips when buying furniture.
• Consider how much space you have for your outdoor patio set — and choose the right size.
• Accessorize with weather-proof cushions, umbrella, outdoor fire pit and outdoor carpet.
• Keep climate and storage requirements in mind.