Riverside, California (NAPSI) - If your family is like some 75 percent of households across the United States, you want to get at least one piece of furniture for your outdoor living space this year, reports furniture design expert Jackie Hirschhaut.

What The People Want

When selecting pieces to enhance their backyards and gardens, homeowners said the most desired new furnishings include a chair or chaise lounge, umbrella, dining table, outdoor lighting, fire pit, pillows, outdoor rug or hammock.

The most prevalent product designs point to transitional and soft contemporary styling, with an abundance of soft curves and straight lines.

Collections are enhanced with pieces designed for function, including storage ottomans and wedges, sofa tables and serving stations.

The most popular outdoor furnishings these days reflect a range of wood, synthetic weaves and sturdy aluminum as well as a dynamic use of mixed materials. Sustainably harvested teak, mahogany and South American hardwoods, including eucalyptus, are found in rich natural warm tones as well as weathered gray hues. Following a popular decorating style in interiors, a number of furniture lines are using reclaimed teak.

Interestingly, a number of seating and table frames are crafted of aluminum finished with a faux wood grain. All-weather wicker is constructed from synthetic materials formed into strands of various shapes and sizes, and woven in a range of patterns. Fashionable alternative tabletops include leather and acrylic stone.

Pointing to a sense of optimism and brighter, livelier days ahead, outdoor fabrics and finishes include bold pops of color for this season’s outdoor spaces. These graffiti brights include lime green, tangerine orange and vivid blue, from turquoise to azure.

Innovative finishes reflect a turn toward metallics, with bronze, brushed steel and copper dominating. These hues are much more sophisticated than the “industrial” trend seen in indoor finishes. Fabrics to complement these frames favor grayed neutrals plus sunset orange and gold.

Finally, anAmericanatheme seems to be emerging, characterized by navy blue, barn red and khaki. Navy blue is frequently seen matched with a crisp white frame—whether wicker, high-gloss aluminum, painted wood or faux wood.

Learn More

For further information and tips about sprucing up home spaces, visit www.findyourfurniture.com.