Spring has officially arrived and it feels like we're just weeks away from those lazy summer days on the patio. Morning coffee on the deck, dining al fresco late into the warm evenings, lounging by the pool on weekends - one of the best things about summer living is extending your living space to embrace your natural setting. Whether you're living in an urban center with a little slice of balcony, or you have the luxury of a lush garden or yard, making the most of your patio with beautiful and functional furnishings can make you feel like you have a whole new living space. Ahead, we've curated a few of our favorite pieces to help you create your own outdoor oasis perfect for lounging, reading, and summer refreshments.


A well-crafted lounge chair is a wonderful investment for any backyard or balcony oasis. These sinuous bent wood designs cradle the body while maintaining airflow and a comfortable temperature - avoid metal and plastics that can get hot in the sun. When oiled seasonally, natural teak wood has a beautiful warmth and wears well in outdoor environments. For those in urban areas needing some extra privacy, or as a way of filtering the sun's rays, the teak wood screen shown below can be used to divide your lounge space from an outdoor dining area, or as a buffer between neighboring patios.


A great way to add color, pattern, or seasonal accents to your outdoor space is with accessories. A well-placed accent cushion in stylish color-blocked tones, or a metallic tray or lantern can make your patio space feel refreshed with minimal effort. We love these textural patterned cushions to pile on a lounger or outdoor sectional - just be sure to bring them indoors during spring showers to extend their lifespan, or look for cushion inserts that are quick drying and antimicrobial for outdoor use.

For those lazy days spent reading and sunning in a lounger, refreshments are a must! Stay hydrated in style with a beautiful earthenware pitcher that naturally stays cool. We love this classic form in soft white glazed clay.


Another great accessory for outdoor dining is the butler table - essentially a small side table whose surface doubles as a portable tray, making a seamless transition from kitchen to patio. While classic versions often feature a folding base and rectangular tray top, there are some great modern options now like the one pictured at the top which features a delicate handle in the center. This IKEA version is a great alternative at a much lower price point.

Our outdoor oasis fantasies wouldn't be complete without some nighttime ambiance in the form of a sleek minimalist concrete firepit. Choose a low version like this that comes with an integrated concrete cover which does double duty as a coffee table while not in use. Or for smaller outdoor spaces, a higher version adds the same magical effect with a much smaller footprint, leaving more room for patio dance parties. Bring on summer!


Looking for design ideas for your outdoor dining space? Stay tuned - next up on the blog, a modern-eclectic outdoor entertaining haven.