Category: ‘O’ for Outdoors

I created a series of outdoor rooms when we added new fencing a few years ago (which has finally grayed nicely). Ideally, I would add a patio to the far back section and furnish it, but it might not happen this year because I’ve got my hands full with other projects. I know what I want though when it’s time!

Gnomes and mushrooms? I don’t care if it’s kitsch, embracing my love of whimsy in the garden. Mixed with modern furniture and nestled in among flowers and bushes, it’s charming.

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1. Palissade Bench, Hay
2. Roly Poly Armchair, 2Modern (Driade)
3. Attilla Gnome Low Stool / Side Table, 2Modern (Kartell)
4. Large Outdoor Mushroom, Ballard Designs
5. Medium Outdoor Mushroom, Ballard Designs
6. Mystic Forest Mushroom Garden Statue, Wayfair (Design Toscano)
7. Mystic Forest Mushroom Garden Statue, Wayfair (Design Toscano)
8. Wild Mushroom 10″, Houzz
9. Wild Mushroom 14″, Houzz
10. Wild Mushroom 8″, Houzz
11. Windsor Metal Stacking Patio Bench, Target (Project 62)
12. SKARPÖ Outdoor Armchair, IKEA

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I adore the Roly Poly Armchair and all the colors it comes in. It would be fine outside in a covered area or in a drier climate than ours, but there’s no drainage hole and I suspect water would pool in the seat when it rains. Realistically for my own yard, I would choose something like IKEA’s SKARPÖ armchairs. Not as interesting in form, but a similar feel and far more practical and affordable.

We went to my uncle’s house this weekend for his birthday (thank you for a returning sense of normalcy, vaccines!), and I had forgotten he has a concrete mushroom that he uses as a doorstop. Jealous! I’ll need to get some of my own.

I’m thinking ahead ever-so-slightly to when I can get outside and work on the garden. Spring is coming to Chicago, and it comes up fast once it finally arrives! I want to make some changes outside and do a little refresh, and I’ve been noticing an animal trend in outdoor furniture and decor. I’m here for it! Are you into it too?

1. Heron Bistro Chair, Frontgate
   Why do I, a person afraid of birds, love them so much in design? I’m so drawn to this chair.
2. Betsy Bistro Chair, Anthropologie
   So sweet! There’s also a floral version and cute matching bistro table if you like the delicate lines and white finish but say no thank you to all of this animal business.
3. Outdoor Bird Tree Pillow, Pottery Barn
   More birds! They’re awfully cute.
4. Admiral Butterfly Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, Wayfair
   I appreciate that this is just one huge butterfly. Like boom, no missing it! Would be cute with solid or small-scale patterned pillows.
5. Hummingbird Woven Dining Chair, Pier 1
   I’m going to be honest, I came across the flamingo version of this chair first and thought nope, hard pass. But there’s something sort of abstract and painterly about this one that works for me.
6. Springbok Rattan Bench (Left and Right), Anthropologie
   Every year, I want these benches! They are impractical for our climate and I don’t have a good spot for them, yet every year, there they are calling to me. Curses!
7. Monogrammed Swans Outdoor Pillow, Frontgate
   For your best caftan-wearing sipping drinks by the pool life.
8. Jungle Love Outdoor Pillow, World Market
   RAWR.
9. Faux Boxwood Garden Dog (Peabody, Casey, and Moxie), Grandin Road
   Peabody! I kind of love him. I’m not about to put in the years and years of dedication to topiary to make a peeing dog, but as a little fake tucked into your garden? I think it’s a delight.

I know they’re not for everyone, but dang those benches are amazing.