Transform Your Summer Oasis into a Cozy Autumn Retreat
At this time of year, everyone longs for the particular coziness of fall, even (especially?) those of us fortunate enough to live in Southern California, where we enjoy mild weather most of the year. Maybe you’re an east-coast transplant who misses distinct seasons or you just feel most alive when sweater weather hits in time for that first trip to an orchard. You can cultivate a warm, welcoming outdoor space to relax and savor the lengthening autumn light. Establish a September ritual of simple design swaps to make this seasonal switch. Whether working with an intimate patio or a sprawling backyard with seating and dining areas, a few thoughtful changes will help you and those you love get the most from your outdoor space. Here are five ways to capture that autumn spark:
- Gather Around the Fire
Of course, the most crucial factor in how much time your family and guests will spend outside this fall is whether they will be warm enough! Absolutely nothing compares to the magnetic glow of a fire. Our Concrete Outdoor Fire Pits are simple to set up and simply irresistible! Never owned a fire pit before? You’ll be amazed at how quickly gathering around to talk after dinner will become a tradition. You may find that a backyard fire can occasionally even compete against screen time!
Our Contempo Rectangular Fire Pit is made of a lightweight concrete composite material, includes lava rocks for heat distribution, and can be hooked up to your existing gas line or a propane tank. And you can hide that tank in style with the ingenious concrete Propane Storage, which doubles as a side table.
- Layer Cozy Textiles and Textures
Now is the time to store away summery outdoor accessories in bright stripes and beachy prints. Set aside summer’s fun, bright colors for richer, earthier tones. Any interior designer will tell you that rugs define a space. This is just as true in outdoor spaces. In large areas, outdoor rugs can delineate separate seating and dining areas while adding coziness. Our plush Cobble Stone rug is woven with a soft, multi-ply cabled yarn construction that will last for years.
Angelinos are known for pulling out sweaters, knitted hats, and suede boots when the temperature drops below 70 degrees. Take this same approach to set the scene in your outdoor living room. Luxuriate in warming textures that extend indoor creature comforts outside. Add plenty of throw blankets and extra pillows in chunky knits, faux fur, wool, and fleece. Our moisture-resistant Gigi Rectangle Crochet Pillow is soft yet resilient and a perfect finishing touch for our Deep Seating sofas and sectionals.
Layer even more texture into your space with useful outdoor accessories like a set of woven, rustic outdoor baskets for storing logs or rolled wool blankets. Expand seating options with outdoor poufs that feature a chunky-knit look, created from a soft but durable fiber.
- Create a Warm Glow
Lighting affects us on an emotional as well as visual level. Shimmering candlelight draws people in, encourages intimate conversation, and flatters faces and spaces, enchanting the evening. Everything looks better in candlelight! In Nordic countries, where daylight is sparse, candles are not considered a mere decorative touch but an essential part of the culture! We don’t lack light here on the west coast, but the warm sunshine and soft fragrance of candles can make every day feel special. Mix and match candlesticks and holders in substantial materials, like our concrete Gothic Candlesticks and Barnes Outdoor Candle Teak Box Holder with more delicate, sparkly metal votives and glass hurricanes. For parties, use our Valance Lamps to give the illusion of festive paper lanterns. Try placing one on the edge of each step of an outdoor staircase. Set your patio or deck aglow by placing traditional or flameless candles on every coffee and accent table. Layer lighting by choosing warmer-toned bulbs or setting your smart bulbs to gold and orange hues.
- Perfect Fall Flowers for Planters and Pots
Autumn color palettes include all the deep oranges, golds, and vivid reds of a crackling fire, deep aubergine and burgundy, and dark, earthy greens. Create fall foliage in your own backyard or on your own deck by choosing flowers and plants in the season’s rich tones.
Start with rustic pots and planters constructed of substantial materials like concrete and teak. Darker colors and copper tones perfectly set off the colors of potted trees, such as the Waterfall and Bloodgood varieties of Japanese Maples. Add a few potted evergreens, like Lacebark or Swiss Stone Pine. Potted fig or olive trees add muted tones and a sense of decadence to dinner al fresco.
Now go wild with fall flowers! You can’t go wrong with mums this time of year. Fire Halo Orange and Morgana Red are particularly stunning. Marigolds, zinnias, and anemones bring gold, purple, and magenta bursts. When your planters and flowerpots are filled, don’t forget flowers for the table! And why not go all the in for decorative gourd season? Start with a large serving dish or tray, like the 39″ round Blok Concrete Dish or 22″ square Blok Sardinia Plate, and create an abundant tablescape of flowers, seasonal fruits, pumpkins, and greenery.
- Shelter in Style With Solid Teak Sofas and Sectionals
Using these easy tips, you can transition almost all outdoor furniture from summer to fall and beyond. Even a poolside sun lounger becomes a tempting nest for fall reading when you add a charming plaid blanket. But we think the best outdoor furniture for cooler months is solid, substantial, and well-upholstered, just like the pieces inside your home. Deep Seating sofas and sectionals with custom Neptune outdoor fabric-upholstered cushions offer shelter from strong breezes and ample space to cuddle up with blankets and pillows. Check out the Lodge and Soho Grand Hotel collections of solid teak seating. Each piece includes sumptuous deep cushions, custom upholstered with our own line of Neptune™ Outdoor Fabrics.
As we head into autumn, you can keep spending evenings outdoors in complete comfort. Teak Warehouse has been supplying the highest-quality, beautiful outdoor furnishings and home decor to the public for over two decades at wholesale prices. Browse our online catalog and please visit our Los Angeles area and San Diego showrooms. Get in touch at [email protected] to request a quote and start planning your outdoor space today.
