Fresh Furnishings: Outdoor Furniture with Style & Substance

Story by Alea Wilkins

Go outside the box of basic lawn chairs for exterior furniture as thoughtfully curated as your home’s interior. Creative materials make pieces that are durable and designer-approved, and decor doesn’t have to be set in stone. Whether browsing for a finishing touch or redoing the entire backyard, breathe fresh air into your home design with furniture that complements your style without compromise.

Wild side

Natural meets industrial with this porch in Cashiers, North Carolina, styled by J. Banks Design’s Sarah Kowalski. Warm woods on the railing and roof intermix with wrought iron accents and contemporary couches. “I wanted to contrast those more organic elements with clean, modern furniture intended to be appreciated from all angles,” Kowalski says. The drama is further heightened by grand, woven light fixtures and a raw piece of petrified wood for the coffee table, immersing guests in an environment that is completely unique. Although the blend sounds incompatible, Kowalski says meshing different styles adds character to homes. “I love the idea of blending genres, finishes and textures to create a space that is entirely individual but still at home within its surroundings,” she says. It’s a mismatch made in heaven.

Outdoor furniture with a beach view in the background — ©John McManus

Endure the elements

Durable furnishings don’t have to weaken style. For this beachside porch on Hilton Head’s North Forest Beach, Group 3 Designs turned toward materials from Pyramids gift store that are both sturdy and stunning. The brick floors and stone coffee table add character to the space, and they don’t need to be tucked away as a storm rolls in. Paired with teak, synthetic wicker and other woods, the furniture blends with its surroundings while withstanding the weather. Even decorative accents like the clam shell centerpiece bring the beachy vibe, and since it’s made of stone, it won’t roll away with the tide. Enhance your environment with furniture built for coastal living.

Coastal porch vibes overlooking the marsh — ©Coastal Homes

Versatile verandas

Large gatherings and intimate cocktail parties alike can enjoy outdoor furniture, fit for any occasion. Available at Coastal Home in Bluffton, this sectional can be rearranged into a pair of cozy love seats or a plush couch for the entire family to lounge on. Warm cushions and accent pillows combine with cool-toned, all-weather wicker for subtle contrast, adding interest without distraction. The true neutral white glass tables provide sturdiness in a simple design, opening up endless decorating possibilities. Personalize your outdoor space with furniture that can be tailored to any season or celebration.

Timeless teak without the upkeep

Outdoor furniture should feel as inviting as your indoor spaces — without the worry of wear and tear. The Laguna collection by Sunset West, available at FWDG furniture store in Beaufort, delivers the classic coastal aesthetic of natural wood, minus the maintenance. Crafted from durable aluminum with a hand-brushed driftwood powder coat, it mimics the look of teak while standing up to the humid Lowcountry climate. The generously sized seating is designed for both comfort and durability, featuring plush, high-performance cushions that feel as luxe as indoor upholstery but are built to weather the elements. Whether hosting a lively dinner party or unwinding with a book, this collection adapts effortlessly with dining and lounge options that can be tailored to your space. Elevate your outdoor living with style that lasts.