May 14, 2023

Take it Outside

by Huff Harrington

I think we write a blog about outdoor living every spring. It's hard not to get excited about spending time outside, especially here in Atlanta where our springs are glorious celebrations of color, flowers and warm temps.

This spring is no different and I, for one, plan on spending as much of it as possible on our townhouse's roof top terrace. We jokingly call it the "hot tin roof" because it can get a little toasty in August but never the less, we love being up there. We've tricked it out with a sharp blue and white cotton rug (that is surprisingly durable), dark wicker furniture, an assortment of blue and white pillows and a couple umbrellas to shade us from the sun. Unfortunately, I. haven't had the hot tin roof blessed by our designers yet, so I'm not going to show a photo of it!

What we can show you are a few drop-dead gorgeous outdoor spaces we love. Some were designed by our team at Huff Harrington Design and others are the clever products of the some of the Southeast's best designers. Thank you to Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles for these lovely images.

Fresh blue and white inspiration from Erin Gates Design for Frontgate at the 2019 Southeastern Designers Showhouse. Photo by David Christensen.

A few tips we love:

If your outdoor space has indoor-like dimensions, you're in luck. Our favorite porches and terraces are large enough to accommodate sofas, chairs, coffee tables and side tables.

We were so thrilled to design this space for the Southeastern Designer Showhouse in 2019. And yep, those are slipcovered, performance-fabric sofas designed to withstand the elements - and maybe even Atlanta's pollen! (photo: Emily Followill, AH & L)

Performance fabrics have taken over the market and it's now pretty easy to spec hard-working, easy-clean cottons, linens and blends for your outdoor furniture. Think about using tight-fitting slipcovers that can be removed and cleaned on a regular basis.

A delightful outdoor spot that's easy on the eyes. By Evercraft, Linda MacArthur and Floralis Garden Design, 2022 Southeastern Designer Showhouse. Photography by David Christensen.

Throw your throw pillows into the mix - also in easy-care performance fabrics - for a stylish and decorated look. Blues are so refreshing and popular these days but any palette can work. Use your surroundings as your inspiration for your color scheme so that your space becomes part of its environment.

Don't forget your accessories - even art can have a spot. We're nuts about the rattan/wood trend that is still showing strong this season - from furniture to dinnerware to decorative accessories, a little touch of rattan feels current and chic. Add votives, sculptural pieces (we love them in white) and trays to your space for a little added interest.

We had fun with this 2017 Southeastern Designer Showhouse porch a few years ago - we added original art, a zebra rug, an antique workbench and indestructible faux bois chairs from France for a little crunch.

No shade? Use a couple of pretty umbrellas to form a shady canopy. We string lights up in our umbrellas and put them on dimmers for a lovely soft glow at night.

We'll happily eat every meal here! Erin Gates Design for Frontgate at the 2019 Southeastern Designers Showhouse. Photo by David Christensen.

Dine al fresco: there's nothing better than dining al fresco and we like to set a chic outdoor table - complete with candlelight, bien sur (or these ah-mazing battery-charged little lights that come in gold, black or white here at Huff Harrington.)

Whether you're up top on your own hot tin roof or lazing on a covered porch, we hope your outdoor space is the perfect spot for enjoying your spring.

Ta ta.

Take it Outside

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