Effortless elegance for life by the coast — and in the heart of the city.
Whether your space overlooks the shoreline or is nestled within the walls of a private garden downtown, the beauty of outdoor living lies in the details. Coastal breezes, walled courtyards, rooftop terraces, and shaded patios all become natural extensions of the home when styled with intention. With the right blend of must-have pieces and maybe-want luxuries, your outdoor space can feel both timeless and deeply personal.
Here’s our curated guide to refining your space — whether you’re steps from the sand or surrounded by the charm of cobblestone streets.
1. The Must-Have: A Signature Seating Set
Every great outdoor space starts with a place to unwind. Choose a seating arrangement that reflects the style of your home — from breezy coastal to formal Southern traditional. Think plush modular sectionals in all-weather wicker for oceanfront lounging, or classic club chairs in teak or cast aluminum for a more structured garden space.
No matter your style, make sure you accommodate how you will function. Lazy days napping and reading require a place to put your feet up, a sofa or sectional for the whole family to stretch out on. If you’re hosting garden parties, maybe smaller, scattered custom seating areas would work better for you.
For a Formal Garden Setting: Look for silhouettes with elegant arms and tailored cushions in soft neutrals. Add urn planters and trimmed greenery to echo the symmetry of formal design.
2. The Must-Have: Dining, Al Fresco Style
Dining outdoors is a luxury that never gets old. Candlelit dinners beneath a vine-covered pergola, brunching beachside on a girls weekend, or a quick breakfast on the porch, a quality outdoor dinnerware set is essential. Teak, all-weather wicker, and stone bring style and durability to the table. Consider an extendable table to go from just the two of you to the whole family for easter brunch!
Urban Touch: In more intimate courtyard settings, opt for a round pedestal table in a lattice design surrounded by 4 elegant chairs in cast aluminum. Classy furniture pieces never go out of style.
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3. The Must-Have: Coastal Outdoor Rugs
An outdoor rug grounds your space and instantly brings a sense of refinement. They soften hard surfaces and elevate lounge areas. A one-of-a-kind rugs provide a layer of warmth, visual cohesion and define the space.
Choose: Polypropylene, it’s a fade and moisture-resistant material. Don’t worry about dirt, it’s easy to clean off in a flash with just a hose. Look for classic coastal hues like indigo, ivory, and sand. Subtle patterns in tonal geometrics or ballroom stripes feel elevated without overwhelming. Your fresh from the ocean, soggy pup will love having a nice soft place to rest.
4. The Maybe-Want: An Outdoor Bar Cart or Kitchen
Whether entertaining neighbors or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, having refreshments close at hand adds hospitality, elegance and ease. A teak or metal bar cart keeps things chic and mobile. Consider even just a tray to move hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from counters to coffee tables. A full outdoor kitchen — complete with grill, sink, fridge and ice maker— is a luxury that turns your space into a culinary retreat.
With so many options in outdoor dinnerware sets, you don’t have to compromise on style to get durability. Melamine that looks just like your fine china and acrylic that passes for glass your outdoor refreshments and snacks have never looked better.
In a Garden or Rooftop: A small-scale bar cart with mixed materials (metal and rattan, stone and teak) can complement historic or urban architecture while keeping things functional and beautiful.
5. The Must-Have: Ambient Lighting
Lighting brings your outdoor space to life after sunset. Consider where lighting will serve you best. You can uplight trees, install ground lighting for pathways and add outdoor sconces. This will light up the whole outdoor space. Or you may want to use soft candlelight and string lights in amber to create an intimate, flickering glow. Traditional lanterns with candles could be grouped together in the center of a dining table, or hang an iron chandelier with wax tapers from a live oak. Small rechargeable table lamps are great to set on side tables or coffee tables. Make sure they cast a down light so as not to obstruct your vision. These rechargeable lights come in so many beautiful colors, shapes and sizes. Get creative!
Design Layering: Mix sources — soft overhead lighting, flickering tabletop candles, and subtle lighting for plants or architectural elements — to build depth and atmosphere.
6. The Maybe-Want: A Statement Furniture Piece
Sometimes it’s that one furniture piece that changes everything. A sculptural fire feature becomes a gathering point on cooler evenings. A hanging daybed catches the breeze on a wide veranda. In city gardens, a fountain or oversized urn becomes an elegant focal point.
Tip: Let your statement piece reflect your surroundings. Coastal homes shine with organic materials and open silhouettes. Urban spaces call for structure, symmetry, and a hint of classical inspiration.
Final Thoughts: Designed for Where You Live
Whether you’re styling a beachfront veranda, a manicured city garden, or a rooftop escape with harbor views, outdoor spaces deserve the same attention as interiors. Invest in foundational furniture pieces that offer comfort and style — and layer in thoughtful luxuries that reflect how you love to live.
From the sea to the city, your outdoor space is where relaxation meets refinement — and every day feels just a little more special.
Shop the Look
Frances Outdoor Sectional
The chic, sloped arm styling of Frances is relaxed yet sophisticated. Seating pieces are deep and comfortable with plush, luxurious cushions.
Amelia Hanging Daybed
The Amelia hanging daybed evokes the tranquil, natural beauty of the barrier island for which it was named. Frames are made from sturdy rustproof aluminum and premium all-weather wicker.
