What, When, Where: Outdoor Extreme

Outdoor living area in Hingham, Massachusetts, by Gregory Lombardi Design.
Photo by Keller + Keller; click here to see more of this project

Creating outdoor living spaces that are an extension of indoor spaces is not a new idea. People have been creating outdoor living rooms, dining rooms, and even gourmet kitchens for a few years now. I have noticed, however, that these outdoor living concepts are being taken up a notch, and the line between outdoor and indoor living is being been blurred even further.

What first got me thinking about these “extreme outdoor” spaces was that I recently learned that the iconic George Smith sofas are now available in materials suitable for outdoor spaces. You can purchase any George Smith sofa style specifically created for outdoor use. Essentially it is impossible to tell the outdoor sofas from their stylish indoor counterparts.

Photo courtesy of George Smith

Restoration Hardware also has a fully upholstered sofa for outdoor use. The Belgian Slope Arm Outdoor Sofa would be just as comfortable indoors as out.

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware

Sofas are not the only items that are becoming identical indoors and out. There are some amazing rugs now on the market that are fabulous for outdoor use. In fact, they are so good-looking that savvy designers are using them in high-traffic areas inside. What could be better under a kitchen table than a rug you can actually hose off like this one from Dash and Albert?

Photo courtesy of Dash and Albert

The Marin Credenza, designed by Michael Berman for Brown Jordan, is a handsome take on a classic shape. Plantation-grown teak construction means that it will stand up to the elements gracefully.

Photo courtesy of Brown Jordan

The Whisk Table from Janus et Cie is yet another piece that looks like it was just moved outdoors temporarily.

Photo courtesy of Janus et Cie

The items I find most interesting are the lighting fixtures that are being created for outdoor use. You can purchase anything from a classic drum-shade pendant to an ultra-contemporary floor lamp for outdoor spaces now.

Superarchimoon outdoor lamp. Photo courtesy of Flos

And, finally, one last find I wanted to share. Yes—this stylish gold link cocktail table is actually suitable for outdoor use as well! The table is made with a powder-coated finish over cast aluminum. Its dusky brass look is definitely a departure from standard black wrought iron fare.

Betty June cocktail table. Photo courtesy of Currey & Company

We have plenty more ideas for stylish outdoor living that we will be sharing on the blog over the next few months. In the meantime, take a look at our Outdoor Spaces Pinterest board for more outdoorsy inspiration.