5 Landscape-Inspired Looks for a Vibrant Outdoor Space

2022-06-03 22:50:07 By : Mr. Dave S.G

When it comes to designing your dream patio, terrace, or deck, there is no better guide than Mother Nature.

It’s almost cliché to say it—Mother Nature is impressive. From the red rocks of the nation’s deserts to the black sand beaches of Iceland, the world’s landscapes are the definition of awesome. And their singular beauty can inspire your own outdoor space. By tapping into the rich colors and dramatic textures of lush jungles or rugged oceanfront cliffs, your very own backyard (or patio or balcony) can become a seaside retreat or a desert oasis.

We’ve curated five scenes that incorporate Sunbrella fabrics inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, making it easier than ever to transform your outdoor space into the vacation spot of your dreams.

The landscape: The jagged red rocks of Colorado and dramatic sunsets of Zion National Park inspire this earthy yet vibrant aesthetic.

The look: Think about the colors of the land, the sky, and the flora of the Southwest. Every shade of terracotta emerges from the rocks and hillsides of Grand Canyon National Park. That’s all punctuated by dusty greens inspired by wild succulents and pops of bright pink and oranges.

The fabrics: Sunbrella Canvas in Persimmon translates the colors of the red rocks into a great option for furniture, while Ascend Tropical evokes the striated colors of the desert cliffs. Welcome Guava and Renew Earthen are both inspired by traditional Southwest pattern weaving.

The accessories: Ombre sunset plates in outdoor-friendly melamine, a contemporary twist on the classic terracotta planter, a chimenea fire pit, a grounding sage green rug, a sleek stacking chair in burnt orange.

The advice: This look really shines when you work in different textures, like a canvas-covered chair set next to a matte planter holding a prickly succulent or a glossy set of plates sitting atop a rustic wood table.

The landscape: The casual elegance of Montauk, with hints of iconic New England coastlines.

The look: The ocean is blue, but it’s not just one shade—the inky blue waters of summer have a place here, as do the stormy gray seas of winter. White, too, is a key part of this look, from crisp stripes along sailcloth-inspired fabrics to painted wood treated to look ever-so-slightly distressed.

The fabrics: Direction Dew, from the Sunbrella Emerge Collection, brings together the colors of a sandy beach and blue waters, while Equal Ink has nautical vibes. Layering subtle patterns, like Ikat Cornflower and Create Haze, adds dimension to the neutral palette.

The accessories: Plush printed pillows, seashell string lights in white and blue, seaglass-look tumblers, a cheerful striped rug, a wicker placemat that looks like a pretty sea creature.

The advice: A beachy space feels most authentic when none of the pieces look too shiny and new, so focus on colors that look comfortably worn-in, in durable materials that will get better with age.

The landscape: In the jungles of the Big Island and Kauai, off-the-beaten-path spots feel less like curated resorts and more like places for discovery and adventure.

The look: Bright and vibrant is the way to go, with an emphasis on recreating the effect of tropical flowers, from glossy green leaves to deep purple and red blooms. When it comes to furniture, natural materials like rattan feel organic and harmonious.

The fabrics: The banana-leaf print Tropics Jungle calls to mind the rainforest itself and pairs nicely with the juicy red Platform Sangria and new-plant green Cast Moss. Extent Sunset, with its abstract ombre pattern, ties the look together.

The accessories: A rattan hanging bench for soaking in evening breezes, a dramatic teal pillow with a handsome jungle cat, a leafy (faux) banana tree, a macrame plant holder, woven chairs that look like they were fashioned from leaves and branches.

The advice: Natural doesn’t have to mean neutral. By using deep greens as a base, even colors you might not think to pair together—purples, reds, blues—can feel cohesive.

The landscape: The poetic English gardens of time-worn stone cottages where flowers abound, with roses in various shades of pink and lavender.

The look: Traditional without being fussy, the country garden look uses a palette of soft pinks and greens, with touches of gray stone and sky, and layered patterns that call to mind the shapes and textures of chimneys and soft blankets of wildflowers.

The fabrics: Sensibility Spring looks like a watercolor painting, while Stem Blush is a sweet floral scene in timeless pastels. These more natural patterns pair nicely with the geometric shapes of Reign Jungle and the embroidery-like feel of Ethos Frond.

The accessories: An etagere that could hold plants or cocktail fixings, pale pink and green enamel tumblers, an old-fashioned hurricane lamp that doubles as a speaker, a white and blush lounge chair that looks vintage in all the best ways, a hand-painted beeswax candle almost too pretty to burn.

The advice: You can use a seemingly unlimited number of patterns here, thanks to the soft pastel colors that keep the combination of stripes and flowers (and toile or Chinoiserie) from feeling too busy. This look shines with flea-market finds, though if you don’t have time to treasure-hunt, new pieces with a shabby-chic vibe work just as well.

The landscape: The awe-inspiring beaches of Iceland, where black sand meets white surf and gleaming slate-colored rocks rise toward misty gray skies.

The look: Here, ‘earth tones’ mean black, white, and gray, making this a good option for anyone who wants to keep things a little glam while still taking inspiration from natural landscapes. Textures are mixed, with matte stone popping against crisp black and white metals.

The fabrics: Shore Classic is a black and white stripe that ties together shades of gray, and the tight patterns of Shibori Classic and Connection Onyx use a contrasting colors to create a sense of drama.

The accessories: a cheese board that looks chiseled from a sheet of slate, a minimalist bench, a sculptural watering can, a fluted matte black planter for holding stark white sand or delicate orchids.

The advice: Drama, drama, drama—that’s the goal here, and one you can easily achieve by sticking to black, white, and gray. Pairing matte finishes with high gloss—think stone serving dishes atop a lacquer table—will transport you to the wilds of Scandinavia.