Mixing and matching your outdoor furniture is an excellent way to bring some liveliness and color to your patio. Most modern interior designers swear by this method, so there’s no reason not to try it out in your own redecoration projects.
Here we’ll provide you with the most relevant tips and tricks for mixing and matching outdoor furniture styles as fashionably as possible.
So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!
Table of Contents
1. Choose the right colors.
Before you start buying furniture for your patio, ensure you’ve picked an appealing color palette. It should be something that works with the overall style of your home, especially when it comes to its exterior.
To do this as effectively as possible, start by choosing a dominant color that matches your outdoor space perfectly. Once you’ve determined the primary color, building a palette becomes an easy task. All you need to do is find other colors (and textures) that match it nicely!
Experimenting and comparing different combinations is the best way to go about it, so we wholeheartedly recommend doing it as early in the process as possible.
2. Use the 80/20 ratio.
If you’re not well-versed in interior design, playing it safe may be the best option for you. Experts recommend using the 80/20 rule, which means 80% of your space should be decorated in your primary style, while the other 20% can be whatever you’d like. It’s the easiest way to mix and match your outdoor furniture while keeping your space as stylish and fashionable as possible.
Of course, if you’d rather go wild with the styling, we’re not saying you’re not allowed to do it. However, the 80/20 rule is still an excellent trick to know for mixing and matching newbies. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
3. Use separators.
Many people think that separating their space into different areas or zones would beat the entire purpose of “mixing and matching, “but they couldn’t be more wrong! Using separators can help you “blend “different styles and textures to create something completely unique.
You can include half walls, greeneries, or area rugs to separate different “parts “of your space. Since you’ll be using the same color scheme across the entire space, you’re not going to lose on the uniformity because of these separators. In fact, it’s usually quite on the contrary!
4. Allow for flow and functionality.
Mixing and matching don’t mean you get to forget about furniture placement! Functionality should always be your primary concern, so don’t neglect it even when making your mix and match patio designs!
If you’re working with a smaller space, ensure there’s enough flow to keep it as functional as possible. Think about how you’ll use the space and create your plan with that in mind.
You can always hire a professional if you’re struggling to create a balance between practicality and style. It’s certainly an investment worth making, especially when working with smaller spaces, and you have no experience mixing and matching outdoor furniture.
5. Choose the right outdoor furniture.
Choosing the right furniture is of the utmost importance. The materials, styles, and dimensions you end up choosing will shape your design in its entirety. Make sure you only buy from reliable suppliers who specialize in outdoor furniture, such as icosiest.com, for example.
Again, there’s a big difference between furniture pieces designed for the outdoors and those designed for indoor spaces. Depending on the weather in your local area, your choices might be limited. In those cases, you’ll need durable pieces that can withstand the external conditions that will be thrown at them during the entire year.
6. Employ the “rule of three “when choosing materials.
If you have multiple types of materials on your “mix and match “patio, repeat the same material at least three times for the best results. It’s a design rule almost every experienced designer knows about, so don’t hesitate to implement it yourself!
Again, don’t be afraid to experiment! Even the most unusual combinations can look stunning in the right arrangement. Play around with different shapes, textures, and styles until you’ve found something that works well for you.
7. Finishing flourishes are everything!
Small details such as decorative pillows or greenery can completely change how your space looks. Don’t neglect these! Look for something that matches the color palette you’ve chosen at the beginning, and again, keep on experimenting until you’ve found the right combination.
We recommend hiring professional exterior/interior designers to help you find the best possible items for your newly decorated patio! Again, these should fit the outdoor conditions to ensure longevity and durability.
8. Bright tones should always be accompanied by darker decor.
Balance means everything in mix and match designs! If you’re not going with neutral tones and minimalist furniture, you shouldn’t keep everything in the same color. In general, if the base for your furniture is darker, you should choose decor that is bright and colorful to accompany it.
You can create balance using almost any type of furniture out there. All you need is some creativity and loads of accessories!
9. Go wild!
While yes, there are certain rules and recommendations when it comes to mixing and matching, it doesn’t mean you have to adhere to them! It’s your home and your patio, so do whatever you deem suitable. If you enjoy colorful, unique, and asymmetric designs, who’s to say you can’t implement them in your own front yard?
Whatever you do, though, remember to purchase quality outdoor furniture to ensure it lasts you a long time, especially if you deal with extreme weather every year.
The bottom line
Overall, mixing and matching are all about being creative and experimenting with different styles. If you do it right, it can certainly look gorgeous, so do not hesitate to try it out as soon as you can!
We hope our article helped you decorate your own patio just as you’ve imagined it, and we want to wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.