Large and small pottery from Tropical Garden Accents punctuate this relaxing outdoor area. "If you are choosing pots of a similar color,  try different sizesto layer the look," says Aja Muir, of Tropical Garden Accents. Photo: David Croxford

“There are a lot of places in the world where you can’t have an outdoor living room,” says designer Jamie Jackson, of Pacific Home. “In Hawaii, we’re blessed to have indoor/outdoor living as a really wonderful option.”

Whether you have a tiny lanai or a sprawling yard, why not utilize it this summer? With a few adjustments and additions, a concrete space can easily become a luxurious, relaxing retreat where you’ll love spending your summer. “It should feel casual, not stiff,” Jackson says. “You don’t want to worry. Have a drink. Put your feet up.”

Furniture & Pottery

Zuziak seven-piece dining set, with a 3’ x 6’ recycled teak table and Ibiza chairs, $2,495, from Bali Moon. Photo: Courtesy of Bali Moon

Outdoor furniture has come a long way from wicker. Reclaimed teak, cast aluminum and natural fiber weaves are just a few of the new options. Right now, Jackson loves white outdoor furniture. “White looks fresh and really pops against tropical colors,” she says. Oversize pieces, like day b

Lolah arm chair, $2,739, and side table $704 by Kenneth Cobonpue, from Pacific Home. Photo: David Croxford

eds and chaise lounges, can be great for “curling up in the evening after a meal.”

When full exposure to the elements is an issue, the quality of the furniture really counts. “Nothing beats aluminum-framed, high-grade synthetic rattan,” says Claudio Fernandez, of Bali Moon. “It’s very durable and protected from UV rays, bacteria and mold.”

Don’t be afraid to mix materials or proportions. “If you already have a metal set of furniture, try a new texture like rattan,” says Isla Schmidt, of So’mace. “An odd-man-out type of piece, such as a small chair or stool that’s different from the rest of your set, helps add character to the space.”

Dune adjustable sun lounger in hibiscus, $850, and Desi Stool, $488, from Pacific Home. Photo: David Croxford

Pots and planters, big or small, enhance outdoor living areas. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and styles and can serve many different functions, says Aja Muir, of Tropical Garden Accents.

Smith & Hawken copper planters, small, $227, and large, $275, from Pacific Home. Photo: David Croxford

When it comes to color scheme, Muir suggests resisting the urge to match all of your outdoor pottery too well. “Different color variations and shapes will add variety,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to choose bold colors. Even if you choose one color, try different shapes. The color will keep consistency, while the different shapes add variety.” Consider the color of your plants, too, and choose a glazed pottery color that will complement the foliage.

Campy planters by Perch Design, $78 each, from So’mace. Photo: Courtesy of So'mace

Pottery isn’t just for plants. Pots can also become water features, such as relaxing fountains, lily bowls or the base for a rain chain. “Everyone can’t have a pool,” Jackson says, “but you can have a small water feature of some sort.” Other unexpected uses? “Fill one with ice and use it as a drink cooler at parties,” Muir says. Or flip them over. “Some overturned ceramics can even make great side tables and pedestals.”

Fabrics

Pillows, top to bottom: Jungle red small pillow, 16” x 16”, $55; Pink perennials pillow, 20” x 20”, $105; Turquoise leaf pillow, 22” x 22”, $110; from Pacific Home. Photo: David Croxford

“There are so many wonderful outdoor fabrics available now,” says Jamie Jackson, of Pacific Home. Even tactile fabrics, such as terry cloth, velvet and velour, can feel right at home in the outdoors if properly treated during the manufacturing process.

From left to right: Locally made vintage barkcloth 18” x 18” pillowcase, $46 ($55 with filler), and locally made 10” x 20” vintage barkcloth lumbar pillow, $60, both from Red Bamboo. Photos: David Croxford

Sunbrella outdoor fabrics, for example, are textiles woven from a wide variety of synthetic fibers and various blends, including cotton. Once treated, the breathable fabrics repel water, resist soiling from both water- and oil-based stains and impede mold formation. Kreative Kamaaina creates custom outdoor furniture cushions and pillows from versatile fabrics designed to complement any style.

“Even recovering existing cushions in bright colors or patterns can make them pop and feel new again,” says  Isla Schmidt, of So'mace.

Chilewich indoor/outdoor area rugs, from $130, from Pacific Home. Photo: Courtesy of Chilewich

Wondering just how to blend your indoor and outdoor living areas? Outdoor fabrics don’t have to just be for outside. Jackson suggests using the same outdoor fabrics indoors, as pillows on the couch, for example, to seamlessly blend upholstery inside and out. “Seeing the same pillows or color stories in different areas helps to visually tie together indoor and outdoor spaces,” Jackson says. “The new fabrics help you do that.”

			Fabrics from left: Kravet Soleil Maybrook (515); Tommy Bahama Home Paradise Lattice (coconut); Tommy Bahama Home Embossed Leaves (solstice), from Kreative Kamaaina. Photos: David Croxford

Finishing Touches

Don’t underestimate the power of accents and accessories in an outdoor space. Like the rest of your home, it can be the little things that add an extra something to your oasis.

Prince Aha stool by Kartell, $132, from Pacific Home.

Three-panel indoor/outdoor painting with UV-safe paint on canvas, $450, from Red Bamboo.

Prince Aha stool by Kartell, $132, from Pacific Home.

All Finishing Touches Photos: David Croxford

Small, round lantern, $51, from Kiso Store.

Small, stone lantern with black finish, $55, from Kiso Store.

Lighting

Banana leaf copper sconce by Bob Porter, from $150, from Lighting Concepts and Design. Photo: Courtesy of Lighting Concepts and Design

The right lighting can provide the perfect ambience for your oasis. Staring into a floodlight, on the other hand, can be pretty uncomfortable. As it gets darker outside, remember that the intensity of your lights will be much brighter. So, use strong lights, such as floodlights, only for lighting large areas. For an intimate outdoor lanai, Tom Ogawa, of Lighting Concepts and Design, suggests sconces, “which provide enough light without being too bright.”

Glass hurricane candleholders, with pedestal, $65, and without, $55, from Pacific Home. Photo: David Croxford

Landscape lighting is great for accenting plants and architectural details, but for the ultimate in mood lighting, don’t forget to light a few candles. “Hurricanes are great to set in a corner of a lanai,” says Schmidt, “or on a side table or coffee table, group a couple together if you can. They add ambiance and a beautiful glow at night.”

Carved rock votive holders, $15 each, and LED votives, $16.50 for four, from Red Bamboo. Photo: David Croxford