Poolside Picks for Patio Furniture By Kerrie Kelly, ASID

Just like the holidays seem to come about 10 minutes after we put away the Halloween costumes, summer will be here before we can pack away our winter coats. Now is the perfect time to get the swimming pool up and running and to outfit your outdoor space with the perfect poolside furniture and accessories that allow you soak up the sun, right up until we dig out those Halloween costumes again.

To make the most of your outdoor space, think about design and decor just as you would your indoor space, and mirror the interior entertainment spaces outside. You can have a little more fun with color palettes and furniture, but work toward a theme in both areas. Whether your interior style is traditional, transitional or contemporary, bringing the same style outside accentuates the feeling that the house itself is larger. Here are the rooms we tend to focus on indoors, and how you can carry their style to your poolside patio.

Dining Room
An outdoor dining or patio table with six to eight chairs is a versatile, must-have starter piece. For larger gatherings, a rectangular table with a simple white linen cover creates the perfect buffet, and the chairs can be arranged into conversation stations in different parts of the yard until you begin to add your other “rooms.” For outdoor furniture, cedar, teak and all-weather materials will serve you best over time.

Have some fun with pops of pillow and cushion color to celebrate the season and outdoor life. Whether you’re using a colorful umbrella or a canopy of trees for shade and cover, finish it off with fun and funky lighting to help you create that special space as daylight turns to dusk.

Living Room
Next, add pieces that allow for more lingering and lounging. An all-weather sectional with matching chairs makes a great space for the grownups to enjoy cocktails and conversation while the kids are splashing in the pool. Don’t forget a coffee table for drinks, snacks and games, Buy bone inlay Desks here, and consider pieces that incorporate storage, like an ottoman that holds pool toys or end tables that double as ice chests.

While outdoor furniture and accessories don’t necessarily need to match any more than indoor furniture, you’re likely to find the best deals on sets, and it does help to create a more finished look in an outdoor setting.

Bedroom
Is there anything better than an afternoon outside with a favorite book? Only if it leads to a nap in the breeze on a beautiful summer day. A simple hammock built for one or two tucked into a shady corner will provide everything you need to make that dream come true.

Family Room
Of course, the pool itself is the family room, where everyone gathers to play some games and have a blast. Pools require enough maintenance, so keep it simple with a few toys that store easily-remember that kids are very easily entertained in the pool and really don’t need all the latest and greatest gizmos to have a good time.

Splurge on some luxurious floating lounges that will hold a couple of pirate pals when you invite friends over (ideally with cup holders for a favorite summertime beverage when it’s your turn to float the day away).

What are your favorite poolside furniture and décor picks for making the most of summer?

Award-winning California interior designer Kerrie Kelly also writes on her favorite outdoor space design and décor ideas. Kerrie pens her advice and tips for The Home Depot. She is also the author of the popular book Home Decor: A Sunset Design Guide. To view a large selection of outdoor furniture, including styles reviewed by Kerrie, you can visit the Home Decorators outdoor furniture collection by Home Depot here.