My Interview With Wayfair: The Outdoor Trend Watch

Recently I sat down with Wayfair to answer questions about all things outdoor decor and organization. Here’s the entire chat we had, along with my hand-picked patio decor Wayfair finds.

I’m so excited to share my most recent chat with Wayfair and bring you The Outdoor Trend Watch, a collection of advice, inspiration, trends, and product picks for the upcoming season. Ever since we moved into our new house last year, I have been dying to deck out my back porch (deck out, get it?) and I’ve been spending tons of time browsing online for ideas and furniture options. So when my friends at Wayfair asked me to sit down for a virtual convo all about outdoor trends, I am 100% here for it! Here’s how it went down.

The Wayfair Outdoor Q & A with Lela Burris of Organized-ish

Wayfair: With warm weather officially here, everyone wants to spend most of their time outside. What do you enjoy doing most when you’re outside getting fresh air?

Lela: My husband and I started a daily ritual called Tech Free Afternoon Tea. We turn off our phones and all other electronics and we sit down with a cup of hot tea for 30-45 minutes together. I am SO excited that it’s warming up outside because we have moved our afternoon tea time to the back porch. We sit on a swing together and quietly listen to the birds and soak up the sunshine. It’s definitely my favorite thing to do outside at home because it’s like a daily tech detox.

Wayfair: What are the top three pieces you like to incorporate in your outdoor space in order to make it feel cozy?

Lela: Hands down, my number one piece is a rug. The more it looks like it belongs inside in a dining room, the better. My other two faves are plush seat cushions and a raised dog bed. Because nothing is cozier than lounging with my pup.

Wayfair: What organization tips do you follow for your outdoor space?

Lela: I love multifunctional furniture. Benches, sofas, and ottomans with hidden weatherproof storage inside are game-changers. I can pop all my throw pillows inside the hidden compartments before a storm rolls in. I also am a big fan of rolling carts. I keep one in my utility closet stocked with all our outdoor entertaining dishes, grilling supplies, and citronella candles. When we have guests over, I can just roll the cart out to the patio and I’m not scrambling to get everything together.

Wayfair: Moving on to design aesthetics, which color palettes are speaking to you this season?

Lela: Don’t hate me, but I’m really digging all the shades of beige, cream, and taupe. Pair them with matte black metal, natural woven materials, and pops of green plants and I’m in outdoor heaven. Give me all the texture and less of the color this season. I want the landscape to really stand out and not have anything to compete with.

Wayfair: Are there any outdoor design trends that are really standing out to you right now?

Lela: I’ve been hearing a lot about social front yards, and I’m loving that concept. We live in a very walkable neighborhood, and it’s not uncommon for neighbors to stop by each other’s driveways for chats during evening dog walks. I really hope the trend of adding seating areas and hangout spots in front yards stick around so more people connect with their neighbors. I’m excited to hop on that bandwagon.

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Lela’s Wayfair Product Picks for A Neutral Outdoor Patio

For outdoor design, I love to stick with neutral colors so all the green plants around me really pop. I prefer my potted plants, mature trees, and patio herb garden to be the star of the show. I love this combination of creamy warm neutrals paired with black metal and cozy woven materials. It’s so inviting, but also easier to keep clean than crisp white. 

I’m also in love with that vintage looking radio, which is actually a bluetooth speaker. And I’m a sucker for a cheese board, so there’s always one nearby when guests show up. Speaking of guests, that giant block game is a great go-to activity because it’s just as fun to set up as it is to knock down.

Outdoor Highlight: Affordable Patio Furniture and Decor

While I could dream up the most gorgeous outdoor designs all day long, back here in the real world, I’m working with a budget. My best advice for refreshing an outdoor space without breaking the bank is to find good quality materials that last longer than just one season. You may love the look of light wood tones and wicker furniture, but they just don’t stand up to the elements and leave you shopping for new pieces all over again next year. Opt for materials that are cool with constant blasts of sun and heavy downpours, and invest in some covers to keep your seating areas dry. String lights are another great budget friendly option. They can light up a large area for a fraction of the cost of pricey outdoor lighting and electrician fees.

For those looking for a patio refresh for spring and summer 2021, check out the selection at Wayfair: 
Outdoor: String Lights, Patio Furniture Cushions, Propane Fire Pit Tables, Outdoor Games, Outdoor Fireplaces, Metal Patio Furniture, Outdoor Cooking, Outdoor Wall Lanterns, Gardening, Swing Sets and more!

Springtime Backyard Inspiration

I am really digging the spring and summer trends this year! 2021 is all about neutrals, mixed materials, and creating spaces outside that work for more than just hanging out. This covered hammock is calling my name, and I can definitely see it becoming my stand-in work from home office. [Adding an extension cord for my laptop to my Wayfair shopping cart now…]

2021 Is The Year For Being Outdoors

I’m going to say it-no, declare it. 2021 is the year we all fall in love with our outdoor spaces again. After a year of being cooped up in the house, we all learned how incredibly therapeutic fresh air can be. So whether you create a patio nook for after-work chill time, a hangout space for your teenagers, a welcoming front yard for neighbors, or a garden hideaway just for you, this is your year to take it outside. I can guarantee I’ll be writing most of my blog posts from my back porch under the big Silver Maple with my squirrel friends sneaking around looking for snacks.

Special thanks to Wayfair for permission to share this interview on my blog. This interview was between myself and my friends at Wayfair, and all opinions and products are my own. All images are copyright photos belonging to Wayfair, and they have permitted me to share on my blog through our partnership.