Arhaus recently launched their 2023 outdoor collection, a fresh, spirited line of modern furniture, dining tables and accent pieces. Maggie Gienger, Director of Interior Design at Arhaus, reflects on the collection’s global inspirations and creative highlights, all characterized by a rich color palette that’s right in step with its free-spirited, put-your-feet-up vibe.
Gwen Donovan: What was the inspiration behind Arhaus’ new spring collection?
Maggie Gienger: From the rich, tropical jungles of Costa Rica to the soft, airiness of New England, our 2023 outdoor collection draws inspiration from destinations near and far to help you cultivate your own slice of paradise with artisan-crafted furniture and accent pieces that you’ll love for many summer seasons to come.
GD: The mix of natural elements in this collection are notable, do you have a favorite finish?
MG: One thing I’m particularly excited about with this outdoor launch is the variety of dynamic materials. From the organic beauty and natural resilience of teak wood to the classic appeal and weather resistance of all-weather aluminum, there’s an option to suit any and every need and preference. Many Arhaus customer-favorite collections, such as Montego and Hamptons, are expanding with these new materials to offer further variety in the pieces you know and love, in addition to new collections like Roos, which fuses teak with wicker in a uniquely z-shaped silhouette. This launch also has a lot of great dining newness, including a Mix & Match Outdoor Dining Collection, which allows our customers to choose between four tabletop finishes, three sizes, two shapes and two base styles for a personalized piece carefully curated for your individual space. With our new outdoor furniture, lighting, accessories and décor, you’ll be sure to up the comfortability and design factor of your setup, encouraging yourself, family and friends to get outside – always good for the soul!
GD: How does your upholstered furniture withstand summer’s sun and storms?
MG: Our InsideOut fabric is bleach-cleanable, fade-resistant, anti-mildew and eco-friendly, all while maintaining a soft, cozy feel. Basically, it’s the perfect outdoor fabric, which is why we’re excited to be expanding our assortment to over 65 offerings with the launch of our new outdoor collection. There’s a range of textures, colors and patterns to align with virtually any design style!
GD: Tell us about some of Arhaus’ newest accent pieces like rugs, pillows and lighting.
MG: This season, we’re introducing several new performance poufs and rugs that we expect our customers will love! Both have the durability to thrive outdoors, with the style and comfort to transition indoors during cooler months. We’re also releasing new pillows, many in warm, earthy tones that are always customer favorites, along with some new, more colorful designs to appeal to a range of style aesthetics. Our wide range of lantern and planter introductions span styles from organic to classic and can complete any indoor or outdoor setup! Add lighting to create the illusion of a ceiling outdoors, and you’ll have an elevated space that truly feels like an extension of your home.
This or That? Choose one in each pair that most appeals to you personally.
- Outdoor lighting: Hurricane-shaded candles or solar lanterns? What’s cooler than décor that can capture sunlight during the day to create a magical glow at night? Plus, solar lanterns are both eco-friendly and super versatile – something like our new Athos Solar Lantern will complement any outdoor aesthetic.
- Seating/Lounging: Freeform modular collections or more traditional stand-alone pieces? I’m all about modular this season (like our new Ollie Collection)! I love having endless styling options and flexibility depending on how you’re enjoying the outdoors – whether placing them poolside as separate chaises for sunbathing during the day or arranging them around a fire pit and grabbing a throw to cozy up with some friends in the evening.
- Tables: Terrazzo or natural teak? Natural teak all the way. At Arhaus, it’s sustainably grown and responsibly harvested all while maintaining incredible durability. Not to mention, it’s a gorgeous natural material featured in some of my favorite outdoor dining and living collections.
- Furniture: All-weather aluminum or all-weather wicker? You can’t go wrong with either! I love wicker for a coastal, textured look and aluminum for a more modern feel, with the added benefit of its extreme ability to withstand the elements.
- Pillows: Fringe or no fringe? I’m embracing the fringe this season! Especially with more neutral tones, it adds a fun textural element to really make your décor stand out.
Read more of this series from aspire design and home editor Gwen Donovan, here.
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