4 hours ago
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E! Illustration/Quince
Labor Day weekend is basically your backyard’s Super Bowl. After a summer of pool days, barbecues and lounging outside, it’s time to make your patio, balcony, or backyard look really good for its final big weekend. And you don’t need an infinity pool or a five-star-resort budget to make it happen.
- Must-see outdoor chair: Classic All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Lounge Chair
- Elevate with an outdoor planter: West Elm Curved Ficonstone Indoor/Outdoor Planters
- Soft outdoor lighting: Anthropologie Solar Glass Lantern
E! asked Danielle Hurhula, Quince’s VP of Merchandising, for the surprisingly simple design tricks that can make just about any outdoor space feel more like a luxury hotel. She shared the colors and materials that make it look instantly sophisticated to the furniture that’s actually worth investing in.
“The easiest way to make an outdoor space feel more inviting is to think of it as an extension of your home,” Hurhula said. “Even a small balcony or patio can feel like a destination when it's thoughtfully designed with an outdoor rug, comfortable seating, and a few planters filled with greenery.”
Keep reading to learn how to bring that five-star feeling home.
1. Treat Your Outdoor Space Like Another Room in Your Home
"When space is limited, every piece needs to earn its place" she explained. "Start with a pair of comfortable, compact chairs, whether dining or lounge, that work just as well for your morning coffee as they do for an evening drink with friends.
Nesting tables are another favorite because they provide flexible surfaces where you need them and tuck neatly away when you don't. Finish with elevated planters.... and an outdoor rug to make even the smallest balcony feel like another room in your home."
Outdoor Acacia Wood Pe Rattan Sides Round Drum Side Table And End Table
Crafted with a durable acacia wood frame and matching wood tabletop, this side table brings a warm natural touch with timeless appeal. Featuring handwoven wicker side panels and a clean modern silhouette, this piece is perfect as an end table next to your chat set or sectional, and provides a convenient spot for snacks, drinks, or decorative accents.
Editor's Pick
Classic All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Lounge Chair
This small-but-mighty chair helped transform my apartment balcony into a relaxing oasis I actually want to spend time on. It offers luxury and comfort for a fraction of the price. Plus, it's not massive and taking up all your free space (even in a small outdoor setting), so there's room for a table or plant.
West Elm Curved Ficonstone Indoor/Outdoor Planters
These gorgeous planters feature drainage holes to help protect sensitive roots. Its frost-proof material can be used outdoors. Plus, it's made from a lightweight composite and easy to move.
2. Stick to a Luxe, Neutral Color Palette
There’s a reason so many gorgeous resorts rely on sandy neutrals, creamy whites and warm natural materials. They instantly make a space feel calmer and more cohesive.
“During the summer months, lighter tones, natural materials, and a little shade help the space feel cooler and more relaxed,” Hurhula said. “Soft, neutral colors paired with natural materials like teak, marble, or concrete work beautifully together.”
That doesn’t mean your patio needs to be completely devoid of color, though. Instead of adding a bunch of competing shades, take your cue from the landscape around you.
“If you're looking to introduce color, shades of green are a natural choice because they complement the surrounding landscape and pair beautifully with the outdoors,” she explained.
3. Layer Rugs and Textures for That Designer Look
If your outdoor furniture looks a little lonely sitting on bare concrete or decking, an outdoor rug might be the easiest way to make the entire setup feel more finished.
“Create visual interest by adding texture,” Hurhula said. “Think woven materials, linen-inspired performance fabrics, and natural stone.”
It’s the same layering trick you’d use inside your living room: A rug defines the space, while woven materials, pillows and different finishes keep a neutral palette from feeling flat.
Quince Wheatley Indoor/Outdoor Rug
The Wheatley Rug offers a flatwoven, natural-inspired look with the durability of performance fibers. Its low, flat pile creates a smooth, versatile foundation that works beautifully in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Indoor / Outdoor Charlie Silver Bark Area Rug
The Charlie Collection by Joanna Gaines x Loloi is an indoor/outdoor area rug with a timeless design inspired by ticking stripes. This easy-to-clean and durably made rug can hold up to high-traffic mudrooms and entryways, or anchor a backyard deck or patio.
4. Add Soft Lighting for an After-Dark Resort Feel
The party doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Soft lighting can make an outdoor space feel warmer, more intimate, and most importantly, a whole lot more like the patio of a hotel you wish you could stay at forever.
5. Choose Fewer, Better Pieces for a Five-Star Finish
If you really want your outdoor space to feel expensive, Hurhula says the answer isn't necessarily buying more stuff. “Luxury hotels are less about having more furniture and more about choosing fewer, better pieces,” she said.
For a larger patio or backyard, start with one substantial seating piece and use it to establish the look of the rest of the space. “Start with a teak seating collection and build your space around it, pairing a sofa with matching lounge or swivel chairs and a coordinating coffee table to create a cohesive foundation,” Hurhula said.
“Quick-dry Sunbrella cushions throughout our collection bring the comfort and durability you’d expect from a luxury resort.”
And don't underestimate the difference a substantial umbrella can make. Beyond providing much-needed shade, it helps define your seating area and gives you that poolside-resort look.
“The key is sticking to a cohesive palette of materials so the space feels curated, relaxed, and effortlessly luxurious,” Hurhula added.
Quince Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Sofa
This sofa features a precision-welded aluminum frame with a dark charcoal powder coating engineered for lasting durability, paired with Sunbrella Cast Silver cushions and quick-dry foam. Includes a custom-fit furniture cover, and delivered free via white glove service.
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As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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