Mainly clear skies. Low 67F. Winds light and variable..

Mainly clear skies. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.

Special thanks to Schumacher for fabrics. 

Special thanks to Schumacher for fabrics. 

With more people spending time at home since COVID-19, outdoor living spaces are now more desired and requested than ever, according to local interior designer Lindsay Gray. “People see it as an extension of their home,” she says. “Of course, they want it to be equally as beautiful.” 

Gray notes one of the biggest things to consider for outdoor spaces is the varied weather. “We experience all four seasons in Oklahoma … we have to worry about mildew, stains, pollen, snow, sun — all of it,” she says. 

However, performance fabrics have evolved in such a way people no longer have to sacrifice style or comfort for durability.

“In the past we’ve mostly seen Sunbrella for outdoor use, but that was really just fade-resistant,” Gray says. Now most of the indoor/outdoor fabric brands on the market, such as InsideOut, FibreGuard and Crypton, are stain-resistant and fade-resistant.

Outdoor fabrics used to be rough to the touch. Not anymore, according to Gray. “Now they are soft and come in an abundance of choices, from woven to leather-like material, and even velvet and chenille,” she says. 

There is a level of necessary care to prolong the life of outdoor furnishings. “I kind of relate it to prepping a wall to paint — as long as you’re willing to put in the effort to prep, your paint will go on smoother and last longer,” she says. “Same with fabrics — as long as you’re willing to take care of them on a regular basis, they’re going to last you a really long time.” 

Gray recommends clients vacuum or blow off their furnishings periodically, steam clean or professionally clean once a year and treat stains promptly. Gray also advises letting the fabric dry after cleaning. “We know moisture attracts dust and dirt, so be sure to let fabrics dry thoroughly.” 

Whether you want a botanical print, a solid color or a pattern, chances are you will be able to find it. With so many options, Gray says the performance fabrics on the market today offer limitless design choices. “Upholstery is obviously the No. 1 use for these fabrics, but I’ve used them on pillows, curtains, accessories like poufs and ottomans. They even make decorative tapes and trims for pillows and curtains,” she says. 

Now is the time to start planning that space, Gray says. “Fall is when you should start thinking about that so it’s new, fresh and ready for spring,” she says of reupholstered outdoor cushions and furnishings. “It would make a great gift for the holidays.” 

2. Sonriza print in marine and pool

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