The Once-Popular Furniture Trend That's Making Your Outdoor Space Look Dated

When approaching outdoor space design, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. You want it to look its best, but you are also dealing with the weather, seasons, and marauding wildlife on the hunt for cushions to chew or grass to eat. Many homeowners take the one-and-done option, buying a set of matching outdoor furniture that is weatherproof, animal-proof, and usable. It makes sense to put utility over style, and some of these matching sets did look quite stylish ... about 10 years ago. Yup, matching patio furniture sets are out. Designer Nate Fox told Martha Stewart, "The matchy-matchy approach can feel sterile and lacks the character and visual interest that comes from mixing different pieces, eras, and styles." Ouch. Nobody wants their outdoor space to lack soul, especially when we think of all the wonderful memories we create in our gardens and yards, from hosting BBQs with family and friends to relaxing with a good book by ourselves.

So, what is it about matching sets that makes them so dated? Well, with maximalist decor trending year on year, design is focusing more on personality and self-expression. The modern, slick look of beige, matching patio furniture is, well, not so modern anymore. Interior and exterior design is now all about homes and gardens telling stories. What you bring in to decorate your space is there to tell the world who you are and what you love. Bold over boring is winning, with color and life spilling from your home into your outdoor area.

Thankfully, you don't need to bin your furniture to update your patio or yard. You just need to work some magic to blend outdated furniture sets for a unique aesthetic with new colors and styles. Nate Fox recommends mixing different furniture pieces together. Have a look in thrift stores or vintage fairs to see if anything catches your eye. It is helpful to stick with a similar color scheme when picking your furniture and yard accessories, especially if you are mixing different patterns together. Having one color that's featured through the different prints can help keep everything cohesive. 

You can also bring in more color and personality through the accessories you place on and around your outdoor furniture set. There are loads of throws and cushions that are weather resistant that you can use to update your patio space. Small side tables or stools can also bring in more bold colors and patterns that reflect your style. An outdoor rug can create vibrancy when placed under a dull beige furniture set. To liven this matchy outdated patio furniture trends, think about what really showcases who you are, your values, your style, and what you want from your surroundings. What do you do most in the garden? And how can you make it reflect that? The more you get to know you, the easier it will be to create a stylish outdoor space.