Local Virginian Interior Designer, ***Stacey Dobrovolny,*** with 2Navy Lane Interior Design

In Virginia, we can certainly celebrate all four seasons and that is what many of us love about this place we call home. Whether you live in the busyness just outside of our Nations capital, the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains or the sandy backyard of our Virginia beaches, I think we can all agree that being outdoors is what we enjoy here in Virginia. When it comes to outdoor poolside design trends, we have to be flexible due to our weather. Sitting poolside in the spring or late fall can be quite chilly in the afternoon or early evening but this is where thinking outside the box can really turn this outdoor area into an almost year round entertaining space. Think of putting a firepit near your pool area. This gives a cozy place to relax with friends, make smores with the kids (big kids too!) or a drink with friends. A hot tub is another place that can be enjoyed year round. It is not only a way to help relieve the stress from a busy day at work or tired muscles from the gym but a place to enjoy time with family and friends. During the summer and early fall, the pool itself can be a source of fun and relaxation, as well. Whether it is a holiday bash to kick off or wrap up the summer, a cookout or just a lazy day at home...a pool is the perfect way to get your Vitamin D and relax.

The trends we tend to see in outdoor furniture will always have a neutral and natural color palette, as the staple. After all, we are sitting in nature and those colors should be reflected. However, we are seeing a resurgence of color in the interior of the home and this has certainly made its way outdoors, as well. We are seeing pops of bright and fun colors like bright blues, vibrant oranges and powerful pinks for these outdoor spaces. All of these fun colors are beautiful on their own or mixed and matched...you decide! A large, outdoor umbrella or outdoor rug is another great way to bring some fabulous life and color to your poolside dining area. Since these umbrellas and rugs are specifically made for outdoors, you can leave the stress behind about ruining them. Another fun way to incorporate some colors outdoors for an ordinary family night at home or while entertaining, is to invest in a set of vibrant, fun and tasteful dinnerware and drinkware for outdoors. There are so many beautiful patterns, colors, shapes and sizes that look just like your ceramic indoor dishes but are safe from breaking outdoors.

Another bold and classic pallet that we love is a simple black and white palette for the outdoors. Think bold black and white stripes or even change it up with a navy and white stripe. We love this classic look and it is ALWAYS on trend!

Something to keep in mind due to our drastic change in climate in Virginia and our thunderstorms that seem to come out of nowhere and often, is to have furniture covers for all of the furniture pieces that you purchase. And even better is to store the cushions, outdoor rugs, umbrellas, etc. in your pool house, basement or water tight patio storage. While water will not ruin these pieces if they are great quality, it is best to keep them inside when there is inclement weather. Nice outdoor furniture is worth the investment and the right pieces will have a way for the water to drain from the cushions on their own and many other features meant to keep your pieces looking good as new for as long as possible. All outdoor furniture should also always be covered in a high quality indoor/outdoor fabric that cleans easily, repels stains and is fade resistant.

Author: Local Virginian Interior Designer, Stacey Dobrovolny, with 2Navy Lane Interior Design

Learn more about Stacey and her designs here : Designing Spaces to Help you Live Better with Virginia Interior Designer — Virginia Home & Lifestyle (virginiahomeandlifestyle.com)