A patio umbrella instantly creates a vacation vibe, transforming your outdoor space into a true retreat. Today we explore three different design styles that can be strategically created with a patio umbrella. Do you prefer the sleek and the modern? Perhaps you’re craving a nautical look for your patio. Or maybe you want to make a retro statement! The spaces below all feature patio umbrellas that you can purchase if you’re in a shopping mood. Or simply browse for a hefty dose of summer flair. Enjoy…

Sleek and Modern

If you prefer modern design, today’s first featured style is for you! Think sleek, clean-lined and serene. Frontgate’s Altura Cantilever Umbrella is shown below, creating just the right blend of crisp and refreshing.

CB2’s Eclipse Grey Umbrella with Base is as functional as it is stylish. Grey powdercoated aluminum and spun polyester in grey give this piece a contemporary look. Throw is some patio furniture and a few tropical plants (less is more here), and you’re set:

For a modern look, remember to use outdoor dining furniture to your advantage by choosing clean-lined pieces. Bonus points if they can accommodate an umbrella in a soothing shade such as blue. Below we see the Easy Shade Outdoor Umbrella by Frontgate:

A modern vibe can also mix with other design styles in your outdoor space, as shown by this Mediterranean patio that lets the blue of the water take center stage. [image via Lonny]

Modern furnishings with earthy textures beautifully complement outdoor spaces with classic features or global motifs. Note how the simplicity of the dining setup below seamlessly blends with the ample greenery. [photo via Patrick Cline/Lonny]

Minimal Nautical

Minimal nautical style is undeniably beachy yet distinctly uncluttered. Reds, blues and stripes often make an appearance. As with the modern outdoor style featured above, less is more. Below we see a minimal nautical image featuring Frontgate’s Poolside Cantilver Umbrella:

The Cabana Outdoor Umbrella from Anthropologie has plenty of nautical style. Pair it with earthy, modern pieces for an eclectic look stresses chill vibes rather than abundance:

Once again CB2 has combined summer style with modern flair in the Eclipse Black and White Stripe Umbrella with Base. Its contemporary look begs for an uncluttered space, introducing just the right amount of nautical style:

This Rectangular Sunbrella Cabana Stripe Navy Patio Umbrella with Black Frame from Crate & Barrel has the power to be the centerpiece of your patio, especially if you give it some space to shine. Note that this umbrella features Sunbrella acrylic that blocks out 98% of the sun’s UV rays.

Retro Tropical

For a cheeky dose of fun, bring a retro tropical vibe to your patio! By choosing an umbrella that features a colorful vintage or classic pattern (such as stripes), you can get the job done. Breezy is the name of the game! Below we see an assortment of Frontgate’s Round Outdoor Market Umbrellas:

Tassels add charm to this Carousel Umbrella from Frontgate. Note the houndstooth pattern on the patio seating, as well as the vibrant use of blue:

This Cabana Outdoor Umbrella from Anthropologie is another gem that features Sunbrella fabric. The drape style of the umbrella and the use of stripes, red and blue can’t help but channel a retro vibe:

Another Anthropologie find, the Indoor/Outdoor Poolside Lounge Chair (shown below) pays homage to the glamour of 1950s Miami. Pair it with a striped umbrella, tropical plants and retro-style fabric for the ultimate in vintage vibes:

Anyone else loving Anthropologie’s product photography this season?! If you like the fringe on the umbrella in the photo above, check out this Celeyan Umbrella with its shades of blue, festive dots and leafy designs:

 

You can even go modern with your umbrella and create a retro look using other fun features, such as flamingo pool floats. Anyone up for a swim? Let’s take another look at Frontgate’s Poolside Cantilever Umbrella:

When it comes to outdoor patio style, which look do you prefer? Sleek and modern, minimal nautical, or retro tropical? 

You're reading 3 Outdoor Design Styles Featuring Patio Umbrellas, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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When it comes to summer entertaining, easy-breezy is the name of the game! It’s hot outside, so nobody wants to be slaving over the stove or heating up the oven for hours. With a nautical palette featuring lots of stripes (and a no-hassle menu), you can create a summer happy hour that celebrates delicious food and fabulous design! Keep reading for tips, pics, and lots of fun, seasonal ideas…

Breezy Decor

It’s summer: the perfect time for light, fresh food and equally refreshing decor! Since happy hour is the event at hand, special sips are a must. That’s why these striped drink umbrellas inspired our palette:

Hues such as red, mint and sky blue add an extra festive vibe. No matter which cocktails and drinks make your menu, guests will love the added touch of a tiny umbrella that brings a big dose of summer to each sip. Don’t be afraid to make it easy with paper napkins. An added bonus: they’ll bring color and pattern to your party palette. The striped napkins showcased above are from Caspari.

It wouldn’t be summer without tropical leaves. Not only will they add a vacation vibe to the happy hour, they have the potential to last for weeks! Throw in some colorful blooms for a splash of vibrancy. Now that’s a lot of bang for your buck! Need other centerpiece ideas? Don’t hesitate to go with fresh produce, such as pineapples or sliced watermelon.

Easy Food and Beverage Options

If you love good design, you may also love a beautiful presentation of party food! Don’t deplete your energy by getting caught up in complicated recipes. By keeping it simple, you’ll have more time to enjoy decorating for your happy hour. Even more importantly, you’ll have more time to spend with your guests when the party starts!

For the beverages, go with summer-perfect selections such as rosé (sparkling or non-sparkling), which can be served plain or as a festive punch with the help of simple syrup, sliced strawberries or citrus. Have some non-alcoholic options on hand, such as specialty iced tea (this rosé iced tea is always a hit with guests) and water infused with citrus.

For the food, serve up a collection of small bites that celebrate summer’s bounty (plus some hearty nibbles for good measure). Here’s what we served…

Watermelon with lime and basil. It’s as simply as slicing the watermelon, dousing it with lime juice and sprinkling sliced basil on top.

Cucumber and tomato salad. This is as refreshing as it gets. Slice up cucumbers and colorful bite-sized tomatoes. Top them with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. You can add a dash of vinaigrette if you like. Sprinkle with sea salt and ground pepper for added flavor.

Hummus and crispy crackers. Purchase your favorite hummus and serve with thin, crispy crackers. Filling and fresh!

Tangy aioli with crackers or sweet potato fries. This goat cheese and yogurt aioli is our favorite, and it can be made the day before the party, much like the fresh produce selections above! Frozen sweet potato fries can easily be popped in the oven just before guests arrive. Don’t want to mess with a hot oven? Serve sweet potato chips or crackers instead.

Cookies from your favorite bakery. We served an assortment of special cookies, including dark chocolate cookies with white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Now who’s ready to throw a party?! As mentioned, the decorations and most food items can be prepared in advance, leaving the day of the party stress-free. Plenty of time to revel in the delicious summer motifs and enjoy the company of your guests. Wishing you and yours a festive summer!

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“I think I’ll hire a landscaper”…. If only it were that simple! From deciding which type of landscaper is right for the job to asking key questions before making a hire, there are many points to consider as you embark on your landscaping journey. It’s not uncommon to talk with a few different professionals before making a decision. Given that many landscaping projects (though not all) can cost thousands of dollars, you will want to put some time into choosing the right company or individual to carry out your vision. Keep reading for a breakdown of how to hire a landscaper and get the job done!

Choose the type of landscaper that’s right for you

Hiring a landscaper can be as confusing as hiring an interior designer! That’s because there are a variety of people calling themselves landscapers, and they may or may not be certified. This factor doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s important to understand the type of professional you’re hiring.

Who you hire will be determined by your budget and the tasks at hand. For example, if the sky is the limit, a landscape architect or landscape designer can create a first-rate plan for your space and tackle anything from tree removal to masonry. If you’re on a tight budget, your landscape maintenance company may be able to plant selections that you pick out and place around the yard.

There are ways to save money, such as choosing a landscaper without the highest level of certification, choosing a newer company that’s looking to build a client base, and even asking employees at your local nursery if they’re willing to do some landscaping projects on the side. Especially if you have a clear idea of what you want and you can convey that to a landscaper, you may be able to skip the design portion of the project and simply hire a landscaping contractor to get the job done. You often get what you pay for, so before you choose savings over experience, make sure you ask a few key questions before giving another person or company free reign over your yard! Which brings us to our next point…

Ask the right questions before you hire

Asking the right questions up front can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. For example, posting a simple question about landscaping recommendations on a neighborhood app (such as  ) or message board can help you zone in on a list of potential professionals to hire. At that point, speaking with these landscapers on the phone and addressing the issues that follow can serve as a screening process before you book consultations. Here’s a sampling of questions to ask:

Do you carry insurance? The last thing you want is to be liable for an injury that occurs on your property!

Do you have references? Hiring a professional who is recommended by others can save you unnecessary grief. If you don’t have a personal recommendation at your disposal, asking for references is always helpful.

Do you have experience with this type of landscaping? This question may seem obvious, but not all landscapers are experts in every type of landscaping. A simple question over the phone (such as “Do you have experience xeriscaping?”) will save you time and money. If you meet with a landscaper who tries to steer you away from a style that you prefer, this can also be a red flag.

Can I see photos of your work? Especially if your potential landscaping hire doesn’t have an extensive photo gallery on the website, this question can help you decide if the style he or she offers is a good match for your space.

Are you comfortable working within a budget of _____? There are high-end landscape architects and designers who will not want to take on a project for under $10,000. Don’t let an estimate catch you by surprise. Before you spend time meeting/consulting with a company, get your budget out on the table.

Be clear about what you want

You can’t hire the right person for the job unless you know what the job entails. If you have an unlimited budget and are happy with someone planning out and executing the project without much feedback from you, delegating is no problem. For others, a true vision emerges, and you want to find someone who can carefully carry it out. At the very least, you’ll want to think about the look and feel of your space. Here are some points to consider:

Budget: As mentioned, your budget needs to be clear up front, even if you know you’re willing to increase it by a certain amount. Your budget will also determine if there are tasks that you tackle now AND later, or if you can get it all done in one fell swoop.

The look: The more information and visual input you can give your landscaper about the look you’re going for, the better the results. If you don’t have the benefit of hiring a landscaper who will produce a design before he or she starts the project, the more specific you will need to be. For example, saying “Fill the holes in the backyard with native grasses and yucca” may seem detailed, but when your landscaper shows up with only 5 plants and you were hoping for 20 in order to mask your neighbor’s ugly wall, you will have wished you’d stressed abundance! Be specific about what you want.

Personality type: It will quickly become clear when you meet someone you can work with. Or someone you can’t. A good landscaper will listen to you. Creating a design that’s good for your yard and matches your preferences will be more important to him or her than following one’s creative whim. Remember, you’re the one who has to live with the yard once your landscaper leaves. If you feel like you can’t voice your opinion, ask questions or get the recommendations you need, choose another landscaper!

A quick note: landscapers are very busy. Not only is their calendar filled with jobs, they also do consultations that involve visiting the homes of prospective clients. You may need to follow up with your landscaper more than once if you’re on a tight schedule. Don’t be afraid to put yourself back on his or her radar, a reminder that you’re serious about doing business with the company and you want to get started soon. Happy landscaping!!

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