Frontera Outdoor Design Guide

Relaxation Redefined
The Frontera Spirit
Design Trends
Getting Started
Considering the Aesthetic
Choosing Quality
Minding Space
Materials

RELAXATION REDEFINED

Outdoor living has been increasingly recognized as a source of hospitality and comfort. Outdoor furniture has likewise undergone a change, and the importance of its quality is now influencing every benefit of outdoor living. Thanks to a marriage of elegance and durability, the Frontera outdoor furniture selection has brought to outdoor living the same distinction and attention given to interior design. Not only does this make the outdoor experience more relaxing, it also allows a seamless transition of style between indoor and outdoor space, granting your home taste and comfort.

Frontera is dedicated to ease and convenience. This guide has been created in order to help with the design process through several points:

We'll share the spirit of Frontera
Suggest how to go about furnishing your outdoor living space
Highlight the quality of materials and brands that go into our selection.

As one of the Internet's first virtual showrooms, we at Frontera are proud of our premium selection and excellent prices. But almost as important as a good rocking chair is a good spot to place it. By reading this guide, you will gain a few ideas on how to plan your outdoor living space design and ensure a quality design.

THE FRONTERA SPIRIT

It's that simple

Since its establishment nineteen years ago, Frontera has made a name for itself as a furniture retailer by keeping things simple: offer lasting products of unparalleled quality. Establishing connections with like-minded furniture makers, Frontera has ensured a standard of only the finest craftsmanship. Why? Because people recognize quality. Frontera has served a growing number of clients across the US and it continues to provide convenience and a unique product selection.

Frontera also recognizes that finding the right product should be easy. Frontera carries a versatile selection that caters to every outdoor design style, ranging from compact to commanding, formal to informal, or vintage to modern. A wide selection doesn't have to be complicated, and Frontera enjoys offering straightforward options through its website and through its catalogue.

Having a wide furniture selection also means that we are aware of the direct environmental and economic impact of our business. It is our commitment to positively interact with the environment, so Frontera supports only sustainable forest management programs. More information about our dedication to selective harvesting practices can be found at: : http://www.frontera.com/our-green-commitment.

Choose Frontera for unmatched comfort, craftsmanship, and durability. Choose to create a beautiful outdoor space you'll enjoy for years to come.

DESIGN TRENDS

The Rise of Luxury

No longer is outdoor furniture limited to uncomfortable lawn chairs and flimsy umbrellas. More and more, the outdoor room has been recognized as an extension of the home rather than an afterthought, and furniture choices and styles have evolved to match this growth in taste.

Various furniture styles ranging from Atlanta Aluminum to Couture Jardin can match or complement the rest of your house. Recognized brands such as Woodard and Kingsley-Bate ensure that any selection exudes peerless quality. Thanks to tasteful yet durable fabrics, pillows and deep seating cushions can also offer your outdoor room comfort without sacrificing fade and moisture-resistant qualities.

Choose your Taste:
With so many furniture options, an outdoor living space can match the quality of indoor design without the limitations of walls or rooms. What you do with your outdoor room is up to you.

Combine a Boca Teak dining set with a relaxation area.
Blend a sun room with colonial furnishings.
Or keep things compact and casual with a hammock and a rocking chair or two.

Any well designed outdoor room will not only add to the value of your home, it will also guarantee a permanent and popular living space. The vast selection of lounge chairs, fire pits, umbrellas, and decorative accents means that your outdoor living space can be enjoyed all year round.

Take some time to explore various outdoor design and living blogs. This can help you build an idea of what you want from your own outdoor space. Even if you don't see a style ideal for you, any sources and inspiration you do find can be indispensable for your design.

In this guide you will learn various strategies and approaches to outdoor room design. This includes how to get started, what design aesthetics or functions might benefit you most, and an examination of the types of materials to consider. Take the time to read these steps and engage yourself in successful coordination. If you have imagination, excitement, and the time to do a little planning, then your own outdoor room is just waiting to enrich your lifestyle.

GETTING STARTED

Ask anyone--there are only so many hours in the day, and it seems as if the world around us only gets busier. This is one of the reasons an outdoor room is such an advantage: a well-designed layout encourages you to take back some of that time to slow down and relax.

Making the Transition:
An outdoor living space is in the unique position where it can act as an extension of the home but also offer a different mindset and atmosphere.

A porch swing or outdoor dining set can follow a rustic or modern theme set by the rest of your home, but the comfort encouraged by these products can establish a relaxing space apart from the rest of the house even as it preserves the general style.
Outdoor furnishings don't have to be inferior or disposable-many high-end choices such as tasteful outdoor rugs and Ottomans can make the transition from indoor to outdoor seamless in quality.
Weather and stain-resistant materials, whether fabric, metal, or wood, also guarantee that any selection you make will not be crippled by poor or hasty construction.

The first and most important step to designing your outdoor space is planning.

Bad advice, disjointed furnishings, or a lack of preparation can each lead to an unsuccessful project. Take the time to do some research or educate yourself and hire a professional designer. While designing an outdoor space, keep in mind that its design deserves as much attention and quality you would give to the design of an indoor room.

Ask Yourself:

Look at how your interior is designed. How could you furnish the exterior to mirror the interior?
What is your home's general style? What kind of outdoor furnishings could match or complement this style?
How much room do you have for an outdoor space? Would you rather prioritize a compact lounging space or a larger pool area? Could you have more than one outdoor room?
Be practical-do you need enough space for entertaining guests or should your outdoor space be kept more private? Do you want room to cook or grill, or would you rather have a simple lounge area?
How much time and expenses are you willing to invest in the project? And when it's finished, are you willing to commit to its maintenance?

A well-designed outdoor space is an investment. Taking the time to form its design and schedule regular upkeep will pay off in the long run.

Rather than keeping an outdoor dining area on a patio close to the house, consider moving it further away and into the garden space. This will give your dining area a sense of depth and space to breathe, as well as a more natural and relaxed aesthetic. Night-time lights in this area or on the patio can also create a sense of distance, romance, and destination.

Don't be afraid to try experimenting with styles. If you have a keen eye, juxtaposing traditional furnishings with a modern home can work just as well as a uniform style. Outdoor fabrics of the same color family as your interior furnishings can complement and create a sense of seamless transition.

CONSIDERING THE AESTHETIC

Coordinated Design

As we have mentioned, the relationship between interior and exterior design indicates how much thought you've put into the aesthetics of your project. Merging the indoors and outdoors isn't just about style, however--it's also about substance.

Coordinate a color palette, style, creativity, or sense of continuity to avoid locking your outdoor space to a generic check list, and link your interior furnishings with your exterior furnishings.
The integration of indoor and outdoor furniture options has opened up many new possibilities to complement separate environments or make completely distinct:

Resilient and luxurious material options means that you can choose furniture ranging from teak, Brazilian Cherry, aluminum, or wrought iron.
Brand collections are also a great way to create a sense of continuity: Kingsley-Bate, Three Birds Casual, Barlow Tyrie and others are all excellent options to tie together a sophisticated cohesiveness between indoor and outdoor.

Again, knowing your tastes is vital to choosing your furnishings. Are you more comfortable in a chaise lounge or a rocking chair? Would you rather doze in a hammock or an outdoor daybed? Do you prefer your armrests to have the sturdy heft of Brazilian Cherry or the lightweight contours of aluminum? The more work and planning you do in the beginning, the more your project will fit you once it is completed.

Coordinate interior and exterior color palettes. Blend the interior and exterior furniture aesthetic. Research various brands and collections. Decide what would work best for you in terms of style and function.

CHOOSING QUALITY

A mutual aesthetic is not only limited to the interior-exterior relationship; the many furniture options offered by Frontera means that an outdoor living space can also be designed to complement an adjacent garden area or stand by itself.

The Differences in Quality:

Cheap outdoor furniture will be rotten or broken in 2-3 years, and such furniture is made without durability or weather-resistance.
When shopping for outdoor furniture, you can gather a good indication of quality if cheap pieces are displayed indoors rather than outdoors.
Our various products utilize durable hand-woven wicker, powder coat finishes, and resilient teak and Brazilian Cherry woods, all of which guarantee years of enjoyment.
High Density Polyethylene keeps color and UV protection saturated throughout Source Outdoor furniture we offer, and our aluminum Woodard products are formed with the highest grade ingots to ensure resistance against rust and corrosion.

World's Finest Rockers-rocking chairs that cradle you with contoured seats and backs that have been built to last. Simply put, cheaper furniture will fade and break, offering only a portion of comfort that high-end furnishings grant.
Hiring a designer is a cost effective way to design your ideal outdoor space while gaining perspective on furnishings of quality. Designers have the creative experience to make your passion a reality but can also keep your feet on the ground by keeping a pragmatic understanding of how much space you need.

Be sure to coordinate your furnishings to complement the environment nearby, whether it's architecture, nature, or other surroundings. Be willing to spend money-create a budget for your outdoor furniture just as you would for any other major room. Don't forget to choose accessories for your outdoor space. Pillows, rugs, and even photographs are available for the outdoors.

MINDING SPACE

Ask yourself. Be aware of your tastes and what you want your outdoor space to be. Lay out various area ideas and how to link them. Would you like a small walkway from the pool area to the hammock? How could a fence or hedge bring together a lounge area with your home? What obstacles could impede your ideal outdoor space? Would the outdoor bar feel awkward pressed against the patio railing? Is there enough room between the pool and the dining area? Are there any windows, doors, or surroundings in the way of what you have in mind? Do your outdoor furnishings complement your home? Would it feel strange to look at the home from your outdoor room or vice-versa?

It bears repetition: your outdoor living space should match the quality of your indoor living space. Taking the time to choose a congruent color scheme or style can add value and life to your home. Adding accents, decorations, and lighting can also add to the ambience you wish to capture.

Outdoor rooms offer many opportunities not afforded by the indoors. While you arrange your furniture, be sure to take advantage of your surroundings. You can add shelter and privacy through awnings, gardens, pergolas, gazebos, and even landscaping.
If you are looking to create more than one function for your outdoor room, be sure to compartmentalize the space:

Try to make separate areas for cooking, lounging, or eating.
Be aware that room for traffic flow is also a good idea since guests tend to separate into smaller groups. Allowing room to maneuver is just as important as making space for your new chaise lounge.

Consider the atmosphere you want to facilitate.

Deep seating and low tables are perfect for lounging and conversation, while bar height chairs might encourage a more active exchange.
Determine whether you want the intimacy of an installed porch swing for two, a folding teak dining set you can store, or both.
Tabletop burners can add soft light and a touch of luxury, while a specialty fire pit can double as an outdoor beverage cooler on the right occasion.

MATERIALS

Brazilian Cherry

Originating in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, Brazilian Cherry wood is twice the hardness of teak. Brazilian Cherry is a rare choice in furniture because its hardness makes it difficult to machine without sophisticated equipment and advanced manufacturing techniques, but the effort is worth it because the wood has density and superior weather-resistance that makes it a great furniture choice even without a protectant finish.

Brazilian Cherry usually features a deep rich red color, although it can also range from a salmon red to an orange-brown with dark streaks. The grain itself is interlocked in a medium to course texture, and it often possesses a golden luster beneath, lending to its natural beauty. The sturdiness of Brazilian Cherry makes it an excellent choice in outdoor furniture since it is guaranteed to last for years.

Brazilian Cherry is typically used for traditional furnishing designs. Left outside over time, Brazilian Cherry will gain a handsome silver-grey patina. If this color is not desired, its original deep red color can be kept by occasional maintenance. A mild solution of bleach, dish soap, and water is a good way to clean Brazilian Cherry furniture. Afterwards, applying organic linseed oil will keep the color locked into the wood. Depending on your tastes, many other maintenance options and techniques may better appeal to you.

Brazilian Cherry is a sturdy furniture material. Consider basing your outdoor room around it if you live somewhere with strong winds or temperamental weather.

Teak

Native to Southeast Asia, teak remains a popular wood for outdoor furniture. Although not as hard as Brazilian Cherry, teak is extremely durable and requires very little maintenance. Its high oil content keeps it termite-resistant and its strong tensile strength makes it an excellent choice for any structure. Like Brazilian Cherry, teak is highly resistant to extreme weather changes, and is often a material for high-end furnishings due to its ability to last many years in the elements.

Teak possesses a much lighter color than Brazilian Cherry. It can range from a soft honey color to an unblemished white-gold. Like Brazilian Cherry, it can also gain a silver-grey patina over time. Occasional maintenance through cleaning and use of teak sealant will keep its original color alive, but be careful not to over-maintain.

Teak is a versatile material that can be used for contemporary designs, although it is typically favored for traditional styles. Either way, its appearance and durability make it an excellent choice that will appeal to any owner's sense of luxury and pragmatism.

Trust the wood. Since teak is naturally a low-maintenance material, maintaining it too often could actually shorten its lifespan!

Wicker

Easily one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture, wicker provides versatility and comfort. Frontera offers many product choices that use classic wicker designs but also employ modern technologies such as Dura-Weave, a wicker material with High Density Polyethylene guaranteed to lock in color and offer UV protection.

Additionally, many of our wicker products are hand-woven with All Seasons wicker to offer supple designs without any loss in durability. Our commitment to wicker that does not split, fade, or crack drives us to offer products of only the highest craftsmanship.

Investing in wicker furniture is an advantage. The broad variety of wicker designs means that you can combine wicker furniture with any collection you desire or already own. The wide selection of fabric, designs, and materials keeps any project additions fresh and flexible.

It doesn't take much to break down cheaply made wicker. Always double-check sources that do not sell wicker without UV protection.

Aluminum

Another popular option for outdoor furniture, aluminum is a light-weight and durable material that is also malleable enough to be formed into seamless, supple designs. Aluminum is a great choice for owners interested in low-maintenance. The material is resistant to corrosion and doesn't require application of protectant. Frontera offers Woodard aluminum furniture, which is created with only the highest grade and most resilient aluminum ingots.

Not only does aluminum furniture come in many designs, painting it to match a color, finish, or texture can further complement it with the rest of your furnishings. Its straightforward aesthetic also means that it can be paired with other materials such as teak, wicker, and many fabrics.

Aluminum's light-weight nature is an advantage for moving and arranging furniture. However, keep in mind that this advantage is not an ideal choice for areas with strong winds. As always, be aware of the decisions you make and what would fit best with your outdoor living space.

Keep in mind that neutral or solid colors are timeless and easier to complement with differing styles.

Stainless Steel

A heavier option than aluminum is stainless steel, which offers resilience, versatility, and a handsome luster. Stainless steel has become a popular option for outdoor furniture because it does not rust, corrode, or suffer staining from moisture.

Like aluminum, stainless steel's compatible appearance lets you complement it with other furniture and design styles. Choose to combine it with wicker, sling, or teak furniture. Its intrinsic strength allows it to be used in thinner, graceful designs that will catch any guest's eye.

Despite its strength, stainless steel is vulnerable to salt water and chlorine, both which can cause discoloration in the metal. Luckily, this discoloration is at a surface level and can be quickly rubbed off. For stainless steel furniture exposed to salt water or chlorine, Frontera recommends electropolishing for the best protection.

Stainless Steel often works best with minimalist designs and modern styles.

Rugs

The availability of resilient and comfortable fabrics has given outdoor furniture quality that is easily comparable to indoor furniture. For instance, Frontera carries a wide selection of Trans-Ocean outdoor rugs to add a touch of flair to your outdoor space. Styles include traditional, floral, and contemporary, all of which expand the stylistic opportunities for your outdoor room. An article as simple as a premium rug can lend your outdoor area the same authority and luxury as an interior space.

Each rug we offer is made from 100% polyacrylic fabric that resists UV, fading, staining, mildew, and moisture. As remarkable as their longevity is their ease of care. It's as simple as hosing down and then letting dry. By keeping the maintenance process so easy for our outdoor rugs, you might even find that your interior decor takes more work!

Outdoor rugs are in a unique position. They can further tie together the interior/exterior design, make a bold statement on your floor, and add more luxury to your outdoor living space. You can pull together an existing style with a natural-colored Ravella rug or mark a change of stylistic pace with a Tommy Bahama cargo rug. Because our quality outdoor rugs are resistant towards mold, bacteria, and elemental damage, your number of choices remains peerless without sacrificing comfort.

Match interior tones or styles for a sense of continuity. Keep in mind that you can also complement the environment around your outdoor living space.

Pillows

Where the comfort of deep seat lounge chairs might be limited by practical design, outdoor pillows and cushions can provide many more creative and aesthetic options. Outdoor room designs can be crippled by a Spartan approach, but a tasteful pillow is a great way to liven things up. Well-placed pillows attract the eye and are one of the first indicators of quality and comfort.

A poorly made pillow or cushion will not last long outside. That's why Frontera offers the finest Elaine Smith pillows made from weatherproof fabrics. The backbone of our superior selection is a combination of sensible design, resilient materials, and the creative power of artist Elaine Smith. These elements come together to create lasting additions available for your outdoor room design.

Since cushion fabrics and materials are no longer limited by outdoor wear and tear, Frontera is able to offer more and more unique luxury outdoor pillows that are not held back by utilitarian designs. Frontera's selection of USA-made pillows comes in a wide array varying from traditional to modern styles. Like the outdoor rugs Frontera offers, Elaine Smith pillows can be used to tie together interior and exterior spaces or add a splash of something new to your outdoor room. Every style is sure to last while providing unmatched comfort for you and your guests.

Depending on the occasion, you could swap cushions to keep pace with a theme or situation.

Sling

Sling material offers a simple and slim solution for anyone looking to add a more contemporary touch to their outdoor living space. A combination of polyester and PVC, sling retains a sleek appearance without compromising durability and comfort, and its strength and design keeps the material taut after extended use.

The sling material Frontera utilizes meets the highest standards of quality. For instance, the Teak Lounger from the Riviera collection is made from premium textiline, a sling woven from a polyester yarn that is coated with PVC, making it remarkably durable, breathable, and nearly impossible to tear. In addition, this sling resists fading and mildew, and is simple to clean.

Available in a wide variety of colors, sling often accompanies aluminum frames to suit compact styles and easy storage. Sling's flexibility and comfort not only allows it to act as a seat or backrest of a chair, but it can also act as a part of the chair's frame.

Juxtaposing sling colors can lend to an informal look, or you can keep things more uniform with a selection of elegant white or barley. Depending on how often you frequent your outdoor room, consider choosing seasonal colors to keep your exterior looking fresh.