Skies may still be gray in some places but we’re already thinking of brighter days. And with that, the amped up colors of spring and the breathing in of fresh air. When those warm, sunny days arrive, we’re all going to want to spend as much time as possible outside. Inside or out, we’re here to help you use the bright,bold colors and prints that bring you joy. The good news? It doesn’t take much to make your outdoor space a colorful sanctuary. The easiest way to make a space stand out is to add color. Here are 3 simple ways to update your outdoor space with color and pattern to create a perfectly-you look in no time.

Tip 1. Pile on the Outdoor Pillows

Outdoor pillows may be the easiest way to introduce color and pattern. If this is the year you’re banishing beige, go for it. If you’re already wild for color, just bring it outside. Sara Raak of SKG Designs is definitely an expert at bringing personalized color into outdoor spaces. As part of an extensive patio renovation, she layered in SmithHönig’s colorful, fade-resistant and waterproof pillows to add zing to an otherwise muted outdoor space.

“I’m completely in love with how perfect my SmithHönig outdoor pillows look against the white seating,” said Sara.

Take a cue from Sara by using pops of color to brighten up your outdoor seating. Our colorful, curated outdoor pillow collection is designed in patterns and colorways to soothe your soul. Waterproof, weather-resistant fabrics ensure these pillows will look good season after season and year after year. And while you can’t go wrong piling these on, one of our favorite design tips is to bring some of your favorite indoors pieces outside (but don’t forget to bring them back in!)—and it’s one of Sara’s too.

“It’s all about the details that make this design shine even more,” said Sara. “I LOVE incorporating colors, textures, patterns and layers into any of my designs and this outdoor canvas was perfect for that. My SmithHönig Shibori Poufs are so versatile. For the firepit I used them for extra seating and also a side table. There are so many different ways to use these.” The poufs are made for indoor use, but durable enough for an afternoon outside.

Style Secret: Tie everything together by using different pieces in the same pattern—like Sara did with our Shibori indigo print—for a cohesive palette that feels inviting.

Tip 2. Add Colorful Adirondack Chairs

Comfy seating is a must for an outdoor space. Versatile Adirondack chairs are comfortable and classic, and now available in a variety offun colors. SmithHönig co-founder Kellie Smith is partial to the bright orange, seen here on the dock of her family’s lake house. Claim a little bit of rest and relaxation and place a couple on your porch,in your backyard or around a fire pit.

Designed to encourage hours of lounging, Adirondack chairs are also on our list of must-haves because their extra-wide armrests are ideal for balancing drinks and small plates. And since these chairs are made of solid POLYWOOD® lumber, a proprietary plastic containing recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles, you won’t have to worry about cracking, splintering, rotting, or re-painting, which means you can spend more time relaxing.

Bonus: Even though they are built to withstand hot sun, snowy winters and strong coastal winds, these no-maintenance chairs fold flat for easy storage in the off-season.

The Adirondack chairs are available in orange, navy and teal, and if you prefer something more understated, white. Don’t miss out on the matching ottomans and side tables, too.

Style Secret: If you already have outdoor furniture you love, you can add a new color by giving them a fresh coat of paint. There is special paint for just about every type of surface.

Tip 3. Set An Outdoor Table

Melanie’s masterpiece-in-progress backyard space is a dream space for hosting fabulously colorful meals. Home to an unexpected mix of décor—think a hot tub, a totem pole and a life-sized driftwood horse—it can be either casual or elegant and most times is both. For dinners big and small she layers a mix of everyday glassware and flatware, vintage plates and linens with disposable pieces where it makes sense, like the company’s colorful paper placemats. It’s all about the mix, conjuring up a dream tablescape, in colors and textures that bring the table to life. Here the casual place settings are grounded by Neela Purple Paper Placemats.

To capture a dining experience that’s luxe and low maintenance at the same time, the SmithHönig line of paper placemats come in 12 different patterns, and are great for everyday tablescapes or large parties. Use them herever and whenever you want to set a colorful, globally-inspired table. SmithHönig created options in some of your favourite existing patterns—like Moroccan Knot and Sebra Stripe—and several new ones including Iberia Gold, Kantha Saffron, and Ludlow Street Smoke.

Style Secret: A patterned placemat can be the right backdrop for just about every style of tableware—crisp linen napkins, glass goblets, vintage silver—it’s all about adding those notes of surprise and delight.

We hope these tips inspire you to create a proper little piece of colorful backyard bliss. Incorporate color, texture, and luxe fabrics to tie your outdoor space together. And don’t forget, you got this. We’re so excited to see what you create! Tag us in your spaces on Instagram #shopsmithhonig.