The sun is out, warm weather beckons, and summer breezes feel just around the corner. This year, outdoor spaces are more important than ever as we continue to socialize safely en plein air.
With that, it’s time to beautify your fresh-air surroundings. Whether backyard or balcony, an alfresco space is easy to assemble with just the right mix of welcoming and wow. Here are five pieces to get you started on the path to summer respite.
Landmann Steel Fire Pit
These days, getting your hands on an outdoor fire pit that’s actually in stock is nearly as hard as tracking down the elusive Holy Grail. But the Landmann Ball of Fire outdoor fire pit is in stock online and ships within two to four days, which is ample time to set the stage for backyard bliss.
Image courtesy of Landmann.
The matte black 30-inch-wide steel ball comes with handles so you can easily move it from porch to patio; the removable porcelain fire bowl makes disposal of the ashes a cinch. Goodness gracious, great balls of fire.
Available at Rona.ca
Garden Layers Collection by GAN
Image courtesy of GAN Rugs.
If you can’t track down an outdoor heater this summer, there’s always the Garden Layers collection by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola for Gan Rugs. Part sweater, part cozy blanket, this collection of carpets, mattresses, daybeds, rolls, and cushions, all inspired by Mughal architecture, will keep you warm with layered fabrics made of 100 per cent recycled PET (from plastic waste) and fillings suitable for the outdoors.
Available in Vancouver at Livingspace.
Ikea Quillow
Vancouver weather can go from sun to sun shower in seconds, so it’s best to be prepared. Ikea’s new Fältmal in army green lends itself well to both tasks as pillow and poncho all in one.
Image courtesy of IKEA.
When folded up, the “quillow” or quilt/pillow works as a poofy cushion for sofa and chairs but then easily transforms into a warm duvet (if your duvet were to come with sleeves and buttons).
Available in-store and online at Ikea.ca
Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler
Yeti works for both hardcore outdoor enthusiasts and hardcore picnickers, thanks to gear that withstands the elements while looking effortlessly rugged and cool.
Image courtesy of Yeti.
The Tundra 45 cooler in new Aquifer Blue wears many hats as a sleek outdoor accessory and an offering to camping gods everywhere. But its day job is to serve as a virtually indestructible, grizzly-proof durable cooler with moulded construction and two inches of permafrost insulation so your beer stays ice cold in searing desert heat—or just a sunny afternoon in your own backyard.
Available in-store at MEC in Vancouver and online at Yeti.ca
Indigo Queen of Hearts Croquet Set
We could all use a bit of fun right now, so why not add a little Alice in Wonderland whimsy to your backyard with this Queen of Hearts croquet set by Professor Puzzle?
Image courtesy of Indigo.
Flamingo mallets, wooden balls, and other colourful accessories round out this outdoor set with easy-to-follow instructions.
Available in-store and online at Indigo.ca
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