As we get closer to the most ideal time of year in the southwest, Arizonans are getting ready to enjoy the endless sunshine, and what better place to do that than in our backyards. The backdrop of the desert is the perfect canvas to make over the outdoor spaces where you’ll be spending most of the warmer months in. With the spring equinox fast approaching on March 20th, now is the perfect time to refresh your patio and prepare your patio for spring.

Before changing up décor and maintenance elements, it’s important for homeowners to start with the basics. When shopping for outdoor furniture in Arizona, opting for the most durable materials like rust-free metal, all-weather synthetic wicker, or poly lumber (recycled high-density polyethylene wood or HDPE) can make a substantial difference in your furniture’s longevity.

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Investing in pieces with new-to-market materials can also be the key to helping your patio survive monsoons, extreme heat, dust storms and other weather hazards that come with being an Arizona resident. Additionally, using cushions with fabrics that are waterproof, stain resistant, dust-proof and anti-microbial will help your furniture stay clean and dry when it is not in use.

After finding high-quality pieces, sprucing up a backyard can be fairly simple with a few stylish and functional updates.

Seal That Stone: The Sonoran Desert is one of the wettest in the world, and the Valley is nestled squarely in the middle of it. Start preparing your furniture ahead of time by sealing your stone top tables—ideally this should be done twice each year to prevent moisture damage from both the elements and spilled drinks during outdoor gatherings.

The Lighter Side: Shake up a stale space than to embrace a lighter, more pastel color palette. Swap out cushions and pillows with jewel tones and deeply saturated colors for airy tones like soft cyan, eggshell yellow and playful rose pink. These tones invoke a clean, fresh feeling that can brighten up any entertaining space.

Touch of Green. Even if you lack a green thumb, purchasing annual flowers from your local garden shop can create the illusion of a natural oasis, even in the most dry of landscapes. Flowers like pansies, dianthus and petunias are low-maintenance and thrive well during the warmer months of spring.

Play Tetris. If you have furniture that comes in a set, try rearranging the pieces to get a new look with minimal effort. If your patio is dining-focused, change it up by switching out the table for a firepit table and replacing the chairs for a loveseat to make things cozier.

However you decide to personalize your space for spring, make certain it’s done with durability and comfort in mind. Arizona’s seasons can be extreme so it is important to invest in quality enhancements that will keep your outdoor space looking magnificent and stylish, and something to be proud of, for years to come.

 

David Swartz is vice president of national sales for Paddy O’ Furniture. With seven locations Valley wide, Paddy O’ Furniture provides Arizona customers with a broad selection of outdoor furniture, including dining sets, chairs, sofas, loveseats, umbrellas, firepits, and more. At the center of it all is the exclusive Bliss Cushion, designed and developed by Paddy O’ Furniture and made in the USA. With a fabric that is waterproof, dustproof, and stain-resistant, the Bliss Cushion offers firm lumbar support with resort-style comfort. It’s easy to clean and comes with a five-year residential warranty.  Paddy O’ Furniture provides a worry-free purchase process, supported by its legacy of customer care, integrity and innovation. For the eighth year in a row, Paddy O’ Furniture has been voted Arizona’s #1 Outdoor Furniture Store. For more, visit paddyo.com.