While the cloud and rain icon is a familiar one on Vancouver’s weather report, we’re also lucky with warm temperatures for much of the year. And as soon as July hits, day after day of sunshine is par for the course. Soak it up as often as you can by outfitting your outdoor space in style. Any one of these furniture shops can help make your al fresco life just that much more fashionable. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ zhudifeng]
For thoughtfully chosen, vintage-modern pieces that will make a statement on your balcony, patio or deck, head to Mount Pleasant’s Vancouver Special for a limited but uber-stylish selection of outdoor furniture. Their main product is the Acapulco chair, that iconic Mexican design evoking the resort-life of the rich and famous circa 1950. Its simple pear-shaped frame is filled in with plastic or metal bars and comes in a variety of bold or monochromatic colours. Place yours in the sun and complete the picture with an ice-cold margarita.
While Moe’s massive warehouse at Terminal near Clark may feel overwhelming upon first entering, their friendly and expert service and homegrown vibe will instantly put you at ease. When it comes to patio furniture, it’s all about comfort. Large, woven, modular chairs combine for individual or communal seating with durable coverings on cozy cushions. They also carry outdoor dining sets, oversize umbrellas and planters for your landscaping needs. Expect the same high-quality but affordable pieces for your al fresco lifestyle as they showcase for interiors.
If you’re looking to go all out in your patio design and furnishings, head to Water Street’s Inform Interiors for some of the more architectural, high-end designer pieces to outfit your outdoor space. Mesh poolside loungers in vibrant colours, stand-alone hammocks and 12-seater dining sets by Knoll all contribute to the luxurious lifestyle afforded by some in Vancouver’s temperate climate — a city where outdoor living is viable many months of the year.
With an eye to the classic mid-century designs of Eames, Mogensen and Eero Saarinen, among many other Danish furniture-makers, Fullhouse Modern seamlessly weaves in contemporary items to its inventory of vintage and new furniture. When it comes to patio furniture, LOLL is the brand they feature heavily. Made of 100 per cent recycled polyethylene plastic, loungers, chairs and tables are durable, comfortable and require zero maintenance. Custom order these online, but drop by their 4th Avenue showroom for swoon-worthy pieces for every room in the house.
Expertly curated stock is what you can expect at Yaletown’s Design House. Exceptional quality and excellent design are brought to you at incredible value, likely thanks to the stated philosophy that puts these three principles at the heart of their buying decisions. Minimalist but comfortable, streamlined yet bold, their modern, functional outdoor collections are equally at home on the balconies of Vancouver’s ubiquitous glass towers as they are overlooking Ambleside Park.
Contemporary, affordable, stylish, urban — the patio furniture on offer at CB2 is ideal for the fashionable city dweller looking for on-trend designs for their (often limited) outdoor space. Functional and flexible pieces like modular sectionals and wheeled bar carts are sold alongside other modern designs using timeless and durable materials like wood and concrete. All with an eye to the latest in home décor while staying true to classic design aesthetics, CB2 will make your outdoor space the hotspot of the summer.