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How to Curate a Spring-Ready Backyard

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From weather-proof love seats to kid-catered ergonomics

As winter turns to spring, suddenly our backyards, patios and balconies become the spaces we spend all our time. Whether hosting large parties or simply basking in the sun on a quiet afternoon, consider these modern seating solutions to refresh your space.

Restoration Hardware

Trelica Teak Collection

Designed by Thomas Bina and Ronald Sasson, the handcrafted Trelica Teak seating collection takes inspiration from the geometry of Brazilian architecture. Untreated teakwood is sustainably sourced and arranged in a playful pattern that perfectly frames weather-resistant linen cushions. Available in over 140 colours, this outdoor seating collection can be customized to match all your design needs. From $8,917, at Restoration Hardware.

Outdoor Seating Ideas

Encinitas All-Weather Wicker Lounge Chair

Wicker is a durable material that is both airy and easy to maintain. Woven over an iron frame, it makes a textural statement in the Encinitas wicker lounge chair, perfect for pool decks and patios. $1,499, at Pottery Barn.

CB2 Outdoor Seating

Navene Armchair

Spruce things up with the vintage-inspired Navene armchair. While the minimalist tube frame embraces the characteristics of industrial French design, the polyester cushion adds a modern twist. If you’re looking to add seating to tight outdoor quarters, Navene’s sleek design is a no-brainer. $549, at CB2.

Mason Studio , GOODEE

Charlie Chair

Don’t forget about the little ones. Made from upcycled plastic toys, this tot-sized chair by ecoBirdy makes a design-forward addition to any outdoor space and offers the kids a seat at the table. Its robust ecothylene material makes this outdoor seating option easy to carry around and wipe clean from spills or raindrops. $314, at GOODEE.

weather proof love seat

Nisswa Loveseat

On top of being eco-friendly and manufactured in Canada, this outdoor love seat is made from high-quality Sunbrella fabric. Ideal for families and small gatherings, Nisswa’s cozy cushions will have you sprawling out through spring and summer. From $2,695.50, at EQ3.

Outdoor seating

Dog Days

Blu Dot describes this outdoor seater as what happens when a minimalist goes on vacation and gets in touch with their inner hippy, and we couldn’t agree more. Suitable for all types of weather, this high-performance outdoor seating solution is the place to be during the dog days of summer. $3,244, at Urban Mode.

Chair for patio

Ringo

Toronto-based Umbra is known for providing décor items that are both aesthetically current and affordable. The organic shape of the Ringo outdoor chair makes for a unique look on patios and backyard lounge areas. With the ability to stack up to six chairs, easy storage is just one more reason to opt for Ringo. $135, at Umbra.

Gubi outdoor collection

Pacha Lounge Chair

From French designer Pierre Paulin, the Pacha lounge chair is a testament to the low-level living trend of the 1970s. The round edges and raised base make for a comfortable yet cozy outdoor seating solution, with a chevron upholstery suited for outdoor use. As this retro style emerges once again, it will give your outdoor space a truly curated feel. $4,999, at Design Within Reach.

Modern design chairs

Vondom

If you gravitate toward a brutalist or industrial aesthetic, Vondom is for you. Cast out of solid resin, this chair is not only a sturdy outdoor seating option but a decorative statement piece in its own right. On top of that, Vondom is easy to clean and can withstand even the harshest of natural elements. Price upon request, at ARD Outdoor.

Balcony chairs

Satao

Available in four colours and unique forms, the lightweight Satao collection is extremely versatile. Modelled after Satao African elephants – hence the name – this collection is distinct for its authentic, organic form. Whether you’re looking for tall bar stools or lounge seating, each shape possesses a wide back for reliable support. $515, at Stylegarage.

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Okay, but it clearly is

For the first 16 years of my life, the bat cave at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)—a reconstruction of an actual cave in Jamaica—was among my favourite places in the city. The cave was decorated with cast stalactites and wax bat models, which hung from the ceiling and threw jagged shadows on the walls. A few other features imbued it with spooky verisimilitude: the drip-drip-drip sound effects, the mirrors arranged to create the illusion of infinite depth, the strobe lights strategically placed to make the shadows flutter. When I visited as a five-year-old, the bat cave scared me. When I visited as a stoned fifteen-year-old, it scared me even more. Then came the renovation.

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