Totally get where you’re coming from. I tried the “styled” look once and it just felt like I was visiting someone else’s house. Now I just use what I have, and honestly, it’s way more comfortable. Function over fancy every time for me.
Funny, I’ve seen so many folks chase that “magazine” look and end up not using the space at all. I’ve worked on a few patios where the owners wanted everything to match, but after a season, they’d swap in their old chairs and a beat-up table because it just felt right. There’s something about using what you already love that makes a space actually inviting. Function’s underrated, honestly.
There’s something about using what you already love that makes a space actually inviting. Function’s underrated, honestly.
Totally get this. I’ve worked with clients who insisted on those pristine, coordinated sets—looked great in photos, but the space just sat empty. Funny thing is, whenever people bring out their old mismatched chairs or a table with some history, suddenly everyone’s hanging out there. Do you find folks are happier in spaces that feel “lived-in” rather than showroom-perfect? I always wonder if it’s nostalgia or just comfort.
Funny you mention the “showroom-perfect” thing. I once spent a weekend helping my neighbor set up her patio—she bought this matching set that looked like it belonged in a catalog. Gorgeous, sure, but nobody ever wanted to sit out there. Meanwhile, my own backyard is a total mishmash: old picnic table, couple of rusty metal chairs, and a bench I built from leftover deck boards. Guess where everyone ends up when we have a barbecue?
I’ve always thought it’s about comfort first, but maybe there’s something to the nostalgia factor too. People seem to relax more when stuff has a story or a bit of wear—like it’s already survived a few spilled drinks and rowdy board games. Ever notice how folks will pick the creaky chair over the fancy new one? Maybe we just trust what’s already been broken in... or maybe it’s just less pressure if you’re not worried about scratching something.
That’s interesting—I've noticed the same thing.
There’s something about not having to worry if you put your feet up or spill salsa. I’m still figuring out my own patio setup and keep wondering if I should buy new, but maybe mixing in old stuff makes it feel more lived-in. Maybe the “perfect” look just feels too stiff for hanging out.“People seem to relax more when stuff has a story or a bit of wear—like it’s already survived a few spilled drinks and rowdy board games.”
