Patio Goals

Here's what's hot — and not — for your outdoor living space this summer

Get as cozy outside as you are in.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

If you've already ditched rustic farmhouse decor inside your house at the behest of Zillow's design experts, it should be that much easier to kiss it goodbye in your outdoor space. Reclaimed wood is out this summer, or so says Zillow's 2019 Outdoor Living Trends Report.

But what materials, fabrics, and styles should your deck be decked out with as the mercury rises? Here are the five biggest trends:

1. Mixed materials
There's apparently no such thing as "indoor-only" materials, as brass, rope, textured upholstery, and webbing are showing up outdoors, along with chandeliers, rugs, and floor cushions in weather-resistant velvet, leather, and chenille.

2. Maximum minimalism
The cozy concept of hygge isn't just for indoors, as Scandinavian minimalist design is popping up all over outdoor furnishings. Powder-coated aluminum is forming the basis for lounge chairs, loveseats, and bistro tables, especially in neutrals such as black, white, and gray.

3. Feel the heat
Outdoor kitchens aren't going away anytime soon. The popular feature is not just a good investment for future resale, it's also something you can enjoy right now. Comfortable and functional is a key phrase this summer, and it doesn't get more useful than a place to cook around the pool or while lounging in the sun.

4. Color splash
Remember those neutral furniture pieces from above? Liven them up with bold accents, especially in the hot shades of bright orange, red, yellow, and pink, or go dramatic with the newly trending emerald green or Pantone's color of the year, Living Coral.

5. Go green
Eco-conscious landscaping, outdoor furnishings, and fixtures are more popular than ever, with living walls making a design statement (and reducing your carbon footprint) and solar-powered LED accent lights providing upgraded illumination (without complex wiring or tricky installation). Zillow also points out that when it comes time to sell, listings that mention outdoor lighting sell for 19 percent more than expected.

"The lines have been blurred between what's indoor-only and what you can use outside, which means it's never been easier to create an outdoor space that's cohesive with your indoor design," says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow's design expert and founder of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab.

Besides rustic farmhouse decor, what else is out this year? Being too matchy-matchy. Zillow says don't rely on matching patio sets, but instead put together an eclectic outdoor space with a variety of textures and materials.

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Closure News

Furniture chain American Freight closing Austin and all other stores

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes one store in Austin, at 13435 N. Highway 183, Ste. 101.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas.

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

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