How many times have you visited someone’s home and thought, “this place looks familiar.” From the standard granite and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, to the tried and true beige Pottery Barn sofa, our homes can easily turn into boring look-alikes devoid of any unique, differentiating design elements. While most of us are too timid to go for a drastic change (say, a tangerine accent wall or expensive art installation), there are small ways to imbue your home with character and style.
Garden stools are a great way to set your interior apart and add intrigue. Available in an endless array of punchy, bright colors, garden stools have so many uses! Try placing one in the corner of a neutral room. The color and unique shape will draw the eye outward and make the space seem larger. Make sure to choose the color based on what is personally visually appealing to you and try to incorporate that same color in corresponding accent pillows and decorative throw blankets.
Another interesting way to use stools inside is by placing them next to a sofa or chair and using them as a side table. The flattop and low profile is ideal for small interiors that need more petite furniture and accents. You may want to consider having a piece of glass cut to fit the top if you will be using the side table as a place to rest drinks or other items.
Since there are so many Asian inspired stools available for purchase, we suggest using this variety in any room that needs an injection of culture and style. Guests will think you procured the stool in a market in the Far East and you will love the way the shape and color of the stool adds depth and an exotic flair to your interior.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the most common application for garden stools….in the garden! First, make sure that your garden stool is all weather appropriate. While an item may be called a ‘garden stool,’ it may in fact, not be weather proof or able to stand up to the elements in the region where you live. Once you choose a stool that can handle the weather, place it, or a cluster of 2 or 3 of them, in your garden or on your deck. The stools create instant seating and a place to rest and enjoy the nature and scenery that’s right outside your door. Hopefully we’ve inspired you to use garden stools as another design element in and out of your home.