As most people know, Labor Day tends to signal the closing of the summer season. Kids have gone back to school, the weather is starting to cool off, seasonal restaurant hours are changing, and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING is hitting the shelves. What some people don't realize is that your outdoor fun and enjoyment doesn't have to end at the Lake when summer does. John Elliott Interiors is the best design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to share style tips and design tricks to help you enjoy your outdoor space for longer. Keep reading to learn how!

Bring in More Seating

Exterior Design at the Lake 

Living at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know design isn't just about the interior. We want to help you create the exterior design of your dreams as well! John Elliott Interiors is the best furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have great pieces to help complement or complete your exterior design at your lake home. Today we are talking about tips to create a beautiful exterior design your friends and family will love. Read on to learn more!

Comfortable Seating

While this may seem like an obvious point, it can be difficult to design a space that meets all the needs of your group while taking full advantage of your property. If you have a lakefront home, it's a good idea to make sure your lounge furniture is facing the water for the best views. If the furniture is facing away from the Lake, you may find yourself and your guests frequently turning around their chairs to get a look at the beautiful sunset and activity on the water.

When planning your seating arrangements, think about how you will use the space ahead of time. Will it just be you and a few family members? Then it could be useful to have several areas set up to spend your time. One area can be set up for dining under the shade, while another can feature lounge furniture for spending lazy afternoons together. If you expect large groups of guests to regularly visit your lake house, it may be better to have one large area designed to host your whole group. John Elliott Interiors can help you design the perfect outdoor space for everyone in your crew to enjoy.

Outdoor Kitchen

These are becoming more popular in outdoor design. Rather than marooning one person inside to prepare dinner while everyone else enjoys the outdoors, you can all spend your time together around an outdoor kitchen. There are several different options ranging from small kitchenettes to full-sized kitchens on the patio. You can even have a kitchen added to your dock!

Gather around the Fire

Is there anything better than gathering around a bonfire at the end of a long day on the water? Incorporate a fire pit into your landscape or deck design to create the perfect place for you and your guests to gather and spend time making memories. There are several different options you can choose from to create a design that fits your personal style and exterior design. We can help you choose the perfect place in your design to add a fire pit that you will love.

Professional Design at the Lake of the Ozarks

John Elliott Interiors is the best design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would love to help you get ready for the spring and summer seasons! Exterior design has its own challenges when it comes to design and furniture selection. John Elliott Interiors has the best furniture at the Lake, and we would love to see you in the store to help you make your selection. Come on by!

Summer days and nights are best enjoyed outside, especially in the lake area. Time can be spent hosting BBQs, lounging by the pool, or hanging out watching the kids play in the yard. John Elliott Interiors in Osage Beach can help you make that outdoor living space both comfortable and gorgeous for a season full of fun in the sun!

You'll find the most beautiful and luxurious outdoor furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks inside our showroom. Inside today's blog, you'll find a few helpful tips for getting your patio into shape for now through next fall before the winter cold chases us indoors once again.


Create Shaded Areas
On sweltering summer days, sometimes the only way to be comfortable outside is with a little bit of shade. Adding a pergola to your patio creates shelter from the summer heat and makes it cozy enough to enjoy through the fall. A pergola also creates a comfortable 'room' and can be used to separate a seating area from the rest of the outdoor space. Even the addition of a large, beautifully decorated umbrella over an outdoor table can give you some much-needed shade from the hot summer rays.

Add Natural Color
You can easily add your favorite colors to an outdoor living space with seat cushions and accessories, but don't forget to take advantage of some natural pops of color as well. Flowers not only make your patio area look stunning but they also make the yard smell amazing. Even if you live in a condo without a yard, add some beautiful blooms in pots instead. 

If you don't have a green thumb, try planting succulents. They are super trendy and require little to no effort. Succulents thrive on sunlight, only need a little water, and live for a long time so they are the perfect no-fuss plants for a vacation home. 

This is the time of year when you start prettying up your outdoor living areas. Except for the days when spring showers keep us indoors, the nice weather makes us want to start spending a lot more time outside. If you are looking for the right type of outdoor furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks to decorate your outdoor space, you will find that there are many different types to choose from.


The material used to make the furniture will make a big difference depending on how you want to use it and how much maintenance you want to give it. John Elliott Interiors has listed a few of the different materials below, along with some information on each, that may help you to make a decision on which type is best for your needs.

Wicker/Rattan
Wicker, rather than a material, is actually the name for the style of weave used to make the furniture. Rattan is the material most often used in wicker weaves. It is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions. It's a strong fibrous plant similar to bamboo. The furniture made from this is very lightweight, making it a good choice if you like to change the layout of your outdoor area often. It is fairly easy to maintain and usually does not require a lot of care. It actually works well both indoors and outdoors.

Aluminum
The good things about aluminum for patio furniture are that it is lightweight, durable, and doesn't rust or fade. This makes it a low maintenance choice and easy to move around. This material can get very hot when it sits in direct sunlight so you will want to be careful of that.

Stainless Steel
Steel is very sturdy and will last a long time when properly taken care of. While heavier than aluminum, steel is not the heaviest type of metal patio furniture out there. It also gets extremely hot when placed in the sun. To protect steel furniture from rust you should apply a protective finish. 

Except for the days when the April showers are dripping down on us, it's the time of year that is finally nice enough to once again enjoy spending time outdoors. That means it's time to find some luxurious outdoor furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks to use during all of your extra time outside.


A few exquisite pieces from John Elliott Interiors in Lake Ozark can make your outdoors every bit as inviting as your indoors. If you live on that gorgeous lake we are lucky enough to have in the area, that sight alone will make you want to be outside often. A nice backyard that you love to hang out in or a pretty porch at the front of your home is also a wonderful reason to desire a comfortable outdoor living space as well.

Purchasing outdoor furniture is similar to buying indoor furniture in some ways, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind before choosing your pieces. These tips should help you to make an informed decision about outdoor furniture that will stand the test of time.


Decide What You Need
Just as you would for a room inside your home, take a good look at the outdoor space that you are designing and think about exactly what you want that space to be. Will it just be for you and the family to lounge and enjoy outdoor activities or will you be entertaining guests often? Do you want a relaxing oasis or a place where friends and family can get together and let loose?

Once you have that decided, it's time to figure out exactly how much room you have to work with. You'll want enough furniture to fill the space, but not so much that there's not enough room to move around it. If there is a lack of shade in your yard or on your patio, furniture that can provide that, such as umbrellas, is a good idea. All-weather rugs are an excellent addition too, providing comfort for bare feet and added beauty to a wooden deck or concrete floor.  Outdoor furniture needs to be able to handle whatever type of weather may occur where you live. Most pieces will remain outside, even if it storms, and plans to remove cushions when it rains don't work if you're not home when the rain starts. Also be aware that furniture outside is going to come in contact with a lot more dirt, water, and possibly food items than most of your indoor furniture will. Make sure you take a look at the care instructions before you fall in love with a piece of outdoor furniture.

Another thing to think about is whether or not the pieces will all stay in place, or if you prefer to be able to change the layout of the furniture when you need a new seating arrangement. If it's the latter, look for pieces that are lightweight and easy to move around. Be sure to keep in mind a plan for winter storage while you're at it. If you don't want to have to remove the furniture completely, you'll need to search for pieces that will stand up to snow and ice as well as sunshine and rain. Doubling up on function and beauty when designing your outdoor space is a nice bonus. Storage inside the seats of chairs or benches can hide cushions when you aren't using them or even outdoor equipment you want to keep out of sight. Ottomans that can be used as side tables or a place to sit offer flexibility. A bench that is the right height for an outdoor table can be used for extra seating when you dine outside, but it will also look lovely on its own in another part of the yard.  The look of your outdoor furniture should complement the outside of your home and the surrounding area. The goal is for the design to look like it belongs with the style of the house, not just random pieces that have been thrown together. Especially be aware of this if the furniture can be seen from the street. Curb appeal is a very important factor for any home.  You've all heard the old saying, "You get what you pay for." It may be tempting to pick up inexpensive furniture for the outside of your home, but that discounted price doesn't do you much good if all of that furniture has to be replaced every spring. Our Lake of the Ozarks furniture store takes pride in only offering the highest quality furniture for every room inside your home as well as the spaces you want to decorate outside. Each piece in our store is built to last and stand up to daily use so that you can truly enjoy it.

Summertime is a wonderful time to be outdoors, especially if you have a home in the beautiful lake area. If you are looking for the right type of outdoor furnishings at the Lake of the Ozarks to decorate your outdoor space, you will find that there are many different types to choose from.

The material used to make the furniture will make a big difference depending on how you want to use it and how much maintenance you want to give it. John Elliott Interiors has listed a few of the different materials below, along with some information on each, that may help you to make a decision on which type is best for your needs.


Wicker/Rattan
Wicker, rather than a material, is actually the name for the style of weave used to make the furniture. Rattan is the material most often used in wicker weaves. It is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions. A strong fibrous plant similar to bamboo. The furniture made from this is very lightweight, making it a good choice if you like to change the layout of your outdoor area often. It is fairly easy to maintain and usually does not require a lot of care. It actually works well both indoors and outdoors.

Aluminum
The good things about aluminum for patio furniture are that it is lightweight, durable, and doesn't rust or fade. This makes it a low maintenance choice and easy to move around. This material can get very hot when it sits in direct sunlight, so you will want to be careful of that.  

Stainless Steel
Steel is very sturdy and will last a long time when properly taken care of. While heavier than aluminum, steel is not the heaviest type of metal patio furniture out there. It also gets extremely hot when placed in the sun. To protect steel furniture from rust you should apply a protective finish.  


Wrought Iron
This is also very sturdy, extremely durable, and able to withstand the elements when it is left outside. Wrought iron can be very heavy, so if you want furniture that can be moved around easily, this is not the best choice. It will need to have a rust protector applied if it is not powder coated. Paint can be used to touch up cracks that may appear from wear. This type of material takes a bit of special care to keep it looking its best, but it offers a classic and elegant look to your outdoor area.

Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture will be sturdy and long-lasting, but it may need extra attention to keep to keep it in its best shape. A bonus is that wood doesn't absorb heat like metal furniture so it won't be too hot to touch if kept out in the sun. It will possibly need a preservative to protect the wood from both weathering and insects. You will want to check it occasionally to make sure no spots could cause splinters. 

Concrete
This material is able to withstand even the harshest of elements but is incredibly heavy, so you're best to decide on where you want it before it is delivered. Concrete is a good type of material to use for tables.


Outdoor furniture is made from many different materials, and the choices you will find at our Lake of the Ozarks luxury furniture store cover a wide variety of styles. That makes it easier for us to have access to furniture pieces that you will love, no matter what your personal style may be. Come in and take a look around John Elliott Interiors, and if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, tell us about it. There's an excellent chance that we can find it for you!

With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, many of you are probably getting ready to entertain a house full of guests for the holiday. Today John Elliott Interiors has a few tips to help you get ready to throw an outdoor party everyone can enjoy. 


Designate a Party Area
The easiest way to keep the inside of your house clean while throwing a party is to encourage the guests to stay outside. With decorations and clever furniture setups, you can make it clear to everyone where the party is happening. The more festive you make that spot look, the less likely anyone will be wandering into areas of the house you'd prefer to keep private.   

Have Seating For All
We sell many gorgeous pieces of outdoor furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks, perfect for making your outdoor space look luxurious and feel inviting. People always make sure that they buy enough seating to accommodate everyone that actually lives in the house, but often extra pieces of furniture are needed when you host a gathering. You could rent some extra furniture, or possibly borrow a few items from a neighbor.

Another idea is to use some of your indoor pieces outside for this special occasion. Only do this if you have a place where you can keep your indoor furniture protected from outside elements. If you have a covered patio, this could be a perfect spot to try this out. Also, be sure to stage a few different seating areas in various spots around the yard to promote conversation.   


Keep Things Cool
Spring and summer sun can get hot quickly, so make sure that you provide shaded areas for your guests to get out of the sun. You could use umbrellas or set up canopy tents. Having extra suntan lotion handy for guests to use is also a very nice touch.

If the weather is forecasted to be extremely warm, you might want to place a few fans around the area, and misting fans are wonderful if you have a pool in your yard and people will be getting wet already. Making sure there are plenty of ice-cold drinks and lots of water easily available to everyone is important too.

Keep Pests Away
We're not talking about unwanted guests in this case, but rather those pesky little bugs that always seem to show up when the weather is nice. Decorative citronella candles or tiki torches with citronella oil can help. Setting up mosquito netting around a gazebo makes it easy for guests to relax knowing they are safe from the bugs inside it, yet still able to enjoy being outdoors. 

Have a Rain Plan
Weather forecasts can give you a good idea of what to expect, but Mother Nature can still do whatever she feels like. Even if there doesn't seem to be a cloud in the sky, be prepared to move the party indoors if necessary or have a large enough area outside where you can put up a rented tent that will keep the elements away from your party. If the latter isn't an option, prepare for the indoor party by setting up an obvious party area inside, just like you did outside.

Make sure that any pieces of furniture or home decor that are easily broken, stained, or just too special to take the risk with are put away in a room where nobody will bother them. You can protect indoor tables by putting down a plastic cloth and then cover that with a decorative tablecloth. Try to contain food and dark drinks that can stain easily to areas without carpet or furniture with delicate fabrics. Have plenty of cleaners on hand, just in case, plus lots of extra napkins and towels.


If you aren't completely happy with the look of your outdoor space but would love to start throwing more parties out there this summer, give our Lake of the Ozarks interior design team a call. They are excellent at decorating exterior spaces too. The gorgeous furniture that we carry at John Elliott Interiors makes it easy to do that, and simple for you to find the pieces to give your outdoor living area a look that you, and any guests you invite over, will love!

It's that lovely time of year when we start spending a lot more time outdoors. That means it's time to find some beautiful outdoor furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks. You'll need top quality outdoor furniture to be able to take advantage of the outdoor space of a lakeside home you may own. Even if you don't live on the water, as long as you have a nice backyard that you love to hang out in or a pretty porch at the front of the house, a few exquisite pieces from John Elliott Interiors in Lake Ozark can make your outdoors every bit as inviting as your indoors.


Purchasing outdoor furniture is similar to buying indoor furniture in some ways, but there are a few added things you need to think about before choosing your pieces. These tips should help you to make an informed decision to find outdoor furniture that will stand the test of time.

Decide What You Need
Just as you would for a room inside your home, take a good look at the outdoor space that you are designing and think about exactly what you want that space to be. Will it just be for you and the family to lounge and enjoy outdoor activities, or will you be entertaining guests often? Do you want a relaxing oasis or a place where friends and family can get together and let loose?

Once you have a good idea of the style you are going for and the feeling you want for the space to evoke, it's time to figure out exactly how much room you have to work with. You'll want enough furniture to fill the space, but not so much that there's not enough room to move around it. If there is a lack of shade in your yard or on your patio, furniture that can provide that, such as umbrellas, is a good idea. All-weather rugs are an excellent addition too, providing comfort for bare feet and added beauty to a wooden deck or concrete floor.   

Find Easy to Care for Pieces
Outdoor furniture needs to be able to handle whatever type of weather is possible where you live. Most pieces will remain outside, even if it storms, and plans to remove cushions when it rains don't work if you're not home when the rain starts. Also be aware that furniture outdoors is going to come in contact with a lot more dirt, water, and possibly food items than most of your indoor furniture will. Make sure you take a look at the care instructions before you buy any furniture to use outside.

Another thing to think about is whether or not the pieces will all stay in place, or if you prefer to be able to change the layout of the furniture when you need a new seating arrangement. If it's the latter, look for pieces that are lightweight and easy to move around. Be sure to keep in mind a plan for winter storage while you're at it. If you don't want to have to remove the furniture completely, you'll need to search for pieces that will stand up to snow and ice as well as sunshine and rain.


Look for Dual-Purpose Furniture
Doubling up on function and beauty when designing your outdoor space is a nice bonus. Storage inside the seats of chairs or benches can hide cushions when you aren't using them or even outdoor equipment you want to keep out of sight. Ottomans that can be used as side tables or a place to sit offer flexibility. A bench that is the right height for an outdoor table can be used for extra seating when you dine outside, but it will also look lovely on its own in another part of the yard. 

Enhance Your Curb Appeal
The look of your outdoor furniture should complement the outside of your home and the surrounding area. The goal is for the design to look like it belongs with the style of the house, not just random pieces that have been thrown together. Especially be aware of this if the furniture can be seen from the street view. Curb appeal is a very important factor for any home. 

Invest in Quality
You've all heard the old saying, "You get what you pay for." It may be tempting to pick up inexpensive furniture for the outside of your home, but that discounted price doesn't do you much good if all of that furniture has to be replaced every spring. Our Lake of the Ozarks furniture store takes pride in only offering the highest quality furniture for every room inside your home as well as the spaces you want to design outside. Each piece in our store is built to last for years and stand up to daily use so that you can truly enjoy it.


The living space outside of your home deserves the same special attention that the interior rooms are given. Let John Elliott Interiors help you make that happen in the most beautiful way possible!