Oh, I know. Matching sets are supposed to be “out”. No one buys a bed with matching nightstands and dressers anymore, right? But what if it’s actually the best solution? What if it creates the exact vibe you want and then you shake it up with some fun accents? That is the case for this patio at my brother’s house. My brother’s family moved into the river house a few weeks ago and with only weeks left of summer (well, fall here is GORGEOUS) I made it my personal mission to get this patio ready for them to hang out. To be selfish/honest I didn’t want them scrambling to buy random outdoor furniture just to check the box. So while this isn’t my house and I wasn’t involved in all the big design decisions I’m emotionally invested in it and really want it to look good. Plus, let’s be honest, everyone who comes over will likely think that I did it, so I might be being a bit controlling LOL. So while I’m not their personal decorator, they are getting me whether they want me or not. You see, I knew that it wouldn’t take a ton of work to make it look good and be functional. I knew what to order from who? Article. I knew that in a matter of weeks, we could have something really great, ready to enjoy – a space we were all proud of. Not to toot my own horn, but I think I was right!
Umbrella | Umbrella Base | Sectional | Loveseat | Lounge Chairs | Black Side Table
What’s funny is that the landscape company (Pistils) designed the patio with this sectional in mind (called the Lubek). It was literally on their schematics. I agreed…and took it a bit further. It is very low profile allowing for the view from the living room to still be really open (and not just staring at a bunch of furniture). It also sits low which is a benefit because there are some unsightly views that you can’t even see while sitting that low – it strangely obstructs those and allows all to have pretty river and tree views. It also seats many people. It matches the home’s style. It was made for this house.
While I love an eclectic mix of furniture, this house doesn’t want that. Sure, inside we might get some awesome art and accessories, but its style is way more minimal, streamlined, and matching the architecture felt very right. We ordered the sectional (it comes in a light finish with gray fabric, too) and a matching loveseat, coffee table (It actually comes in a bundled set with the loveseat! Such great value), dining table, and two benches (Also part of a set! I’m telling you – matching sets are IT but they also sell separately, too). Quite possibly the least stress I’ve ever had. We had to figure out the configuration, but otherwise, it was very lovely knowing that it would all look good together.
Article has been a consistent partner of mine, for years now, because I love their quality, options, style, comfort, and delivery speed. Sure, there is cheaper stuff on the market, but I’ve had some of our Article furniture for years and still love them. The upholstery always cleans up, it’s comfy but the cushions don’t lose their shape. Oh, and the hard finishes don’t bleach out. Outdoor furniture can be famously hard to maintain and while I haven’t had this set personally, the track record of what I have owned for years is GREAT.
It’s a solid set – a one and done, and it turned out awesome. The umbrella is on a rolling base (genius?!) that can follow the harsh sun and I appreciate the wood pole and mechanism – it obviously works stylistically with the furniture really well. This patio faces east meaning that it gets morning light through the trees, but is shaded after 4 pm (exactly what you want).
Given that even my landscape company knew about it, it isn’t surprising that the Lubek is one of Article’s best-selling outdoor sofas. So much so that launched a new, petite version specifically for smaller outdoor spaces. As demonstrated by the River House, the original sectional configuration is roomy and expansive. The Lubek Loveseat is small but can def fit two people (or one person to lounge). The coffee table is really low, making it great for playing games or sharing a cheeseboard.
We added two chairs to round out the conversation area – but worked in the same palette, obviously. I love the lines of the black legs of this chair – still minimal and streamlined, but not boring. They are comfortable and large-scale. Big fans.
The Lubek Dining Table is huge, sturdy, and can sit up to 10 (even more on the ends). It’s awesome. My brother (i.e. infamous “bull in china shop”) LOVES this table because it is “SOLID”. And when you have kids and a lot of people over the bench seat is so flexible and easy to manage (and the lack of “chairs” with “legs” keeps it looking minimal and streamlined).
The benches tuck under the table (many do not, which baffles me) so that if you want more space for walking around or general flow, the whole footprint is decreased. Tables with benches like this have a really casual vibe – nothing fussy or precious, which is perfect for a lot of family gatherings (just make sure you measure – it’s bigger than it looks so might not work on a lot of decks – I wanted this one for my back deck but was too big).
Human being for scale LOL. It was our photographer, Kaitlin’s birthday the day we shot, and sitting out here for lunch was DREAMY. Margaritas not shown:)
As you can see I styled it out with really red/purple-toned plants, fruits, and accessories. I love these tones with green against dark houses as you have probably noticed. The top of the table is sealed really nicely, and has pretty dark teak wood, and again, just feels really casual and lovely.
The simplicity of this set really complements the wild greenery – the furniture almost recedes in favor of looking out to the river and trees. Y’all, it’s incredible up here.
A couple of days before the shoot I realized we needed some anchoring plants. Dennis’ 7 Dees had reached out to partner previously so I took them up on it and Andrea (one of their incredible garden designers) came to the house, looked at the landscaping and architecture, took the pots, and came back with a really pretty selection that could live long-term on the patio and look sooo good in the world we created. Thank you, Andrea!
10-12 people can easily hang out with her, with 10 more at the table. Not to mention the kids playing in the mud by the river. While it is August, you bet the Hendersons will be over (but seriously, Ken let’s get a date on the books asap).
Watch the video below to see it all in action and head to stories to see me gab and gab about it. Thanks to Article for partnering on this patio. Your furniture and service make my life, job, and this patio better 🙂
*Design by Emily Henderson
**Photos by Kaitlin Green
