Forget Black, Elizabeth Banks's Patio Furniture Color is the Elegant Alternative All the Chicest People Are Shopping This Year

Black patio furniture is a timeless classic. The elegant tone is the perfect complement to green outdoor surroundings, and instantly makes a porch feel elevated and chic. However, this year, we are searching for more novel options, and Elizabeth Banks just might have the best idea: navy blue.

The actress took to Instagram to share her clever 'mom tips,' including embroidering over stains on her sweatshirts and printing her children's names on their socks, but we were even more taken by the background, which showcases her backyard. As Banks walks around her pool, she showcases her pretty patio furniture. It's navy with white stripes. The dark but interesting tone creates contrast with her grass and makes the reflective surface

Whether it's through dark blue furniture with matching cushions like Banks has, or integrating striped pillows like these pretty ones from Anthropologie, adding a pop of color to your backyard is never a bad idea. Homes & Gardens spoke with experts to understand why Banks's look works, and how to recreate it at home using the best outdoor furniture.

Shop the Blue Outdoor Furniture Edit

Navy has the same elegant depth as black, but with a slightly lighter, gentler feel. It is easy to pair, and it gives an outdoor living room feel to any patio space.

Lena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains that this shift aligns with current outdoor design trends. 'The blurring of boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces means that furniture shapes, colourways and materials once restricted to indoor living are now appearing outdoors.'

Integrating a navy accent is one excellent way to tap into this shift towards outdoor living rooms, but you don't have to be limited to just Banks's idea. Lena recommends: 'Think tiled coffee tables or faux marble drinks tables – these eye-catching designs infuse the garden with colour, personality and a sense of luxury so that they feel like a true extension of your interiors.'

The outdoors are not an area where you should run away from color, but a great place to embrace it. Shades like navy are a wonderful beginner color for those hopeful to elevate their design but anxious about using color.