Josh Duhamel Brings His Poolside Patio to Life with Gray Furniture, Round Planters, and Beanbag Chairs – It's a Masterclass in Elegant, but Understated Outdoor Design

As the Spring sun begins to peek through the winter clouds, we are dreaming of perfectly designed patios. That is to say, spaces that feel elevated but welcoming, and highly functional, yet stylish. Josh Duhamel's outdoor space strikes this ideal balance.

We spotted the actor's Encino, California backyard in a playful Instagram post showcasing his gorgeous pool area. The wooden patio gives way to a stunning lap pool surrounded by textural alabaster stone. Round black-and-white planters dot the surface, creating height and interest. Gray loungers (like these from Target), sofas, and armchairs ground the space, bringing a cool touch to the elegant wood. Finally, black outdoor beanbags situated around a modern fire pit create the ideal area for lounging late into the evening. It's all perfectly situated amidst the palm trees and privacy hedges around the property.

Patio design is more than an afterthought; it's an extension of our homes and the entertaining areas within them. With this concept in mind, let's explore Josh Duhamel's home. I've curated a selection of products to recreate his look and interviewed experts on the best way to choose patio furniture for a similarly elegant, but understated design.

Recreate Josh Duhamel's Poolside Look at Home

A major theme among experts, regarding what makes the best outdoor furniture, is quality. As opposed to indoor furniture, outdoor pieces need to endure water, wind, and strong sun, depending on your climate. Just from looking at the pieces on Josh's patio, we can tell he has prioritized longevity.

For choosing your own pieces, Alex Bridgman, CEO and design expert at outdoor furniture retailer Bridgman advises: 'Researching the best materials for garden furniture is essential when transforming your outdoor space. Think of your garden furniture as an investment and ensure you’re selecting materials that can withstand the elements and look their best for years to come.' This is not an area to make a snap decision or scrimp on quality.

As the timeless look of Josh Duhamel's patio indicates, one of the many benefits of prioritizing high quality patio furniture is that it will last (and look good) for years to come. Reilly Gray, Co-Founder and design expert at another premium outdoor furniture outlet, Suns Lifestyle, comments: 'The choice of materials has become one of the key considerations when deciding on outdoor furniture, as customers are increasingly demanding designs that will still look as good as new in two or three years’ time. They want design-led furniture that is crafted from quality materials and is low-maintenance and designed for a life outdoors year-round.'

This desire has led to a turn in outdoor decorating trends that prioritizes more modern looks, like those seen on Josh's patio. Reilly states: 'This has been the key driving force behind a shift from wood finishes, towards materials like aluminium, HPL, GRC and Neolith®, all of which are super hard-wearing, really low maintenance and can be left out year-round.'

Though these pieces may garner a higher price than more budget alternatives, the trade-off will usually be worth it, and may even be more financially wise in the long term, because you will not need to replace them as often. Alex suggests: 'Opting for premium pieces guarantees unrivalled durability, comfort, and quality that’s instantly apparent – the materials used in their production are not only sourced more sustainably, but also chosen for their longevity.'

The best patios have as much character as a well-designed living room, and create multiple zones for connection and fun. Josh Duhamel's outdoor living area perfectly strikes this balance, and now, with the knowledge gathered from his look, you can too.

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