I thought this outdoor furniture color was so tacky until Robert Downey Jr.'s patio changed my mind – I've never seen it look as chic

I'd mistakenly categorized this tone as tasteless, then I saw Robert's Malibu yard, and it rewrote my conventions

Robert Downey Jr.
(Image credit: Getty Images / JC Olivera / Stringer)

When it came to pink outdoor furniture, my mind was made up: I thought it was one of the tackiest colors you could introduce to your outdoor space, despite its resurgence over recent years. Then I came across Robert Downey Jr.'s patio, and it rewrote everything I thought I knew about this playful hue.

Robert's Malibu home, with interiors designed by Fox-Nahem Associates, is a futuristic masterpiece that defies conventions.

To complement his home's curvaceous structure, he has filled his rooms with unique silhouettes and pockets of color that bring just the right amount of vibrancy to the otherwise neutral space. This ideology continues to his patio furniture, or, more specifically, his pink dining chairs seen around his table.

Despite their vibrancy, the chairs don't feel too overwhelming. They're bold, but don't demand attention, which means they're incredibly chic instead of tacky, as I'd always assumed before.

The secret to sucsess, I believe, is in the patio's overall balance, and how it allows this color to breathe. In keeping the rest of his patio neutral and uncluttered, Robert's pink chairs don't compete for attention, meaning the space feels well-curated and so stylish.

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When it comes to decorating with pink outdoors, Lee Trethewey, a design expert from Sustainable Furniture, mirrors my sentiments. He, too, emphasizes that introducing this tone outdoors comes with a risk. However, with the right styling, you can enjoy a space as chic as Robert Downey Jr.'s.

'To ensure that your garden furniture remains chic and classy, it can be helpful to opt for a more muted shade of pink or a coral color, as opposed to hot or bright pink that can sometimes be overwhelming,' Lee comments. He, too, adds that balance is key to perfecting the look.

'For an elegant patio design, pair pink furniture with some neutral accessories, in particular, a neutral tufted rug or cream decorative cushions can help to balance out the bold pink furniture,' he says. 'Furthermore, this ensures that your furniture remains the focal point of your garden patio.'

Using pink outdoor furniture requires extra planning; however, when introducing it to a neutral space like Robert's, you can reap its benefits all summer long.

“Pink outdoor furniture can bring a whole new lease of life to a boring patio. This pop of color is guaranteed to brighten up your garden space and create a fun atmosphere that is perfect for hosting friends and summer parties,' Lee adds.

'In particular, pink garden chairs can be the perfect focal point to attract attention to your garden space instantly. Pair pink garden furniture with other vibrant colours, like turquoise or yellow, to elevate your patio and create a bold and playful look.'

Has Robert Downey Jr.'s patio furniture changed your mind about pink, too? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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