'It never really works from a durability and functionality standpoint': The Pioneer Woman's rule for decorating a backyard
The Pioneer Woman learned this lesson when styling her yard – and shared how to style a small area – for maximum impact
Ree Drummond, famously known as The Pioneer Woman, is on a mission: to elevate everybody's backyards this springtime.
The Food Network host and founder of her online lifestyle empire recently collaborated with Walmart to design a new outdoor collection – comprising vibrantly-hued patio furniture and boldly-printed planters, stands, and accessories. The pieces are among the best outdoor furniture on the market – and their launch has promoted the conversation of how best we can style them (and other furnishings) in our exteriors. Thankfully, however, Ree is on hand to assist.
The secret to a well-curated garden is often knowing what to avoid – meaning the subject of small backyard mistakes was very much on our agenda.
'I would never call anything a mistake – sometimes we just have to try things and see how they work,' Ree says. However, 'I will say that I have from time to time tried to use interior furniture and décor outside, and it never really works from a durability and functionality standpoint.'
Ree Drummond is a blogger, author, and television personality who lives with her family on a working ranch outside of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Listed as No. 22 on Forbes' Top 25 Web Celebrities, Ree is among the most successful bloggers and hosts of a generation – leading to a show on The Food Network and a series of cookbooks. Now, she has collaborated with Walmart to take her knowledge into the garden.
With this in mind, Ree explains both practicality and durability were key inspirations when designing her collection.
'From my outdoor rugs to cute birdhouses, I wanted to take the beautiful colors and prints that I love to use indoors and put them on high-quality pieces that can take the wear and tear of outside,' she says.
Folk Geo Outdoor Rug | $67.00 at Walmart
This gorgeous yet durable rug is described as the perfect finishing touch to any outdoor area. Its playfully balanced floral design contains pops of pink, orange, yellow, blue, and turquoise, creating a talking point that will stand the test of time.
Floral Heart Bluebird House | $21.97 at Walmart
This vintage-style farmhouse is a charming focal point in your backyard birding experience. Alongside its good looks, the house has air vents in the wall and floor to allow for effective air ventilation and better bird health.
And functionality aside, The Pioneer Woman says these vibrant pieces work particularly well in a small garden – where Ree uses them to draw the upwards.
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'Pretty decorative items can be added in the space that brings the eye upwards, such as a gorgeous hanging planter or the bird feeder. Bright colors and patterns can also have a lot of impact in a small space. My outdoor collection makes a smaller area gorgeous,' she says.
Ceramic Hanging Planter | $12.48 at Walmart
In case you hadn't heard, hanging planters are back for spring. This pretty basket is cute, quaint and just what you need to bring color to your yard this season.
Similarly, when decorating a small yard or patio, Ree says that smaller furniture pieces like her bistro set (below) will make the area feel larger and less cramped (as opposed to bulky outdoor seating).
'I love styling a smaller space outdoors because you can really wrap your head around what you have and work to make it into a really special, cozy outdoor space.'
Garden Bistro Set | $198.00 at Walmart
This teal dining set is just the right size for enjoying breakfast or lunch with a friend while you're enjoying the sun out on the patio. We can see why Ree loves this French-style design.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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