Transforming Our Patio with Bold Color: A Deep Dive into Our New Adirondack Chairs
Gone are the days of just talking about our vibrant stools; today, we’re diving seat-first into our latest obsession: an exciting collection of colorful chairs! It’s safe to say we’re officially on a bold-colored seating kick, and the results are truly transforming our home, both indoors and out. We believe that color is a powerful design tool, capable of injecting personality and joy into any space, making every corner feel more alive and inviting.
Our journey with vibrant seating actually began some time ago. Do you remember the pair of $35 thrift store chairs that we painstakingly gussied up for our office? With a fresh coat of bright green paint and updated upholstery, they became a vibrant focal point, proving that even a small budget can yield stunning transformations. This project was a testament to the power of DIY and how a little creativity can breathe new life into forgotten pieces.
Then there was Clara’s highchair – a hand-me-down that cost us absolutely zero dollars (holla!). We injected it with pure sunshine by giving it a cheerful sunny yellow makeover. These projects weren’t just about saving money; they were about creating unique pieces that reflected our style and brought a sense of playful energy into our home. Each colorful chair tells a story, a chapter in our ongoing quest to personalize our living spaces.
It seems we’re committed to providing the best brightest seating for our behinds. And this time, in what might come as a pleasant surprise, we’ve gone bold with red!
Introducing Our New Tomato Red Adirondack Chairs
To be precise, a gorgeous, rich tomato red that perfectly complements the serene blue hydrangeas surrounding our DIY paver patio, which we meticulously crafted last May. The interplay of the warm red chairs against the cool blue blossoms creates a striking visual harmony, transforming our patio into a vibrant outdoor retreat. It’s a color combination that evokes a sense of both energy and tranquility, making it the ideal spot for relaxation and entertaining.
When we initially shared the exciting patio reveal last spring, we acknowledged the need for durable, long-lasting patio furniture. However, we also committed to patiently saving our pennies for the right pieces. And so, after 13 months of diligently squirreling away $20 each month into our dedicated patio-furniture savings jar, we finally accumulated enough to bring home two of these beautiful Adirondack chairs!
Out with the Old: Farewell to Our Worn Ikea Chairs
For those who might need a refresher, this prime patio spot was once occupied by a pair of old folding chairs from Ikea. While they weren’t entirely unappealing from a distance, their true condition became apparent upon closer inspection.
That image above barely captures the “hard life” these wooden folding chairs had endured. Up close, they revealed a sad tale of peeling paint, visible cracks, persistent creaks, and an overall worn-out appearance. We acquired these two chairs from Ikea for $100 over five years ago, and they served us wonderfully for about four years in the sunroom of our previous home.
However, once we moved and relocated them outdoors, exposing them to the elements, their condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite being designed for outdoor use, they lacked adequate protection (such as weather-resistant oil, stain, or sealer). While their demise was unfortunate, it paved the way for something better. Frankly, they weren’t the most comfortable chairs to begin with. We’ve always harbored a significant crush on colorful wooden Adirondack chairs – perhaps a bit dorky, but undeniably true!
The gentle slope of an Adirondack chair’s seat is simply perfect for unwinding, and we adore their wide wooden arms, which are spacious enough to comfortably rest a refreshing cold beverage. If an Adirondack Chair Fan Club existed, John and I would both enthusiastically volunteer to be the treasurer and secretary, respectively. Our passion for these classic chairs runs deep, rooted in their timeless design and unparalleled comfort.
Our Smart Saving Strategy: Investing in Quality Outdoor Living
However, a well-made wooden Adirondack chair comes with a certain price tag. We diligently searched Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores, but to no avail. We weren’t looking for a $39 solution (like our new blue stools) or a $35 find (like our office chairs), or even a zero-dollar hand-me-down (like Clara’s highchair). This explains the dedicated saving effort.
While we aren’t typically so methodical about saving a specific amount each month for a singular item, establishing a monthly “payment” of $20 into a jar specifically for lawn furniture proved incredibly effective. This allowed us to consistently save for a significant purchase while still accumulating other spare cash in our regular savings account for miscellaneous needs. Our primary financial philosophy generally revolves around saving as much as we possibly can. This includes strategies like owning only one car, giving each other haircuts, minimizing dining out, investing in a fixer-upper in an affordable city to keep our mortgage lower than rent for a tiny NYC studio apartment was six years ago, diligently paying off credit cards to avoid interest, and actively using coupons at the grocery store. You can explore over 30 posts detailing our various cash-saving tactics here, offering a comprehensive look at our commitment to financial prudence.
Typically, we save for multiple goals simultaneously within a single general savings account, allocating funds as needed for whatever project rises to the top of our priority list. For example, the kitchen renovation was a major goal we saved for since putting an offer on our current home two Septembers ago. However, during that same period, we also purchased other essential items like materials for our DIY patio, a new dining table, or a bed, as these needs occasionally took precedence. Our flexible approach ensures we can address immediate necessities while still working towards larger, long-term aspirations. You can delve deeper into our unique money management method here, where we share more insights into balancing various savings goals.
The Quest for the Perfect Patio Chairs: Avoiding “Interim Items”
Back to our new chairs!
We successfully resisted the temptation to cut corners and opt for cheaper plastic Adirondack chairs. Our hearts were set on the genuine, high-quality wooden versions, recognizing that plastic alternatives would inevitably become what we call “interim items.” These are purchases we might make, only to later regret not having saved the money for the actual item we truly desired. We strive to avoid placeholder purchases whenever possible, understanding that true satisfaction comes from investing in pieces that truly resonate with our long-term vision. And behold, this month, we finally had sufficient funds in our jar to finalize the purchase. But, as you know, before making any significant decision, I meticulously weigh all available options. Here’s a rundown of the contenders we considered:
Contender #1: The Frontrunner from Joss & Main
These chairs were priced at $129.95 each (originally $144, with free shipping) from Joss & Main. They boasted the cheerful cherry tomato color we absolutely loved. Crucially, they were crafted from solid premium cedar and finished with polyurethane paint, specifically chosen for its robust protection against various weather conditions, intense heat, and prolonged sunlight exposure. We debated purchasing an unfinished chair and painting it ourselves, but given the numerous cracks and crevices inherent in Adirondack designs, we worried about achieving a professional, even finish, and ensuring complete protection in hard-to-reach areas where water could collect and cause damage. Therefore, chairs that came pre-painted by professionals with polyurethane offered the assurance of durability and longevity, promising to stand the test of time against the elements. We weren’t keen on saving a little initially, only to end up with shabby-looking furniture by the following summer. While we love a good DIY for free or cheap indoor chair makeovers, we felt that tackling wooden outdoor furniture posed a higher risk due to exposure to rain, sun, and other outdoor variables. However, when it comes to metal outdoor furniture, we definitely embrace a good DIY project!
Contender #2: The Pricey Option
Next, I discovered this option for $289 – a significant jump, more than double the price of our first contender. This immediately sent us back to the drawing board, reinforcing our commitment to finding a high-quality yet affordable solution.
Contender #3: The Target Option with a Design Flaw
This chair, found on Target’s website, was on sale for $123 (down from $174) and also included free shipping. While the price was attractive, we weren’t as fond of its aesthetic compared to Contender #1. It felt somewhat squat and less classic in its design, failing to capture the timeless Adirondack charm we were seeking.
Contender #4: LL Bean’s Classic but Costly Offering
We also came across this option at LL Bean, but its price tag of $299 made it less appealing. While LL Bean is known for quality, this price point pushed it out of our preferred budget range for the time being.
Contender #5: Another Joss & Main Sale Option
During another Joss & Main sale, we found this chair priced at $250 (reduced from $339). However, we still preferred the vibrant $129 tomato red color of our first contender, as it perfectly aligned with our vision for complementing the blue hydrangeas and creating a cohesive outdoor aesthetic.
Contender #6: Ballard Designs’ Simple Selection
Ballard Designs offered a plain white or natural wood Adirondack chair for $299. While their quality is generally excellent, these options didn’t offer the pop of color we were specifically seeking to enliven our patio space.
And so, after thorough consideration and comparing various features and price points, we circled right back to our original discovery: Contender #1. It offered the perfect balance of price, quality, and aesthetic appeal, making it the clear winner for our patio. This meticulous decision-making process ensured we were truly investing in the best possible option for our outdoor living space.
The Grand Arrival and Our Adirondack Viewing Party!
Approximately two weeks later, our beloved chairs arrived! With this purchase, our dedicated patio-furniture fund has officially been replenished and restarted. We still envision additional items for this outdoor space, so we’re committed to continuing our disciplined $20-a-month saving habit. Patience and consistency are key to creating the outdoor oasis of our dreams, one quality piece at a time.
After a bit of assembly (which always feels like a minor triumph!), we finally had our sloped-back, wide-armed Adirondack “lovies” ready for their grand debut. While this might not sound like groundbreaking news to everyone, for us, it was truly an epic moment. The excitement was palpable! We were so thrilled that we even invited John’s parents over for a full-fledged viewing party dedicated to our new Adirondack chairs. There were “oohs” and “ahhs,” plenty of sitting to test out the comfort, and even some affectionate petting of the smooth, vibrant red wood. It was an evening filled with genuine joy and shared appreciation for our latest home improvement.
And, as predicted, they look absolutely perfect nestled among those magnificent “balls o’ flower” – our beautiful blue hydrangeas. The rich red of the chairs provides a striking contrast, making both the furniture and the flora pop with vibrant energy. It’s a color story we absolutely adore for our patio.
While we are still a long way from a fully furnished patio, we’ve undoubtedly made significant progress. Inch by inch, our outdoor space is transforming. We hadn’t even consciously considered how beautifully these chairs would complement the warm wood tones of our fence and Clara’s rock box, so that was a delightful serendipitous accident. The natural materials and vibrant colors create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere, making the patio feel like a true extension of our home.
Future Plans for Our “Garden-Riffic” Backyard
Next on our saving radar, we’re thinking of investing in a square woven outdoor storage ottoman, perhaps something similar to this. Practicality meets style, and it will provide much-needed storage for outdoor essentials while serving as an additional surface. Oh, and have you noticed those charming blue garden stools? I found one at HomeGoods for $39 a month or two ago and loved it so much that I actually went back last week to grab another one! The free black metal chairs currently flanking the second stool, inherited from the previous owners, are merely temporary placeholders. We absolutely love how the blue stools seamlessly connect with the abundant blue hydrangeas, and even echo the blue birdhouse nestled in the tree (another fantastic HomeGoods find from last year for just $9). Heck, even our quirky blue rain barrel now seems to fit perfectly into the evolving color scheme! We’re eagerly anticipating the growth of the newly planted hydrangeas on the right side of the patio, adjacent to Clara’s rock box. Once they mature and catch up with the two-year-old hydrangeas on the left, this entire area will feel even more lush and “garden-riffic,” truly completing our vision for a vibrant and inviting outdoor sanctuary.
So, that’s the latest update on our beloved patio transformation! Have you embarked on any outdoor furniture buying or saving endeavors lately? Do you think it’s peculiar to choose chair colors based on your flower palette? Or to host a family gathering simply to admire new chairs? Haha, it just might be, but it brings us immense joy!