What Our Product Specialist Says You Should Buy for Your Patio to Match the Magazines
We sat down with Jeremy, product specialist at Oakville Home Leisure, to talk about what separates “magazine-worthy” outdoor spaces from the run-of-the-mill patios most homeowners end up with.
Design magazines make outdoor living look effortless. But the work that goes into the design itself is far from. The difference usually comes down to a handful of decisions homeowners underestimate: accessories, scale, materials, and planning for real-world use. According to Jeremy, those details matter far more than chasing trends or buying full matching sets. Let’s explore his tips.
The Fastest Way to Make a Patio Look Complete? Accessories
When asked what instantly elevates an outdoor space, Jeremy doesn’t point to furniture first.
“Accessories really gussy up a living space,” he answers. “Pops of colour can be utilized through throw pillows. An area rug can really bring the whole space together — subtle, overlooked — but an area rug lays a starting point to build up from or the perfect compliment to finish the space off.”
Lighting and soft goods play an equally important role. Lanterns and candles “create a soft atmosphere at night”. “Don’t forget blankets,” Jeremy adds. “You can adorn a sofa or loveseat with a draped blanket — it adds another depth of colour and comes in handy on those chilly nights.”
These patio accessories are often ignored, but they are easy to include. However, magazine-worthy design does not stop here. That would be a little too easy.
Why Scale, Sizing, and Layout Trump Style Alone
One of the most common mistakes Jeremy sees has nothing to do with taste.
“Understanding exactly how much space you have to work with is critical,” he explains. “If you don’t know your dimensions or forget to take them into consideration, you might create a space that’s too filled or not filled enough”.
He’s blunt about where most problems start: balance.
“Call me old-fashioned, but graph paper helps,” Jeremy says. “Before a space is filled, you need to envision what the space will ultimately do for you,” he continues, “is it a hot spot for family and friends to gather, a place of peaceful solitude?”
Style comes later. Function comes first.
“Whether your style is mid-century modern or Mediterranean coastal, you won’t be able to get started if you don’t know how much space you’ve got to work with.”
Outdoor Design Trends for 2026: What’s Actually Sticking
“We’ve seen an increase in the popularity of teak,” Jeremy says. “Although it involves more upkeep than other materials, historically speaking, teak stands the test of time with its rugged durability.”
Frame finishes are also evolving. “We still see a trend towards darker frames — graphites, blacks, brushed bronze — although lighter frames still sell; the darker frames outpace lighter in terms of sales.”
But the biggest change isn’t a colour or material.
“The most dominant outdoor design trend people want is creating multi-functional destination zones,” Jeremy explains. “Areas for dining, areas for lounging, areas for cooking”. That said, there are palettes and textures that stand out, namely “naturalistic, wilder aesthetics with rich jewel tones and edible plants mixed with ornamentals.”
He also notes a shift away from uniformity.
“People are moving away from matching furniture sets toward eclectic, story-driven pieces.”
Low-Maintenance Materials That Hold Up Over Time
For homeowners who want style without constant upkeep, Jeremy has a clear favourite.
“I prefer ‘wicker,’ but [it’s really] all-weather resin wicker,” he explains. “It’s a durable synthetic material — usually high-density polyethylene — engineered to mimic natural wicker but built to resist sun, rain, and extreme temperatures.” The appeal is practical. “It’s waterproof, fade-resistant due to UV inhibitors, and stronger than typical plastics, preventing cracking or peeling.”
For many buyers, the balance of appearance and durability is what makes a patio feel effortless for future years, after the initial planning and design.
On The Most Underestimated Patio Investments: Shade and Protection
Despite their impact, some categories of patio furniture are consistently overlooked.
“With our Canadian summers, you only have May to August to really sit out there and relax,” Jeremy says. “Sometimes it’s too hot, or it’s raining — or like me, you have a poplar tree that rains down cotton like petals.”
That’s where planned shading comes into play. “Parasols or some form of covering like an awning, pergola, or gazebo greatly enhances the chance of using your space longer.”
Protection matters just as much. “I can’t recommend protective covers enough,” Jeremy adds. “They shield your investment from soaked pillows and the dirt and dander that accumulates over the summer season.”
How Oakville Home Leisure Chooses New Collections
Trend awareness plays a role, but it’s not the deciding factor.
“Anytime you bring in a new set, it’s not guaranteed that it’s going to be a seller,” Jeremy says. “Observing trends in magazines or home-improvement shows can steer our decision-making, but what it comes down to is — is this piece made well? Will it be long-lasting?”
Value matters more than price. “Regardless of the sell price, will customers see past the dollar amount and get a sense of value in owning the piece?” That philosophy guides selection at OHL.
“At Oakville Home Leisure, we want our customers to sit back, relax, and enjoy — and know their money was well spent on quality that will perform for many seasons to come.”
What to Buy Early During the Pre-Season Patio Sale
Some purchases make far more sense to plan ahead. Luckily, Oakville Home Leisure helps those early planners get exactly what they need at prices they can feel good about.
“When there’s snow on the ground, and temperatures are frigid, cantilever umbrellas are one of the smartest buys,” Jeremy says, pointing to early-season container arrivals. “Shopping early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the size of our incoming selection.”
Custom pieces benefit from early planning as well.
Custom concrete firepits typically have a turnaround of roughly three weeks, but once specific collections sell through, Jeremy warns that buyers may be forced to wait until the following season or pay significantly more to secure one later.
Buying early doesn’t mean early delivery. “You can take advantage now, knowing you won’t have to take delivery until the weather brightens up. Early season offers the most selection; later on, supply issues can creep in.”
One Rule for a Magazine-Worthy Patio That Lasts
Jeremy’s final advice is practical: “Be simple. Buy for quality and comfort,” he says. “As years go by, you want to be reassured every season that what you bought is still fully operational and comfortable to boot.”
Because sometimes, the patio isn’t for entertaining. “It might only be yourself having a glass of wine under the moon and stars, and comfort has to reign supreme. Find the balance between form and functionality.”
Final Takeaways: How to Create a Patio Like the Magazines
- Don’t forget to use accessories to finish the space
- Take accurate measurements and plan the space before purchasing
- Look for materials suited for Canadian weather
- Clearly define dining and lounging zones
- Include shade and protective covers
- Prioritize comfort and long-term quality over trends
- Watch out for early-season deals and offers for the best selection
Shop For All Your Lookbook-Worthy Patio Needs at OHL
The outdoor spaces you admire in magazines are built on thoughtful details and pieces chosen to last beyond a single season. At Oakville Home Leisure, our collections are curated to help you recreate that look at home. Shop our outdoor furniture collections today or contact us for more expert guidance!
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