I love an Adirondack chair as much as the next person. But outdoor furniture is a real opportunity to go a little crazy with colour and pattern—after all, Western Canadian weather doesn’t quite allow for the year-round use of patio chairs. In these precious summer months, we should celebrate design that brings the sunshine. An example, you ask? West Elm just announced a collaboration with Marimekko today, and the new line has the perfect playful, bright and summer-y vibe.

Here are some of our favourite picks from the limited-edition collection, available online now.

Our 6 Favourite Things in the Summer West Elm + Marimekko Collab

1. A Flowery Hammock

Is it medically possible to feel stressed out in a hammock? Possibly, but the beautiful marigold-printed Papajo hammock ($269) makes it pretty darn tough. This is the sort of summer lounge spot that causes fights among family members: better order one per person.

2. An Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

The pattern in this indoor/outdoor pillow ($89) is called Kavio, and it was first designed almost sixty years ago. Says Marimekko: “Maija Isola got the idea for the Kaivo fabric (1964) at a well. She dropped the pail in by accident and was mesmerised by the living rings that formed on the surface of the water.” Six decades later, it’s still pretty hypnotic.

3. A Bright and Colourful Beanbag Chair

This might be a sign that indoor/outdoor furniture has reached its absolute peak (unless someone is out there is beta-testing an outdoor bunkbed–if so, please send me an email). The Marimekko bean bag ($599) is water-resistant and looks just as Insta-worthy as it is nap-worthy.

4. A Floral Doormat

The Marimekko doormat in Kukkatori Poppy ($45) feels like the sort of welcome mat that a fairy who lives in a tree might use—’tis the season for giving your doorstep a little flower power.

5. A Beautiful Outdoor Rug

Who let the rugs out? The usually-indoor floor-covering gets an al fresco makeover in the Papajo colbalt rug ($599). This feels like the key to giving your patio an instant update.

6. A Floral Outdoor Sofa

Marigolds again—couldn’t resist. The Marimekko Playa outdoor sofa ($2,099) is a bold choice. High risk, high reward: we love the mix of bright yellows with the natural wood.

 

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.