Hosting outdoors, whether it's an intimate aperitivo gathering or an al-fresco dinner party, is one of summer's greatest joys. However, if anything can dampen the spirit, it's inadequate seating.
Unsurprisingly, Martha Stewart doesn't have such a problem in her yard, and she's doing her best to ensure our days of mismatched, uncomfortable seating are numbered.
Martha Stewart's Wayfair collection has long served our interiors, but her outdoor furniture pieces take her ideology (to create beautiful yet functional homeware) to our gardens. The Lily Pond All-Weather Stackable Armchair (available at Wayfair) is the most unmissable piece from her collection, and it's hidden deep on the site with a discount.
What makes this furnishing so unique? While on the surface, it looks like an ordinary chair, Martha designed it with efficiency in mind. Marvelously versatile, this chair boasts a recommended stack quantity up to six chairs high for space-saving storage when not in use. That's enough reason to invest, even before we explore its all-weather qualities.
Martha thoughtfully designed this chair with all-weather materials to ensure it looks beautiful on your patio year after year. The frame is crafted from durable, powder-coated steel with a sleek finish, while the complementary thick seat cushions are made from strong Olefin fabric... perfect for withstanding unexpected rain storms and inevitable spillages.
Inspired by her Lily Pond Hamptons home (a jewel in Martha Stewart's property portfolio), this chair upholds a traditional, monocroamatic aesthetic that will look just as classic in your yard as it would in a coastal East Hampton abode.
Its simple silhouette and ageless colorway translate to even the most minimalist of gardens, creating a look that, experts say, brings a sense of calm to your exteriors.
'With outdoor spaces, especially poolside, it’s important to let the architecture and natural surroundings take the lead. Minimalist furniture allows that connection to shine through, creating a sense of calm and cohesion rather than visual clutter,' comments Helen Pett, a brand ambassador at Arteriors.
'Avoid overfilling the space and instead aim for a curated selection of sculptural, well-crafted pieces to make a stronger design statement. Each item should serve a purpose, both functionally and aesthetically, enhancing the experience of the space while still allowing it to breathe.'
Plus, while this chair is perfect for patio hosting, the shape and colorway also complement a minimalist pool area, as Helen explains.
'Create a sense of quiet luxury with your outdoor setting: clean lines, organic textures, and subtle tonal palettes work harmoniously with water, stone, and greenery,' she says.
'The result is a setting that feels elegant, effortless, and designed for lingering, lazy days by the pool.'
You can shop more of our favorite Martha Stewart-designed patio picks below. All of which would look just as timeless on your patio or by your poolside for many summers in the future.
Generously padded and sturdily built, this versatile patio chair should be your starting point when designing your patio for 2025. Featuring a 4.5-inch-thick all-weather seat cushion, luxurious back cushion, and integrated armrests, it will cradle you with comfort while enjoying all the joys of the season.
Masterfully crafted with a durable, rustproof aluminum frame in a hand-brushed woodgrain finish, this chair lends elegance to any porch or terrace. It's designed to last through all weathers and is easily stackable – perfect if you're working with a particularly small space.
The blue and white, woven wicker material and durable legs make this stackable patio seat a must-have for summer dining. It features a rustproof aluminum frame, a wood-grain finish, and, most notably, a woven rattan pattern.
