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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Megan Slack

I thought nothing could impress me more than Martha Stewart's iconic accent chair, but then her chic outdoor dining set proved me wrong

Martha Stewart.

Writing about Martha Stewart almost every day of my life (no exaggeration), I've familiarized myself with nearly every piece of her décor collection. Until recently, I thought nothing could top her Isla Farmhouse Accent Chair (available at Wayfair).

With its stunning rattan sides and upholstered seat, this armchair embodies a retro, East Hampton style aesthetic that remains eternally beautiful. I thought this piece was unbeatable, until I was browsing her outdoor furniture collection (tis the season, after all), and her Lily Pond Bistro Chairs (available at Amazon) caught my eye.

I dare say, this set has taken my top spot. It's utterly beautiful, reminding me of a Parisian terrace or a restaurant in the Italian Riviera. It's perfect for every patio, and, thanks to Amazon Prime, it's at one of the lowest prices I've seen.

I am not alone in my love for woven furniture, especially when it comes to patio pieces. Designers and real estate agents alike swear by rattan and wicker furniture for its stylish retro look, but, above all, its durability, which Martha's furniture perfectly embodies.

'When I help a family plan a porch or patio, I often reach for rattan first. The woven surface and soft curves feel friendly the moment you sit down. Even after design trends come and go, the look of rattan remains fresh because it mimics shapes found in nature. A chair can sit beside sleek glass doors or an old brick wall and feel right at home, which makes rattan a safe choice for every style,' comments Eric Bramlett, a realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate.

He continues, noting the furniture's resilience in all weather, particularly useful in those environments that are prone to unexpected rainfall (like my own patio).

'Modern makers give rattan strength that older pieces never had. Many sets use resin fibres that shrug off sun and rain, so the strands stay bright and the weave stays tight even after many summers. You can leave the furniture outside when clouds roll in and trust that it will look the same when the sky clears,' Eric says.

'Plus, cleaning is quick, which matters on busy days. A soft cloth and soapy water lift dust from the gaps, and the chairs dry fast in the breeze. Because you do not need special oils or paint, you spend more time relaxing and less time on upkeep.'

Shop Martha's Stewart's Outdoor Furniture

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