Ree Drummond, famously known as The Pioneer Woman, is on a mission: to elevate everybody's backyards this springtime.
The Food Network host and founder of her online lifestyle empire recently collaborated with Walmart to design a new outdoor collection – comprising vibrantly-hued patio furniture and boldly-printed planters, stands, and accessories. The pieces are among the best outdoor furniture on the market – and their launch has promoted the conversation of how best we can style them (and other furnishings) in our exteriors. Thankfully, however, Ree is on hand to assist.
The secret to a well-curated garden is often knowing what to avoid – meaning the subject of small backyard mistakes was very much on our agenda.
'I would never call anything a mistake – sometimes we just have to try things and see how they work,' Ree says. However, 'I will say that I have from time to time tried to use interior furniture and décor outside, and it never really works from a durability and functionality standpoint.'
With this in mind, Ree explains both practicality and durability were key inspirations when designing her collection.
'From my outdoor rugs to cute birdhouses, I wanted to take the beautiful colors and prints that I love to use indoors and put them on high-quality pieces that can take the wear and tear of outside,' she says.
And functionality aside, The Pioneer Woman says these vibrant pieces work particularly well in a small garden – where Ree uses them to draw the upwards.
'Pretty decorative items can be added in the space that brings the eye upwards, such as a gorgeous hanging planter or the bird feeder. Bright colors and patterns can also have a lot of impact in a small space. My outdoor collection makes a smaller area gorgeous,' she says.
Similarly, when decorating a small yard or patio, Ree says that smaller furniture pieces like her bistro set (below) will make the area feel larger and less cramped (as opposed to bulky outdoor seating).
'I love styling a smaller space outdoors because you can really wrap your head around what you have and work to make it into a really special, cozy outdoor space.'
