The One Backyard Trend You're About to See Everywhere This Summer

This year, I predict cabana stripes are going to be everywhere in designers’ backyards. From Serena and Lily’s Pacifo collection to Anthropologie’s Desto Alfresco collection, furniture designers seem to be taking their cues from the runway in their new summer introductions. But unlike pinstripes, which have ultra-thin vertical alignments, the cabana stripes I’m seeing are thicker with a statement-making attitude. You don’t have to squint to see the contrast of each line—and you won’t feel dizzy and nauseous if you stare for too long. Plus, while I’ve heard the term ‘circus’ used in correlation with the trend, the latest iterations are far from the ugly red and white tent at your town’s summer fair. 

The look is being elevated with coastal blues and yellows, earthy greens and sophisticated black/white tones that make it feel classic and luxurious. It also incorporates high-end materials, like stone, linen and teak, which makes it feel updated and current. And if the whole red tent thing feels like overkill, I'm seeing an uptick of playful pink and orange hues that still nail the circus theme (thanks to this year’s colors of the year). 

In short, the whole point of the trend is to create a resort-worthy vibe with eye-catching pieces, like poolside loungers and umbrellas. Instead of boasting images of clown cars and paper popcorn bags, they’re closer to the stripes you’d see at Beverly Hills hotel or Hôtel Barrière in St. Barts. And if you don’t have thousands to spend on a striped sectional, you can always bring it in through accessories, like outdoor blankets and pillows. Either way, if you focus on thick stripes and quality materials, the trend is guaranteed to look timeless season after season.