HOW TO CHOOSE OUTDOOR FURNITURE - that’s stylish and built to last.
Whether you’re planning to lounge, dine, or entertain outdoors, a well-furnished patio, balcony, or backyard can transform how your space feels and functions.
Here’s how to choose outdoor furniture that reflects your style, stands up to the elements, and turns your outdoor area into a true extension of your home.
Today’s outdoor furniture design is every bit as refined as indoor options. Whether your aesthetic leans modern and minimal, breezy and boho, traditional and timeless, or a curated mix of styles, let your anchor pieces, like seating and tables, set the tone.Here are a few commonly available styles for inspiration:Modern: Clean lines, neutral tones, and matte metal frames.Boho: Woven textures, rattan, and low-profile seating.
Classic: Structured silhouettes, deep-toned wood, and wrought iron accents.
Mixed: Stick to a unified palette or texture to tie pieces together.
Think string lights, lanterns, and weather-safe lamps.Add softness and colour with outdoor cushions, throws, and rugs.Don’t forget the plants! Larger potted plants, hanging baskets, or even herb garden greenery brings any setup to life.
DEFINE SPACE FUNCTION
Before shopping, consider how you’ll use your space — lounging with a book, hosting BBQs, or creating a kid-friendly zone.Swings, hammocks and daybeds add a relaxed vibe while modular seating, and adjustable tables offer comfort and flexibility for any setup.Measure your space carefully and bring the dimensions when you shop to ensure the perfect fit.CHOOSE WEATHER-RESISTANT
Outdoor pieces need to handle it all: humidity, sun, rain, and frigid winters. Choosing the right materials is key:All-weather wicker: Lightweight, classic, and resistant to fading and cracking.Aluminum: Rustproof, low-maintenance, and great for damp or coastal climates.
Teak or hardwood: Beautiful and long-lasting; just be ready to seal it each year.
Stainless steel: Strong and sleek, though heavier and pricier.
Plastic or resin: Budget-friendly and lightweight, but prone to sun fading.
CREATE YOUR SPACE ON A BUDGET
Shop second-hand for high-quality pieces, or reupholster tired cushions with weather-resistant fabric in a colour or pattern that suits your style. Wood furniture can be refinished and sealed for a fresh new look.Source: https://blog.royallepage.ca/how-to-choose-outdoor-furniture-thats-stylish-and-built-to-last/JULY SALES AND AVERAGE PRICE REMAIN STABLE
In July, 725 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®
(LSTAR), up 28.1% compared to the same month a year ago. That’s the best month of sales
for July since 2021.“Historically, we see less activity during the summer season, so these numbers are very encouraging,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “The housing market continues the pattern reflected over the last few months, with more new listings and robust inventory. The overall sales-to-new listing ratio was 44.6%, which the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) would indicate as a balanced market.”
Average sales price was in line with June, coming in at $648,273, down just 0.6% compared to July 2024. Meanwhile, the Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price was $578,900, down 0.3% from a month ago.“The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.75% last week, as the trade relationship with the U.S. remains unpredictable,” Marsh said. “Housing is local. During these uncertain times, you can count on an LSTAR REALTOR® to help you.”Source: https://www.lstar.ca/story/july-sales-and-average-price-remain-stable – August 5, 2025 London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®WHAT YOUR WI-FI KNOWS ABOUT YOUR FLOORPLAN
Your home’s Wi-Fi signal can actually reveal a lot about how well your space is working for you. Dead zones aren’t just
frustrating; they often highlight layout issues like poor furniture placement, wall materials that block signals, or even too many closed doors. If your signal struggles to reach certain rooms, chances are you’re avoiding those spaces too.On the flip side, improving your Wi-Fi coverage can open new ways to enjoy your home by using previously neglected rooms like a back den or guest room once the connection is strong and reliable.One easy fix… try a Mesh System like Google Nest Wi-Fi, which uses a few small devices placed throughout your home to evenly distribute your signal. It’s a simple upgrade that can make your space feel more connected, both digitally and functionally.Small tech tweaks can make a big difference in how your home functions.SMART TIP: YOU DON’T NEED TO BE TECH-SAVVY TO IDENTIFY WEAK SPOTS.Walk through your home with a mobile device, stream a video, and pay attention to Wi-Fi bars or lag. If it drops, stalls, or loads slowly, that’s a dead zone.Making one of the following improvements may help:
- Move your router to a more central, open location.
- Add a plug-in Wi-Fi extender for targeted signal boosts.
CAMPFIRE CAPRESE BRIE
⏱️ Total: 30 Mins. | 🍴 Yield: 10–12 Servings | 🔥 161 cal/serv
INGREDIENTS- 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 large wheel brie
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil, for garnish
- 1 baguette, sliced, for serving
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and garlic, then toss with olive oil. Season, to taste, with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place brie in a cast iron skillet then top with tomato mixture. Place over campfire (or on a hot grill), and cook until brie is melted, about 20 minutes. (Just because the brie isn’t oozing, doesn’t mean it’s not hot and ready. To test, poke sides of the wheel with a knife to see if cheese is melted inside.)
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with basil. Serve warm with baguette slices.
Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale and/or buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.Information provided is for general purposes only. Readers should independently verify tips, advice, or suggestions. Outcomes may vary.View important disclosures and notices about trademarks at rlp.ca/notices.