Design Influence: Life's a Picnic

Inspired by summertime picnics and outdoor dining, our designers have decided to re-purpose outdoor decor into a rustic, indoor setting. Follow along as Maria and Suzanne as they transform both a dining room and a living room -- using nothing more than an average picnic table.



To get the look, follow a few rules:
1. Accessories are king. An empty picnic table will look more like a hand-me-down than a statement piece, so feel free to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
2. Mix and match. To highlight the rustic charm of an old picnic table, add plenty of pattern and texture, whether in the form of books, china or even additional outdoor accessories.

Don't have an old picnic table to use in your own home? Try allpicnictables.com for a new model or pick up a vintage piece on eBay to enjoy your picnic... without the ants!

Our experts Maria Greenlaw and Suzanne Caldwell are partners in Design House, a personalized design service that's been a feature in Southampton, New York for over 23 years. Maria is a Cornell University graduate with a BS in Interior and Product Design, and Suzanne, an Allied Member of ASID, has a design degree from Harrington Institute in Chicago.