Solara Outdoor Living

03/08/2026

📣 Excited to share a new built-in fire pit seating project.
🏞️ You can check it out on my site https://www.solaraol.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/built-in-fire-pit-seating

03/08/2026

📣 Excited to share a new project in my portfolio: Mid Century Modern Fire Pit Seating
🏞️ You can check it out on my site https://www.solaraol.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/mid-century-modern-fire-pit-seating

03/08/2026

📣 Excited to share a new project just completed for a Surprise, AZ client.
🏞️ You can check it out on my site https://www.solaraol.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/outdoor-living-refresh

02/28/2026

Four years ago this fire pit was built to look beautiful. It just was not built to be comfortable.

The seating was constructed freehand. The curve was slightly elliptical, not a true semicircle. The backrest sat at about 30 degrees, which made it hard to lean back and enjoy conversation around the fire.

Most people would call that too custom to fix. I saw opportunity.

Each section was templated by hand. I created 4 curved seat cushions and 12 custom wedge back pillows to correct the angle and add real comfort. Three coordinating Outdura fabrics brought it all together.

Now it is the showpiece of their backyard. Comfortable. Inviting. Built for gathering.

If your built in seating looks good but does not feel good, let’s change that.

02/28/2026

Four years ago this homeowner had a beautiful fire pit built into their backyard. From across the yard, it looked perfect. A big semicircle ready for friends, family, and long Arizona evenings.

Up close, it told a different story.

The contractor built the seating freehand. The curve was not a true semicircle. It was slightly elliptical, which meant every section was a little different. On top of that, the backrest was set at about 30 degrees. It looked fine, but when you actually sat down, you could not lean back comfortably and stay engaged in conversation.

Most people would look at that and walk away. Too custom. Too complicated.

I leaned in.

I templated each section by hand. The project called for four curved seat cushions, each patterned individually to follow the imperfect curve. Then I designed twelve wedge shaped back pillows to correct the back angle and create real support. Not just decoration, actual comfort.

After selecting three coordinating Outdura fabrics that complemented the home and landscaping, everything came together. The colors and patterns play off each other without competing. The finished space feels intentional and complete

What used to be a beautiful but underused fire pit is now the focal point of the backyard. Comfortable, inviting, and buikt for gathering.

I see a lot of built in fire pit seating that never gets cushions because the shape feels too custom. That is exactly where Solara Outdoor Living shines. I treat each project like a custom piece of art, while still respecting your budget. And it is usually more attainable than people think.

If you have a built in space that looks good but does not feel good, let’s fix that.

02/21/2026

Just wrapped up a big slipcover project for a client who wanted to extend the life of their large indoor furniture and move it into a covered outdoor living space here in the West Valley.

Instead of a full reupholstery job, I built custom, fitted slipcovers from premium Sunbrella fabric. These are snug and tailored to look like the original upholstery, not loose draped covers. The best part is practicality. The covers can come off easily and get washed when needed, which is perfect for everyday outdoor living.

Arizona’s dry climate helps too. With lower humidity, mold concerns are typically minimal in covered spaces, so this was a smart way to reuse quality furniture and get more years out of it.

If you have indoor pieces you want to reuse outdoors, send me a photo and a few measurements. I can tell you if fitted slipcovers make sense for your setup.

01/18/2026

Give your patio a fast, high-impact upgrade without construction: custom umbrella canopies + coordinated outdoor pillows. Learn how tailored fabrics, fade-resistant choices, and color coordination transform a generic backyard into a cohesive desert-modern retreat. Read the full guide: https://wix.to/I8nq5Nv

You spent money on your outdoor furniture. You added lighting. You might have even upgraded your pavers or refreshed your pool deck. But when you sit outside, something still feels off. The space looks generic. The umbrella faded three seasons ago, and the throw pillows you bought online look washed...

01/15/2026

Struggling to make your outdoor space feel calm and intentional? Our new blog post breaks down pattern scale — the simple design trick that turns chaotic patios into composed retreats. Learn how to mix solids and patterns, choose the right scale, and layer textures for a balanced look. Read more: https://wix.to/laiXbo0

There's a moment that happens in nearly every outdoor living project, the cushions arrive, the pillows are placed, and suddenly, the patio feels… chaotic. What promised to be a serene extension of your home now competes for attention with itself. The terrace that looked so promising in your mind's...

01/11/2026

Tired of staring at sun-faded, flattened patio cushions? Transform your Arizona outdoor space without the renovation price tag. Discover how custom cushions, weatherproof fabrics, and smart styling can give your patio a fresh, comfortable look—fast and affordably. Read more: https://wix.to/9gfzyIw

Most homeowners in Arizona underestimate what quality cushions can accomplish. You're sitting on furniture frames that still have years of life left. The issue isn't your furniture, it's what's covering it.

01/11/2026

Is your patio seating secretly failing from the inside out? Learn how the right outdoor foam makes cushions last longer in Arizona’s heat — and how to choose foam that keeps comfort and value. Read the full guide: https://wix.to/nrt2nsl

You've seen it happen on your patio or around your pool deck. The cushions look fine on the outside, but when you sit down, they've lost all support. That sinking feeling isn't just uncomfortable, it's expensive foam breaking down from the inside out.Most West Valley homeowners focus on fabric when....

01/09/2026

Did you know that those cheap outdoor cushions might be costing you more in the long run? Read about the real costs of your patio furniture choices in our latest blog post! https://wix.to/Q5BgKfG

You walked into a big-box store last spring and found patio cushions for $39.99 each. Six cushions for your outdoor seating, one afternoon of shopping, and you were done for under $250. Fast forward to today, those same cushions are faded, lumpy, and collecting dust in your garage while you're back....