This summer, our outdoor design is becoming more experiential. Rather than simply chasing a certain aesthetic, homeowners are seeking furniture that brings play and personality into their backyards, and what's more fun than a hammock? As these hanging pieces grow in popularity, we're turning to archival photos of Cher's former Beverly Hills home for inspiration.
An archival picture from 1977 shows the singer and then-partner, Gregg Allman, posing in a striped and macramé hammock in their California backyard. The couple looks totally at peace, enjoying the simple pleasure of the casual outdoor furnishing. In addition to its whimsy, the hammock adds a subtle curve and a touch of pattern to its understated outdoor space.
Though hanging chairs have emerged as a major outdoor decorating trend for this year, we much prefer Cher's relaxed alternative. To explore this look, Homes & Gardens interviewed experts on its renewed popularity, and curated an edit to help you recreate the pop star's look at your own home. Let's start with a glimpse back in time.
Shop The Chic Hammock Edit
This stylish striped hammock is a dead-ringer for Cher's, minus the '70s macrame. It's perfect for adding a design accent to your favorite trees, or just putting some curves on your porch.
This stylish, black macrame hammock is the perfect pick for recreating Cher and Gregg's look in a modern backyard. It's elevated, but casual enough that you want to plop down immediately.
This stunning scalloped hammock is one of the chicest on the market. Its stripes feel elegant yet down to earth, and it has a built in pillow for extra comfort. No matter how you like to style your patio, this will look beautiful on it.
For a hint of nostalgic charm, the Jacobean pillow is the ultimate choice. Every hammock needs a pillow for added comfort, and these are a great choice.
Deckchair stripes continue to be a big trend, evoking vacations and shoresides and summer and fun. Add these to your hammock for something that feels both chic and understated.
Add an accent to your hammock with this stunning gray and white striped pillow. Its farmhouse style is warm and inviting and the textured material brings in visual interest.
The reason for the enduring popularity of Cher's '70s hammock is that it promotes ultimate relaxation. Naomi Bentley, outdoor furniture expert at Charles Bentley explains: 'If you’re really looking to slow things down, pieces like sun loungers and hammocks can create a relaxed spot to unwind.'
Opting for a hammock with color and pattern helps to bring a fun, lively energy to your garden idea. Naomi explains: 'Once you’ve thought about layout, it’s worth considering the overall look and feel too. We're seeing a big shift towards Mediterranean-inspired styling at the moment, with warm terracotta tones, olive greens and classic stripes bringing a laidback feel.'
The power of the hammock is that it is a design that prioritizes experience over anything else. Choosing pieces that turn your backyard into a space where you want to spend time is the best thing you can possibly do for your garden. Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse says: 'Choosing the right garden furniture is essential because in the summer months, your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home. Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning coffee, hosting long alfresco lunches, or entertaining friends, well-chosen, well-crafted pieces set the tone. Comfort and functionality encourage relaxation, while thoughtful layouts and coordinated designs elevate the atmosphere and make entertaining effortless. Consider fun and eye-catching pieces, like tiled coffee tables or a faux marble drinks table to add character to your outdoor space.'
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