With the first inkling of autumn finally in the air, that last backyard to-do can officially no longer be avoided. For me, that’s dealing with my ugly outdoor storage. So, in a last-ditch attempt to make my small backyard feel larger and lighter while there’s still time to enjoy it, I’m swapping bulky plastic boxes for IKEA’s KOLBJÖRN collection.
Taking a cue from a great credenza or wardrobe, it’s the sleek-lined, invitingly neutral outdoor storage I’ve spent an entire summer wishing I had: something I can proudly leave en vue for company, allow into the background of photos, and brush past without grimacing. Made from durable, rust-protected steel, the cabinets and shelves are designed for balconies, patios, gardens, and, in a rather ironic full-circle moment, garages. But with indoor-level good looks like these, I’d happily put them to work in potential wet zones like bathrooms and entryways, too.
