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After the pandemic permanently shifted all of our relationships to our sense of home, the value of outdoor space — and investing in the quality of that space — became suddenly apparent. Mass quarantine may be a (fortunately) distant memory, but our team is never done searching for the next best investment piece that will elevate our spaces, whether we’re working, relaxing, or entertaining.
So, when we heard about Neighbor, the latest and greatest in outdoor furniture with a distinct patent-pending modular design, we knew we needed to investigate further. After connecting with one of Neighbor’s happy customers, I had the pleasure of visiting a beautiful backyard in Los Angeles to see it for myself.
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A Dream Team
Founded by Chris Lee, Nick Arambula, and Mike Fretto after they met and became friends while working together at Tuft & Needle, Neighbor has craftsmanship and expertise in its DNA. The three founders wanted to design and create furniture that not only looked like the quality of your indoor living room sofa, but that also had the durability to withstand the outdoor weather. In addition to these design and functionality considerations, Neighbor prioritized sustainable materials, determined to create furniture that would enhance your backyard without harming the environment.
And the product is as thoughtful as its design process. With a patent-pending modular design, Neighbor’s outdoor sofas are made of sustainably harvested solid teak wood, mildew-resistant sunbrella fabric, and quick-drying reticulated foam. All of these materials work together not only to weather all outdoor climates, but also to preserve comfort and quality over time and use.
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The Real Deal: Meet Your Neighbor
While all of these new vocabulary words like “reticulated foam” and “sunbrella fabric” sounded great, seeing Neighbor in person was what really converted me from a curious observer to a need-this-in-my-backyard fan.
I happened to check out Neighbor the weekend after LA’s first big rainstorm of the season -- a storm so big it knocked down a tree on my street, to give you an idea of the type of rain and wind the Neighbor couch experienced before I saw it.
I was astounded by how sturdy and pristine the Neighbor chairs and ottoman looked. In a crisp “Sunbrella Canvas” colorway, the clean white fabric pairs beautifully with the teak wood. Despite the torrential downpour just the day before, the Neighbor cushions were not just dry and airy to touch, but also looked immaculate.
While I’m usually concerned about outdoor fabrics weathering the literal weather (yes, even in California), Neighbor’s quick-drying, porous foam and mildew-resistant fabric mean that the furniture not only looks nice, but will also deliver the same quality and comfort for years to come, with minimal maintenance. The owner of these beautiful Neighbor chairs and ottoman excitedly told me that she hadn’t cleaned the cushions in weeks -- and certainly not since the wind and rainstorms of the days prior.
A Purchase You Can Feel (Really) Good About
In addition to Neighbor’s sustainable and thoughtful design practices, their furniture is simply great. Because the three founders have intentionally sourced each element of Neighbor’s furniture to do good for both the Earth and the longevity of the product, all you have to worry about is assembly and enjoyment.
And even those two parts of the customer journey are simple. Neighbor’s modular system can be tailored to fit your particular space and design desires. Assembly is simple, with all instructions provided via a QR code in your shipment (or, if you’re more traditional, on Neighbor’s website) -- a minor detail, sure, but one that reflects Neighbor’s commitment to minimize waste and prioritize sustainability.
Modular Furniture – For A Backyard That’s As Functional As It Is Beautiful
Furnishing your backyard with Neighbor feels just as good as the environmentally-conscious purchase. While they’re built to last a lifetime outdoors, Neighbor’s chairs and cushions have all the comfort and elegance of indoor furniture. The modular design not only looks chic, but also provides a flexibility I’m certainly craving, as it’s easy to grow tired of home spaces that feel monotonous – particularly if you’re spending a greater deal of time at home.
While the brand launched with an edited set of modular couches and chairs, they’ve since introduced a series of Rugs and Sun Loungers, along with the Low Chair and Chair And A Half — the latter two of which have a distinctly mid-century feel with the modern benefits of durability and comfort that’ll keep you outside for hours. This isn’t your parents’ Adirondack chair. And if you’re really looking to keep your backyard party-ready (or family dinner-ready) all year round, you might consider the immaculate Dining Set, made of that same FSC-certified teak that’ll pair beautifully with any of Neighbor’s seating options.
Their latest innovation, the In-line Table, captures the brand’s dedication to functional and modifiable outdoor configurations. Made as a sleek add-on for their Haven Sectional, Sofa, or Loveseat, the Table slides in perfectly as an added surface for snacks, drinks, books, and games.
Neighbor’s furniture is built to be reassembled and arranged, perfect for making hosting (and truly living) in your backyard a breeze -- a necessity as we move into the warmer months ahead.
Try Neighbor’s outdoor furniture here.
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