Designer Profile: Farah Merhi

About Farah

We partnered with Farah Merhi of Inspire Me! Home Decor for a complete backyard makeover. Farah chose a variety of POLYWOOD furniture collections to curate a sophisticated and coordinated look, creating a beautiful outdoor sanctuary that feels like you’re in a home.

Create the Look

Black Lumber • Granite Cushions • Purple, Pink & Gold Accents

“I chose black furniture with light grey cushions for a classic yet striking look. For the accessories, pink and purple are colors that just make me happy, they make me smile.”

- Farah Merhi
Summers are short in Farah's hometown in Michigan, and when the temperature gets warm she wanted to take advantage of her outdoor space. Her vision was to bring the indoors, outdoors—to reflect how she designed her indoor space and create a relaxing spot for her family to enjoy together day-to-day, but also accommodate entertaining friends and family.
When it came time to select furniture, Farah faced furnishing multiple outdoor seating areas. Each space would have their own unique function: outdoor living room, outdoor dining room, firepit, and a space under the deck. She wanted each area to complement one another and tie back to each piece selected to create an overall cohesive look.

Style & Durability
"I've experienced buying outdoor furniture that had to be thrown out after just a few seasons of harsh Michigan weather. I knew I needed furniture that would truly withstand the elements this time, but that still had visual appeal. POLYWOOD checked both of those boxes."

Conversation Area
Harbour Deep Seating was chosen for Farah's outdoor fireplace area to create a cozy spot to relax and warm up on cooler Michigan evenings. Geometric patterns in pink and black complement the contemporary lines of the Harbour Collection.
Farah incorporated some of her own Inspire Me! Decor accessories throughout each outdoor area with metallic gold and silver touches.
Our Black lumber paired with Granite cushions is such a classic look that will never go out of style. Pillows and blankets were the perfect way to add a pop of color that can easily be swapped out later on when Farah wants a fresh look.

“Decorating and designing the outdoor like you’re designing your indoor is a trend that is gaining momentum and I think will be here to stay. The backyard is getting the recognition it deserves and it's becoming an extension of the indoors.”

- Farah Merhi

Dining & Bar
Our Chippendale Dining Chairs blend traditional and contemporary style while complementing the clean lines of the Harbour Deep Seating situated nearby.
Farah chose matching Granite seat cushions for her dining set which add a contrasting color as well as extra comfort for her guests. POLYWOOD cushions are covered in durable outdoor quality fabric that resists weather, salt, sun, mold, and mildew.
For her built-in bar space, Farah chose Vineyard Bar Arm Chairs which feature a relaxed, subtly curved back, contoured seat, and footrest.

Fire Pit
What's better than the comfort of a deep seating rocking chair surrounding the warmth of a fire pit? If you have a flat patio area around your backyard fire pit like Farah, don't rule out rocking chairs as a seating option.
Farah chose Vineyard Deep Seating Rocking Chairs for her space, featuring pillow-back cushions covered in durable and quick-drying Sunbrella® fabric.

Swing
The space under Farah's deck was unique in that it was a long narrow space—the perfect spot to install a couple of Vineyard Deep Seating Swings.

“It was a friend who first introduced me to POLYWOOD. She mentioned how much she loves her outdoor set, and it still looks new after over six years in New York weather! When my furniture arrived at the house I was blown away by the quality. This is not flimsy, light furniture. I could tell POLYWOOD is truly committed to quality. The fact that I can leave the furniture uncovered all year-round, in the rain, snow, wind, and sunlight, and still have it look brand new each time we sit out there—that is my favorite feature.”

- Farah Merhi