Your Outdoor Oasis

The backyard is where life happens. Updating outdoor spaces can turn even the most humble patio into a meaningful gathering spot, an oasis where lifelong memories take root and flourish. “We still have furniture out on the deck passed down from my husband’s grandmother, Lois Lorton, that she bought from the store in the 1970s,” says Margot Cook, Vice-President of Operations for Howard Lorton Furniture & Design. As a family business celebrating its centennial next year, Howard Lorton has helped countless families across Denver transform both their interior and outdoor spaces.

In a rapidly changing urban landscape, where businesses seem to open and close in quick succession, consistency can feel surprisingly refreshing. “We have those multi-generational customers who come back as a family to shop; grandmothers will come in with their daughters and grandchildren. It speaks to the quality of our furniture,” Cook explains. “We are really proud and honored to have served Denver and Colorado for almost 100 years.”

Adding Value

Among Horward Lorton’s outdoor offerings are elegant sectionals, cozy armchairs, and design-forward dining sets with built-in recessed fire pits. “We offer customized fabrics, finishings; everything can be tailored to fit your unique style, whether that’s traditional or more contemporary,” Cook says. From large-scale projects like adding an outdoor kitchen to more modest improvements, such as updating lighting, pillows, and blankets, the Howard Lorton team provides expert guidance designed to fit every budget.

Visualizing a furnished outdoor space can be difficult, so Howard Lorton offers complimentary in-home consultations with their patio designers. “Usually, people start with a visit to the store so we can understand what they like and naturally gravitate toward. Then we’ll go to their home, and we’ll measure and outline the actual designs for patio furniture the same way we would for a home’s interior.” Cook asserts that with gas prices and the general cost of living on the rise, her team strives to add value wherever possible. “We also offer free delivery,” she says. “Our delivery range goes all the way up I-70 and into the mountains, based on our schedule.”

300 Days of Sunshine

We’re living in an era of instant gratification, but hasty decisions can result in “disposable” design. Maybe you bought an inexpensive bistro table from a hardware store, but after one summer outside, it’s totally warped and oxidized. Cook points out that quality begets longevity. “We’re really trying to create sustainable solutions that you can live with for a long time,” she explains.

Investing some thought and a bit of time into one’s outdoor living experience isn’t frivolous, especially in Denver. “Of course, we love the outdoors here,” says Cook, who hails from Toronto and doesn’t miss its overcast skies. “I’ll take 300 days of sunshine anytime because I can sit in my backyard almost every month of the year.” Thoughtfully curated outdoor design fosters conversation, allowing families to put down their phones and reconnect.

“Just asking simple questions—‘How was your bike ride? What trail did you hit? Where should we go next?—is so important in nurturing relationships and creating lasting memories,” Cook explains. “These are spaces where adventures are planned, but they also invite us to slow down, relax, and reward our