Creating Multiple Hang-Out Havens on the Conway Riverfront: A Casual Furniture World Project with Susan Slone

Introduction

Conway, SC’s Waccamaw River is the sort of view you can’t help but stare at, and my latest project took full advantage of it. The homeowners—lifelong locals whose grown kids and grand-kids drop in on the regular—asked Casual Furniture World to transform their plain concrete pad, back patio, and dock into places where every family member could kick back without feeling crowded. I’m Susan Slone, their design associate, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. My goal was simple: carve out several comfy zones where the river is always in sight and no chair is ever more than a laugh away.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

“Lots of Family” Means Lots of Seats

When a client tells me “our family shows up in packs,” I know two things: traffic flow matters, and seating variety is king. Grandparents, teens, and toddlers each have different ideas of comfort—from low-slung lounge pieces perfect for s’mores to bar-height stools that keep drinks safely above curious little hands. The homeowners were clear: no one should be left standing at the next Fourth-of-July cookout.

Spaces That Celebrate the View

Because the house hugs a gentle bend in the river, every window already frames water and marsh grass. The clients wanted the outdoor rooms to mimic that sense of calm by pulling in blues and soft neutrals, without blocking the scenery. They also asked for distinct “mini-destinations” so smaller groups could peel off for quieter conversations or a sunset toast on the dock.

Design Strategy

Layering Gathering Zones with Purpose

To keep things organized, I divided the property into four functional hubs:

1. Back-Patio Conversation Pit – The centerpiece is a Salem deep-seating set arranged in a “U” around a matching Salem fire pit. The scale of this collection fit the wide patio perfectly, and its plush cushions invite afternoon naps.

2. Elevated Dining Pad – Just a few steps away, a Salem bar-height dining table and stools create a perch for burgers fresh off the grill. The extra height preserves sightlines straight out to the water while giving adults a semi-private zone when the kids take over the sofa.

3. Lower-Level Fire-Ring – We poured a slab pad closer to grade and circled it with Berlin Gardens Adirondack rockers. The rockers’ gentle motion is a favorite with the grandparents, and they’re hefty enough to stand up to coastal winds.

4. Dockside Tiki Stop – Out on the pier, weather-safe Berlin Gardens bar swivels let everyone spin 360° to follow jumping fish, passing boats, or the glow of the house lights at dusk.

Each zone feels separate yet visually tied together by repeating materials and a consistent blue-based color story.

Color Palette: Calm, River-Inspired Blues

For the back patio, I pulled a washed-denim Sunbrella on the Salem cushions, then echoed that hue in accent pillows on every other zone. The blue settles the space, allowing the warm cedar decking and the flicker of fire pits to pop. A few striped throws add a nautical nod without tipping into kitsch.

Comfort, Longevity, and Easy Care

Every fabric is solution-dyed (no fading here) and every frame is high-density poly-lumber or powder-coated aluminum, both impervious to the salt air that drifts upriver. Quick-dry foam and removable covers make post-party clean-up painless; I wanted the homeowners relaxing, not wrestling cushions. The fire-pit tables feature adjustable burners so s’mores night can run long without refilling propane.

The Outcome: A Riverfront Retreat Realized

Seamless Flow for a Big-Hearted Family

On reveal day the kids hopped straight onto the Adirondack rockers, grandparents claimed the swivel stools, and the homeowners settled into the Salem sofa—exactly the layered usage we’d planned for. Thanks to the distinct hubs, twenty-plus people can gather without ever feeling like they’re on top of one another.

Uninterrupted River Views

By sticking to low-profile silhouettes on the patio and choosing open-back stools on the dock, every vantage point keeps the Waccamaw front and center. Evening light now bounces off blue cushions, making the whole porch feel like an extension of the river itself.

Ready for Weather and Repeat Visitors

The drizzle-resistant materials and fast-dry cushions have already proven themselves during a spring thunderstorm. The homeowners texted me a photo of perfectly dry seating an hour later—music to a designer’s ears.

Memories Waiting to Happen

Most important, the project lets the family spend time the way they love best: laughing around a crackling flame, swapping stories at the high-top, and waving at neighbors cruising by. Furniture shouldn’t steal the show; it should set the stage for moments that matter.

Conclusion

Helping this Conway family turn empty slabs into four river-view hangouts was a blast—and exactly why I love what I do at Casual Furniture World. If your outdoor space could use a little comfort, color, and crowd-pleasing function, reach out and let’s sketch your perfect setup. I’m ready when you are—just bring the vision, and I’ll bring the know-how.