A warm breeze, the sound of rocking chairs creaking against a wooden porch, and a glass of sweet tea in hand – That’s the essence of gracious Southern living. It’s the kind of hospitality and effortless charm that inspired Reese Witherspoon to create her lifestyle brand Draper James. Now, in partnership with Polywood, that same Draper James southern sensibility extends beyond fashion and home accents to an outdoor furniture collection.
DNN had the opportunity to chat with Draper James and Polywood about the inspiration behind the collection, its seamless integration into contemporary outdoor spaces, and what it signals for the future of relaxed, stylish living under open skies.
DNN: How did this collaboration come about, and what makes this partnership distinct from other celebrity-brand collaborations?
PW: The collaboration celebrates Polywood and Draper James’ shared passion for sustainable design, American craftsmanship, and four-season durability. With our mutual love of front porch living and outdoor entertaining, Polywood is a natural extension of the Draper James lifestyle.
DJ: This collaboration came together so naturally because Draper James and Polywood share a love for beautiful, timeless design that’s made to be enjoyed. We wanted to create an outdoor furniture collection that feels as inviting and comfortable as your favorite gathering space inside.
What makes this partnership special is that it’s not just about style—it’s about quality, sustainability, and bringing people together. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to be both timeless and durable, ensuring it becomes part of life’s best moments, season after season.
DNN: Were there any specific aesthetic influences—architectural movements, natural landscapes, or cultural references—that shaped the collection?
PW: The Savannah collection is our love letter to Southern charm and hospitality, and we wanted to pay homage to heritage design. The assortment of front porch, dining, and kids’ furniture features classic style with sweet scalloped details.
DJ: The collection is inspired by the beauty of outdoor living—sunny afternoons, breezy evenings, and time spent with loved ones. Whether it’s the natural tones of a coastal escape or the relaxed elegance of a backyard garden, every detail was chosen to create a space that feels like home.
DNN: How does this collection respond to the way people use outdoor spaces today?
PW: Our customers love to gather on the front porch, dine on their patio, and extend their living areas outdoors, so this collection was designed for maximum year-round enjoyment. We also offer the Savannah collection in a matching kids rocking chair, a bench, and a dining set, with the same style and comfort as their adult counterparts.
DJ: More than ever, outdoor spaces are becoming true extensions of our homes—places to gather, relax, and make memories. This collection was designed with that in mind, blending comfort, style, and durability so you can create a space that feels just as welcoming as your favorite indoor nook. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, a dinner with friends, or a cozy night under the stars, these pieces are made for real life and real moments.
DNN: How does this collection integrate with contemporary residential architecture and landscape design?
PW: This classic collection makes it easy to add Southern elegance to any outdoor space, whether you add the beauty of the 48” Bench, 48” Swing, or 3-Piece Rocking Chair Set to your front porch, or set the scene with outdoor dining sets featuring round, square, or rectangular dining tables for two to eight guests depending on your entertaining needs and the size of your patio.
DJ: This collection was designed to effortlessly complement a variety of home styles, from modern to classic. The clean lines, soft textures, and colors allow each piece to blend seamlessly into any outdoor setting—whether it’s a spacious backyard, an intimate balcony, or a poolside retreat. The materials are not only beautiful and durable but also sustainable, so your space can feel both timeless and thoughtfully designed.
DNN: How do you see this collection fitting into the current design trends of residential outdoor furniture?
PW: Customers are looking for timeless designs that stand the test of time, and are made with sustainable manufacturing processes. Like all Polywood furniture, the Savannah collection is made in the USA in a circular, 99% waste-free process, transforming recycled and reusable plastics into an innovative, infinitely recyclable product for a minimal environmental footprint. They also value low-maintenance furniture that can be enjoyed year-round, making outdoor living effortless and worry-free.
DJ: Right now, there’s a big shift toward outdoor spaces that feel just as comfortable and stylish as indoor living rooms, and this collection embraces that. The pieces are versatile, inviting, and easy to mix and match, allowing you to create a space that’s uniquely yours. And because they’re made with Polywood high-quality, sustainable materials, they’re designed to last season after season without sacrificing style.
DNN: Are there specific types of projects—boutique hospitality, luxury residential, urban terraces—where you envision this collection being particularly impactful?
PW: Polywood is a favorite choice with the hospitality industry thanks to a host of features that make our furniture unique: ClimateTuff™ materials can stay out year-round and clean easily with soap and water, while Solidcore™ durability means the furniture is not prone to splinter, rot, crack, chip, or peel—even in the harshest conditions. The collection is available in a range of classic and on-trend colors and finishes, and all feature ColorStay™ technology, ensuring long-lasting, vibrant color that won’t fade over time.
DJ: This collection is perfect for any space where people come together and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a cozy urban terrace, a breezy beachside retreat, or a boutique hotel that wants to create a welcoming outdoor lounge, these pieces are designed to feel both elevated and effortless. The combination of classic design and modern durability makes it easy to bring warmth and charm to any setting.
DNN: What does this collaboration say about the future of outdoor living spaces?
PW: Customers continue to invest in their outdoor spaces, and they can now enjoy Draper James’ signature style paired with the all-weather durability that Polywood has been known for since 1990.
DJ: It’s all about creating spaces that feel as inviting as they are beautiful. As people continue to invest in their outdoor spaces, we see a future where patios, porches, and balconies become true gathering places—filled with good conversation, shared meals, and simple joys. With its timeless design and lasting quality, this collection is about making the most of those moments, now and for years to come. Draper James continues to expand into different categories and has grown to be a true lifestyle brand. Outdoor entertaining is at the heart of who we are.
