Just as spring’s blooms signal a most welcome focus on the garden, it’s time to take stock of our outdoor rooms.
As the concept becomes more universally accepted, so do all the elements that make it work: comfortable seating, from large-scale deep sofas to chaises and beds; cocktail and end tables; dining tables and chairs; rugs, curtains and lights; accessories such as pillows, throws, art, fireplaces and fire pits; entertainment, from music to watching movies al fresco; and, of course, the kitchen.
The height of al fresco living — translating the look of European-inspired indoor chic to the outdoors — is this new offering from Restoration Hardware. The Belgian slope arm collection comes in sofas (two sizes: 84 inches, $3055; 108 inches, $3,595) and a lounge chair (35 inches wide, 42 inches deep and 31 inches high, $1,795). The pieces have the outdoor luxe equivalent of down fill, with extra comfy deep seats; the Perennials textured linen weave upholstery sheds rainwater and stains and doesn’t fade. Also shown is a rustic table crafted from salvaged elm plus steel with an oxidized finish; it measures 28-by-24-inches and stands 10 inches tall. It’s $405.
In other words, let’s bring as many creature comforts as we can to the patio, the terrace and the deck.
And what is more spectacular than fully upholstered furniture? We’ve seen hints of it in the past few years, with tight-upholstered chairs and slipcovered looks. But this spring, Restoration Hardware actually introduced an analogous version of one of its popular interior looks: the Belgian slope arm sofa and lounge chair, designed with all the desirable features for the outdoors.
That means cushions that are deep and inviting as well as weather-resistant, prepared to deal with dirt, sun and rain.
In addition to sofas, settees and lounge chairs, modular seating and sectionals are taking root outdoors. What’s appealing is that they can be configured to your needs and pocketbook. At West Elm there’s the modestly priced Tillary group. Its wood frame features squarish legs, modern styling and white, water-resistant, woven poly cushions.
Even though white and neutral shades are a popular choice for upholstery, there’s no lack of vibrant hues and patterns for those who prefer them. Besides lush terry in lime punch, some of the newest offerings by Perennials Outdoor Fabrics include: raffia, which resembles the textural woven material and is available in a range of snappy contrasting colors; Swish, a broad, squiggly motif; Swizzle, a zigzag pattern that looks like rickrack; and the pebblelike Soft Rock.
In exposed frames and tables, wood continues to warm outdoor looks. Teak has been the go-to species because of its durability (remember to look for teak that is harvested responsibly), although mahogany is equally suitable. While the natural golden hue of teak is appealing, some actually prefer how it weathers over time, with an attractive silvery patina.
In fact, some manufacturers now are offering that look and several other driftwood-like finishes that echo the distressed European style.
An example is a vintage French country inspiration at Restoration Hardware. The table in question has thick legs, mortise-and-tenon joinery and a brushed, weathered gray finish. Teamed with woven pieces in a gray patina, it’s a fresh high-fashion style. Other reproductions of antiques add panache to the outdoor landscape.
What such pieces demonstrate is the eclectic draw of mix-and-match. Although collections often are introduced (and sold) en suite, the most sophisticated approach is mixing it up, just as you do indoors.
Adding texture visually breaks up large expanses of sameness. Woven synthetic rattans and wickers, such as big rolled-arm chairs, team especially well with wood and galvanized metal, for example, spelling haute decor.
And vibrant colors add a compelling dynamic to wovens. Take the curvy Maui chair from Kannoa. It comes in a rainbow of hues, including wasabi (a spicy lime) and can pack a whole lot of punch used in multiples or as a singular sensation.
Sweater weaves can take on a more traditional vibe, while some of the woven meshes are more modern. Mesh might be more familiar in a sling chaise, but design styles have been expanded to include a range of frames with boxy or sinuous proportions.
Resin and recycled plastics also are gaining more fans. Designs span surprising traditional and contemporary shapes; form and color sometimes startle. The Phantom chair from Domitalia, for example, is available in an unexpected, fashion-forward violet.
Check out Design Within Reach for fun accessories such as cube tables. One is designed as a small seat or table by architect Frank Gehry for Heller. The piece is constructed of rotational molded polymer with resin, and its palette, which includes magenta, periwinkle bloom and lime, was inspired by the architect’s flower sculpture for French artist Sophie Calle.
If you’re not planning to buy new furniture, you might consider an accent piece such as a chair, table or Ottoman that doubles as a table. Small-scale glazed ceramic garden stools are elegant companions in an outdoor layout. Bring them inside to brighten winter months, as they’re not frost-resistant. Pick up hues to complement upholstery fabric or pillows.
Grandinroad is a good source for stylish decorative pillows from Elaine Smith and Liora Manne, as well as solar hanging lights, outdoor lamps and accessories. And an easy way to spark existing fabrics, especially neutrals, is with colorful pillows in solids or patterns. Even textural surfaces including embellishments such as embroidery can be found in weather-protected fabric. Check out Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, West Elm, the Grandinroad catalog and Frontgate for outdoor curtains and rugs as well.
If you’re looking to add to an outdoor kitchen, how about a pizza oven? The traditional freestanding brick or terra cotta wood-burning fireplace is fairly grand, perhaps too large for your space. A modular version with a 37-inch oven, which stands on wrought iron legs, is available at Napa Style.
And Kalamazoo, the grill manufacturer that describes itself as “outdoor gourmet,” introduced a countertop version of an artisan pizza oven in stainless steel with a stone lining.
Watching movies or sporting events on an outdoor screen still may be an expensive option for most. TV prices have come down a bit, but the range is between $2,000 and $8,000 and up, depending on bells, whistles and customization. Outdoor projectors and screens are a more affordable option; an Epson combination sells for about $1,700. Outdoor speakers are fairly inexpensive, and they can be hooked up to mp3 players.
Sources
•Brown Jordan, 800-743-4252, option 6, brownjordan.com
•CB2, 800-606-6252, cb2.com
•Crate and Barrel, 800-967-6696, crateandbarrel.com
•Dedon Inc., 877-693-3366, dedon.us
•Design Within Reach, 800-944-2233, dwr.com
•Domitalia USA, 941-475-8202, domitaliausa.com
•Frontgate, 888-263-9850, frontgate.com
•Gloster, 888-456-7837, gloster.com
•Grandinroad, 866-668-5962, grandinroad.com
•Gump’s, 800-284-8677, gumps.com
•Horchow, 877-944-9888, horchow.com/outdoor
•Kalamazoo, 800-868-1699, kalamazoogourmet.com
•Kannoa, 305-651-9655, kannoa.com
•NapaStyle, 866-776-6272, napastyle.com
•Perennials Outdoor Fabrics, 214-638-4162, perennialsfabrics.com
•Pottery Barn, 888-779-5176, potterybarn.com
•Trans-Ocean, (for outdoor rugs, including Liora Manne and Tommy Bahama), 800-733-6784, transocean.com
•West Elm, 888-922-4119, westelm.com
•Whitecraft, 954-921-0775 (factory showroom, to the trade), whitecraftinc.net
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