Chic Comfort

Outdoor Style

By Lindsey Hughes -- Casual Living, 10/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Style: Designs with a modernly soft slant took center stage looking sleek and fresh. Lines swayed on the side of clean and streamlined. Although traditional styles were present, the crisp contemporary feel struck a style-worthy chord echoing a new wave of chic.

Accessories:With the current state of the economy tightening budgets, accessories are gaining importance. Accessories provide a way to completely make over a space without breaking the bank. Accessories such as outdoor pillows, lighting designs, planters and rugs cropped up all over market, further blurring the line between indoors and out.

Texture: Weaves are becoming wider and more open, creating an airy look with a visually lighter feel. Designs are combining materials such as teak, stainless steel and woven fibers. Continuing with the trend toward sleek and contemporary, modernly translated glass table tops surge onto the scene. Look for frosted, smoked and acid etched treatments to lend an updated appearance.

Size: When it comes to the scale of designs, extremes are the name of the game. Answering the demand for large party entertaining, dining collections are expanding in all directions. Built-in butterfly extension leaves allow for increased seating capacity, while chair designs are roomy and spacious. On the other end of the spectrum, petite bistro styles provide for small balconies or patios.

Color: A harmonious mix of creamy neutrals and earth tones painted a deliciously classy palette. Giving off a warm feel, hues emulated natural colors found in earthy pigments such as umber, ochre and sienna. Mustard yellow and gray teamed up in a recurring duo that generated a refreshing blend of cool and warm while splashes of bold red served to whet the appetites of fashion-forward drama-lovers.

Fabric: Fabrics traditionally associated with indoor use are crossing borders and going outdoor. Genuine leather as well as velvets served up texture-rich offerings to sink into. Organic motifs, stripes and solids dominated in terms of pattern, but keep an eye out for plaids and textiles inspired by menswear fashions.

Comfort: Providing the ultimate in relaxation were designs that literally moved. From infinity position chaises to reclining dining chairs, the trend is motion.

	Elaine Smith Sedona Collection Sunbrella Fabric Pillows
Alfresco Home Sahara Collection Planters
	Gloster Kore Collection Extended Tempered Glass Dining Table
Outback Chair Company Outer Edge Collection Single Chair, Ottoman and Side Table
	WinstonFurniture Tuscany Collection Deep Seating Group
Koverton Eclipse Collection Deep Seating with Sunbrella Velvet Fabric Cushions
	Barlow Tyrie Mercury Collection Tempered Glass Dining Table