Metal Mania

Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

If homeowners are looking for elegant and sturdy pieces of casual furniture, they need not look further than the metal category. From cast aluminum — a category that currently couldn't be hotter — to stainless steel or iron, collections featured here truly blur the lines between indoors and out. Many designs feature ornate detail and lattice work. Also notice inspiration from Asia, Britain, the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Designed by Richard Frinier for Century Leisure, Orient pays homage to Chinese Chippendale style with detailed fretwork and latticework highlighted by frames crafted of real bamboo cast in aluminum and formed and recast to create an authentic design.

Designed by Shaun Sweeney, the Easton Collection from Woodard features a unique patterned arm treatment and simple rake-styled back crafted from wrought iron.

Emu's Open Collection of aluminum furniture features bursts of color, giving life to offbeat combinations of outdoor leather and stainless steel netting.

The Grayson Collection from Homecrest pairs ornate, Caribbean-influenced design with the comfort of cushion seating — crafted of extruded and cast aluminum and highlighted by intricate woven designs and lattice work.

Terra Furniture's cast aluminum Adagio line is inspired by the design of the popular 18th century Raffles chair and features arched arms that form a scroll and straight, tapered front legs, complemented with a hammer tone copper tabletop.

Carter Grandle's Ellington lounge chair, part of the Wrangler Home Series 47 Collection, is crafted of an extruded aluminum combination, complemented by deep, tailored cushions with a contrasting welt.

From Tropitone, the Radiance Collection is accented with a small scroll on the front and back of each arm, a reference to traditional Mediterranean design, and is highlighted by an oversized scale throughout the line with plush cushions.

Intricate design and lovely neutrals create a classic look with the aluminum Delevan Collection, featured in the Agio Reserve line.

The Hawaii Collection from Beka is a line of tubular aluminum sling furniture available as an armchair or swivel with additional loveseat and lounger options, complemented by glass-topped tables.