Hot in Atlanta

Outdoor styles old and new make a splash at AmericasMart

Alexa Boschini -- Casual Living, 7/24/2012 4:10:45 PM

ATLANTA — Telescope Casual showcased its Momentum deep seat rocker with Winstead fabric by Sunbrella.Outdoor exhibitors showcased modern style and new twists on traditional designs at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market before heading to Chicago for the ICFA Preview.

Casual furniture and accessories manufacturers debuted a few new products in Atlanta in addition to showcasing popular pieces they unveiled at previous markets. 

Three Birds Casual President Tad Varga teased a new addition to the Riviera line of sling chairs, which is now available in black and white colorways against a sleek teak frame.

"We're adding six colors for our sling," Varga said. "We're really excited to add some color to what we've been doing."

Poly-Wood, which offers its high-density polyethylene furniture in traditional and bright hues, showcased one of its new products in a vibrant red shade that popped in the showroom - the South Beach Ultimate Adirondack, with a convenient hideaway ottoman.

The company also debuted its MOD Collection, a minimalistic yet sophisticated line made from aluminum framing and HDPE.

"This has a nice, contemporary feel," said Mark Phillabaum, co-founder, Poly-Wood. "We've got a more modern flair on this, and it's done really well for us."

The Embrace fountain by Alfresco Home is constructed of handmade ceramic in earthen green and red hues.Bright colors also adorned the Uwharrie Chair showroom, which featured the Malibu Adirondack in a striking yellow hue. The polymer chair features a broad, surf board-inspired plank in place of rear legs.

"We're actually seeing this more in the commercial market than residential," said Rebecca Ly, president, Uwharrie.

Like Uwharrie with its twist on the adirondack, other exhibitors added their own unique touches to traditional designs. Three Coins Cast showcased its Windsor chair in vibrant red, white and blue colorways, constructed of aluminum instead of the traditional wood.

"That's something very unique to us," said Gardner Powell, director of sales and marketing, Three Coins Cast. "I'm just impressed with my sister (owner Susie Powell), that she's got this design sense to create something new in an old style."

Zuo Modern, which opened a new showroom in Building 1, displayed its new LED Cube Lumen stool, a remote-controlled, color-changing light block.

"They're perfect for outdoor events," said Will Ambroson, visual merchandising manager, Zuo Modern. "You can sit on them, or they could be a funky side table."

Oriental Weavers, also housed in Building 1, unveiled its newest line of outdoor rugs. Made from polypropylene with textural loop construction, the Bali Collection features warm tones and bold patterns.

"You get the cocoa colors and smoky grays," said Jonathan Witt, vice president, Oriental Weavers. "We've had a lot of success in wovens, and we see that trend continuing."

	Jewels of Java's modular Sea Breeze living set is woven from a synthetic material that appears natural.
Molly, shown in Black Aqua colorway, is one of four new patterns from Mad Mats by Mariachi.
	A garden bench from Midwest-CBK features exquisite curvilinear and fleur de lis embellishment.
Sphinx by Oriental Weavers' popular Caspian Collection of outdoor rugs features bold patterns and bright blues and greens.
	Poly-Wood's new MOD Collection is simple and sleek, made from an aluminum frame and the company's signature HDPE.
Winnie Ng, U.S. sales manager for Ratana, said the Bondi Beach Collection in a light gray driftwood shade has been a successful product.
	Zuo Modern's Cube Lumen stool glows with color-changing LED lighting for contemporary outdoor fun.
The Malibu Adirondack chair by Uwharrie Chair features a broad, extended plank inspired by a surf board.