Brown Jordan and Richard Frinier - Drift into 2011

Yesterday's blog was all Brown Jordan and I gave a brief history of one of America' most iconic furniture companies.  We looked at some classic pieces that have stood the test of time - having had new life breathed into them with the development of new materials and modern construction techniques.  One of the highlighted collections and an a recent addition for 2011 is The Architect.

The Architect Courtesy Brown Jordan 2011

For the second new collections this season, Brown Jordan has turned to one of the most prolific designers in the outdoor living community -  Richard Frinier.   Richard is a designer extraordinaire and has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the design world.  In short, his designs are the embodiment of Outdoor Living. 

Richard's career has spanned over thirty years and he has accumulated no less than seventy design awards for his creative vision!  With over twenty-eight Brown Jordan designs to his credit,. many of these designs are still in production today.  His first design for Brown Jordan was in 1982 - The classic Quantum.  The Quantum can best be described as design royalty.  Over the years, this design has been copied by many but only one company makes the "real deal."  Of course, I'm referring to Brown Jordan and although they say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", there's nothing quite like the the original.
 

Quantum courtesy Brown Jordan

Having designed everything from outdoor living furniture to lighting and indoor design elements, in 2008, Richard was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the International Casual Furniture Association.  This award is the highest honor attainable in the outdoor living commercial world.  Richard and his partner in life and business Catherine run the Richard Frinier company where they collaborate and design for Brown Jordan and some of the most notable outdoor living furniture companies in the world.

Drift

Richard's dreamy Drift collection has raised the bar on outdoor living design, offering a low profile with exceptionally clean lines.  This collection is made from plantation grown teak with a natural or gray patina.

Photograph courtesy Brown Jordan 2010

The collection includes a low profile sofa, cocktail table coffee table, occasional table and chaise lounger,

Photograph courtesy Brown Jordan 2010

The dining chair's are beautiful.

The dining table is available in the three sizes listed below. 

•  36'' Square Dining Table
• 44'' Square Dining Table

44'' x 76'' Rectangular Dining Table with Leaf ( table extends to 101" with leaf)

Photograph Courtesy of Brown Jordan 2010

The lounge chair has two distinct version the sectional style ( no arms) and in the lounge style (with arms) either one is smashing with the addition of the ottoman.


This collection is available with Suncloth® cushions in a myriad of colors.  Many are exclusive to Brown Jordan. The color palettes are all available for preview on the Brown Jordan website.

Brown Jordan saw the potential in going green about four years ago.  At that time, they discontinued the paper catalog and took advantage of the internet for distribution.  I love the Brown Jordan website!  They let you play with collections, colors and fabrics and if you love design like me, it is paradise!

Tomorrow, I will have another new collection from Brown Jordan to share with you.

Brown Jordan

When I think of outdoor furniture one name always pops into my head - Brown Jordan.  The granddaddy of all outdoor furniture design companies, Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan established this wonderful company around 1945.
                                    

Wrought Iron Table (designed circa 1937)

Brown Jordan is said to be the original company to design furniture only for outdoor placement.  Beginning with wrought iron tables and chairs, Brown Jordan sold their creations through the Bullocks department store for around twenty dollars in the late 30s.  These sets are now vintage and, if your lucky enough to find one though an antique dealer, it will be well worth it to hold onto this piece of historical furniture

Walter Lamb Design for Brown Jordan Circa 1947

The second world war left little by way of materials for building furniture so the company took a hiatus. After the war, Brown Jordan  purchased the rights to Walter Lambs iconic designs.  The furniture was made from navy surplus bronze tubing and cotton yacht cording. Originally, the line was offered in several patinas; verdigris, brown bronze or golden bronze, which all, over time, take on an enhanced patina with weathering.

Brown Jordan for Design With In Reach 2010

Today, the pieces are crafted from weatherproof brass that, similarly, will develop a rich patina over time (or it can be polished to return the surface to its original luster). This Collection was recognized with a MoMA design award.

Brown Jordan Tamiami Circa 1957

In the late 1950s, the company expanded from the west coast to the east with the introduction of the Tamiami collection.  Bloomingdale's began selling the chair and those sales started Brown Jordan on the path to becoming the most recognized name in outdoor living furniture.  Today. the Tamiami II looks very much like it's older sibling - and all ready for another generation to enjoy!

Brown Jordan Tamiami II Circa 2010

Brown Jordan, has been at the forefront of innovation in the outdoor industry since it's inception sixty-five years ago.  With technology and always forward thinking designs, it has a stellar reputation with customers and designers alike.  Brown Jordan has more pages of replacement parts in their catalogs than some companies have collections.  They know what heirloom furniture means and you are going to be able find the tiniest part you need for replacing a chair glide, a screw and your slings.

So What's new?

Architect Sofa - 2011

Architect

I'm in love with a American collection for the first time in a long time! It is simply BEAUTIFUL!!!  I took one look at this collection and needed to see more instantly as it was love at first sight!  The lines are dreamy and light but there is a strength behind this collection emanating from it's deep seating and comfortable contours.

The collection contains a sofa, love seat, club chair and ottoman (a large ottoman is available for the sofa, love seat) and, finally, a side table.




The side table becomes a rather unique breakfast tray when used in conjunction with the large ottoman.

Architect is available in 26 Brown Jordan custom frame finishes and more than 130 exclusive outdoor fabrics which allows for versatility when designing for the indoors and out.

Happily, Architect is just one of the new collections.  There are several others being introduced for the 2011 season and they are all spectacular!

Tomorrow, we will take a look at them.

Fabric forecast for the 2011 season.

Forecasters are saying that the concept of moving forward without forgetting the difficult times we are going though is going to influence the color pallets in 2011.  The difficult times so many have experienced are leading many people to seek stability in their surroundings, with their relationships and inside themselves.  We are all looking for ways to save and conserve instead of being wasteful.  Instead of throwing things away, we are starting to look for opportunity to reuse and recycle.

With that in mind, the color trends for 2011 will allow us to bring the past and the future together in fresh new ways.  We are going to see pallets that reflect the earth, and our natural surroundings.  Some of the pallets we are going to be seeing in 2011 are vegetable tones: eggplant, greens, mineral and born in nature neutrals such as fields of hay being harvested, fresh milk and butter.

  
We are also going to be seeing strong colors that take us back to a glamorous but simpler time of film and advertisements in the 30's and 40's.  These pallets will be dominated by black, brown, beige and taupe with deep reds used as accent colors to compliment the flow.

Finding a space for one's self to relax, escape and dream will be reflected in cloud driven pallets with polychromatic hues.  The pallet then flows into astral glows with iridescent qualities much like the following:    bright chartreuse, empire yellow, sea pink, deep sea coral, carrot, brown sugar, ultramarine, clematis blue and bachelor button
.

The world, as a community, will influence much of the color pallets that are shown in 2011.  The color pallets will be a refection of the modern environmental sensibility from all over the world; rich colors and the mixing and matching of of those colors, animal prints and maps of Africa, bright rich colors with tribal influences from South America and geometric pasterns that weave together an eclectic, eye-catching patchwork.

Kettal 2011

One of my favorite vendors is Kettal.  They make the most beautiful furniture!  Each piece speaks to me and is simply fabulous.

Kettalize It!!!

An exclusive system that allows you to decorate in a unique and personalized manner. Choose your favorite collection and create an original combination. Play with the colors of the fabrics, paint, glass, lampshades and mats. The choice is yours.  Don't just play with the 49 fabric colors - you've also got 22 paint colors, glass and lampshades. It's up to you.

WOW!! Who does this?  How many companies will go this far to satisfy their clients?

Needless to say, I was extremely excited to see the additions for the 2011 season! Let me assure you, Kettal not only met my expectations of fabulous - they knocked my socks off!  Welcome the brand new addition to the Kettal family collection, created by designer Rodolfo Dordoni, it sent me into a state of absolute euphoria, it is beautiful creative and oh so chic with a rustic touch. I want this collection !!

The Dining table is Grade A teak with an aluminum base with dining chairs woven with a rope made of braided polyester over an aluminum base. The Bitta has the ability to cradle the body while still allowing the air to flow though the braided polyester.  The natural colors would fit into almost any motif.  If you needed a larger table, you could certainly place more than one table together as the placement of the legs would not impose on additional guests.


 




The collection is large, with various seating components as well as the dining group.

With the choice of a two person or three person sofa you will have lots of room for socializing. The shape is sensual and very inviting.

Made from rope, grade A teak, powder coated aluminum , arcylic fabric, Porotex(tm) fabric.

Daybeds are so en vogue in the outdoor market place and the Bitta daybed is simply, stunning.

Imagine relaxing in this beauty with a cocktail...

Made from rope, grade A teak, powder coated aluminum , arcylic fabric, Porotex(tm) fabric.

With coffee table and footstool this would be an inviting setting for any home.  Please check the Kettal website to see the new Bitta collection and so much more!!

Getting Ready

My blog yesterday was filled with the excitement generated by the Maison-Objet. I am seeing some amazing trends for 2011 and the next decade and I have found some collections that speak to me and I wanted to share them, of course, with you!

Unique and colorful are two of the words I would use about this collection created by: gaga and design

The collaboration of designer Avi Bourla and business development director Yaacov Kaufman. Jointly, they have a vision of working with young, up and coming designers.Love this look! The open weave chairs have the ability to mix and match bases. I hope for a long and illustrious venture for gaga and design!



2 Rings
Simplicity at its best -
Where the meeting point of 2 rings
creates the needed curves for comfortable seating. Each color option has a unique mix of colors which adds warmth and an upholstered feeling to the chair.













Robin
The combination of classic metal trestles woven in contemporary colors add a joyful lively spirit to the table - Clearly visible with a glass top.













Pina
Teak trestles with dancer’s legs,
with a flowing moving minimalist look.

















Tomorrow we are going to look at Kettal, unique and oh so chic! Photo from the floor of Maison-Objet September 2010

New Season

I can't believe we are on the cusp of a new decade! Time passes so darn fast. However, a new decade brings with it the excitement of new designer offerings and new styles.

At the Maison-Objet Outdoor Indoor trade show a couple of weeks ago, new products were launched for 2011 in celebration of the new decade.

The outdoor furniture industry - similar to those of fashion and the automobile, have incredible seasonal launches. The Maison-Objet is the culmination of the hard work manufactures and designers have been doing during the past season (or more) to prepare their latest products for market.

Going to Market means hours and hours, and sometimes - days, of meetings, greetings and seeing the most innovative of all the collections that will be revealed for the upcoming year. Just as the great cities of New York, Paris and Milan have fashion week, Paris and Chicago have huge launches for the outdoor living space. The Chicago market is in high gear this week and we will look at that show and all it has to offer in the weeks to come.

In the mean time...

Maison-Objet had 3,250 exhibitors with approximately 90,000 visitors over the four day event. That makes me giddy!! The outdoor living space is truly becoming the new great room for many families to live and relax and although I did not make the trip to Paris this year, I am fortunate enough and honored to be able to bring some of the most FANTABULOUS items introduced this year to my blog for your preview.

What we can expect from the outdoor design world in the upcoming year and decade ahead?

For starters, eco-friendly products will be huge in the new season!

Colors will be strong and bright, bringing life to your very own outdoor oasis.

Most importantly, the year and decade ahead are going to be preparing us for building our dream escape as so many people are staying home these days. However, we still want that vision of the resort lifestyle and with the outdoor furniture elements I have viewed, there will be no shortage of beautiful, toe curling collections to fulfill the most intrepid travelers wishes - From traditional Palapas to the most funky and trendy lounge chair.


Over the next week we will preview just a sampling of the amazing work being done by the world's best outdoor designers and manufactures. So with that being said, let me give you just a taste of the incredible world of outdoor furniture this year!

One of my absolute favorite designers is Kenneth Cobonpue The collections and work he does amaze and inspire me! Here is just one of the pieces that Kenneth is introducing this year:



Bloom Easy Armchair
Bloom is made of microfiber stitched on a resin top with a steel base that provides a good counterpoint to its playful organic form. Also comes in a variety of fresh and inviting colors, moss, light green, yellow and red.







Jusqu'au demain mes amis !!

Jane

No Blog This Week

There is little worse than having a stomach flu, for most of this week I thought I was suffering some side effects of an oral surgical procedure, I had done last Saturday morning..

The thing is it has gone on almost all week, I have concluded with the symptoms, nausea, fatigue, etc... I have contracted the "My Child returned to school" Bug a few weeks early this year....

I thought this was uplifting and sweet... Enjoy and I will be back to the blog as soon as I'm feeling better :)

Funky Friday

I picked a few pieces this week that are functional and pretty but especially fun!

The Shadowy Deckchair and Sunny Longer sunbed evoke a memory of times gone by, with a contemporary twist.

A digitally drawn color pattern, each piece is hand woven by African craftsmen using colored plastic threads. On the ends of each chair you will see a ruffle and the ruffle on the Deckchair can be shaped into a personal parasol.



On the longer Sun Bed the ruffle becomes a head rest! This is simply genius! These pieces are created by Tord Boontje for Moroso



I think I love everything that Lebello does, they offer color and each piece is fun to look at. But the Chumy chaise lounger is my absolute favorite.

The frame is constructed out of aluminum and the weave comes in a large variety of colors -in both brights and neutrals. Lebello does offer a cushion for the Chumy chaise but I think it looks fantastic as is.





I see the contour of the human form in this chaise lounger. It is quite a comfort for the eyes and this is paramount to the piece. I also like that it would works with so many other collections for additional chaises placed around a pool.

Elegant Beach House Style

There are certain styles that come to mind when you think about a beach house or cottage. White classic pieces with navy blue and/or white stripes.

In the early 1900s, brilliant landscape architect Hans Heistad needed to create furniture to compliment one of the most breathtaking grounds of the summer home Weatherend in Rockport, Maine.

In the quintessential statement of less is more, the furniture is still used on the property today.

The Weatherend company has a broad collection of furniture and specializes in heirloom quality furniture built with many of the same techniques and quality usually reserved for building Yachts. The clean lines and classic styles are impeccable and time tested.

When you visit the Weatherend site, they have a customer friendly tool box dedicated to finding the designer in you. It is a wonderful place to explore colors, shapes and sizes and it is very much like designing your own piece of furniture. I am a huge fan of interactive websites!



Dark Harbor Double Rocker

Features:
Laminated rocker for strength
Curved seat and back

Finish Options:
White yacht finish
Any color yacht finish


Bare Wood Options
Teak - natural or oil finish
Mahogany - natural or oil finish

Options Custom sizes:
Interior woods & finishes

Cushions:
Covers



Cranberry Island Table paired with Weatherend dining chairs

Features:
Round top with pedestal base
Solid or slatted apron

Finish Options:
White yacht finish
Any color yacht finish
Clear coats & stains for interiors
Bare Wood Options
Teak - natural or oil finish
Mahogany - natural or oil finish

Options: Custom sizes
Umbrella hole & plug
Beach glass tops

Dining chairs, you can choose any number of designs and patterns. Chair Backs and seats. The possibilities are amazing!



Quarter Circle Settee

Features:
Curved, quarter-circle settee
Curved, slatted seatboards
Signature curved crest rail and seatback

Finish Options:
White yacht finish
Any color yacht finish
Clear coats & stains for interiors
Bare Wood Options
Teak - natural or oil finish
Mahogany - natural or oil finish

Options:
Custom sizes





Weatherend, in the most classic tradition creates heirloom quality estate furniture. The lines are simple yet elegant. Crafted with care and attention to every detail. I love that you have so much control over the sizes, the colors and the shapes.

Kudos to Giving Back

When I started to blog, I made a couple of promises to myself regarding it's contents. I would keep this blog only as a tool to educate people about the outdoor lifestyle, furniture, accessories, dining and all the things that matter when you are setting up an outdoor space. This blog would never be a forum for any political, religious or other viewpoints.

Then I stumbled upon something that blew my mind. It made me think about more than just the details of buying outdoor furniture and accessories. It reminded me that it's okay to blog about something that is truly important to me especially if it coincides with what I write about.

I found a non-profit organization that encourages companies to donate 1% of their gross sales to groups who exist to support the cause of good stewardship of our planet.

The idea came about when Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies realized they should give something back to the very place that has given them so much. In 2001, this bright idea was turned into a reality. In 2002, twenty-one companies joined 1% For The Planet. Today there are over 1.200 hundred companies supporting this cause in 38 countries.

I am going to post just a sampling of the companies that are involved - companies that are giving us beautiful products and helping to make the world a better place for our children.



Maku interested me because it is a Carlsbad based company just up the road from my community. When I started to research their product line, I was blown away by the style and the amazing contribution that the owners Johnny and Mike are making to the environmental cause on a local and global scale. Using grade A and reclaimed teak, they use only sustainable materials to construct this amazing furniture. Each piece is crafted with care and the understanding that it is one original piece of furniture. There is no mass production offered for these furniture pieces.













The other company I am excited about is Hom Life Style. KAA Design Group and Cisco Brothers have come up with a beautiful line of outdoor furniture dedicated to renewal. With nylon straps for seat support, the wood they have chosen is Machiche. It is also known as Mayan Teak because of its similarity in color and grain to natural forest teak from southeast Asia. The company is dedicated to finding new and better ways of creating furniture that has a smaller impact on the world around us.










Both these companies along with 1,198 others are dedicated to making the world a better place. 1% might not seem like much but, when you put it together globally, it is a significant amount of money to give back to protecting the earth. I for one believe we need to research the companies we purchase from.

Material, Materials, Materials... Getting to know Ipe wood.

It's nice to see companies that are using different materials to craft outdoor furniture. I have become acquainted with a company that is using Ipe wood to construct beautiful outdoor furniture. I know some of you are saying, "Hey, you have always sold us on the virtues of teak! What gives? "

I still am a fan of teak but Ipe wood also know as Brazilian Walnut has some of the characteristics of teak, without the price tag.

Ipe is a warp and rot resistant hard wood that is a fine to medium grained. Ipe looks fabulous and seems to require less maintenance than teak. Let's face it, the less we need to do to preserve our outdoor furniture the better. I think Ipe is something we are going to be seeing a lot more of in the future.

Santa Cruz Garden Furniture has taken the traditional styles most commonly associated with teak and used Ipe wood to craft beautifully designed elements for your outdoor space. The color is a rich mahogany that will silver over time if left untreated. The only preservation product applied to the furniture is a coat of linseed oil prior to leaving the factory.

Each piece of furniture is hand crafted in the United States by skilled artisan using mortise and tenon. The hardware is all outdoor grade brass.


The Cambridge Lounger is beautifully constructed with wheels for easy maneuverability and it has a adjustable contoured back. The side pop out table is and ingenious solution for smaller spaces where a traditional side table might not fit.







The Classic dining table and chairs collection seats four to six people comfortably with the curvature of the table legs following the lines on the chairs It's a definitely a handsome addition to the garden.









I am a big fan of the round table as it lends itself to including everyone in the conversation. What could be more perfect for an intimate luncheon or dinner? The Savanna is elegance wrapped in a traditional design.


Now that we have looked at Santa Cruz Garden Furniture, please check their website out for more information. The beauty and detail of this American owned company is a fabulous example of creativity in the outdoor living marketplace.