I am going to delay Funky Friday so we can finish the Smart Buyers Series.
The last section I want to cover is woven furniture. There are two types of woven outdoor furniture, natural weave and synthetic or resin weave furniture. With the increasing popularity of the woven style of outdoor furniture, more and more companies are producing resin weave.
Resin weave offers clients the look of wicker with out the problems that can present themselves with natural wicker furniture. I am a fan of wicker and don't like to discourage clients from choosing it but I feel that you have to make an informed decision when you are deciding between natural wicker and resin weave.
Wicker
Natural wicker is made from rattan vine and is well-known for its strength and durability. The rattan plants are climbing palms found in the rain forests of southeast and east Asia, Africa and south and central America. The highest quality rattan is the honey rattan of southeastern Asia. When good quality materials are used and the weaving is is done properly, rattan woven furniture should last more than 100 years. Wicker's durability comes from the properties of the material. A rattan vine which can be cut into various widths and shapes, is filled with fibers running lengthwise through it. These fibers give the wine the strength of multiple-strand cable. A vine will bend but unlike wood it will not splinter or break. Many people mistake wicker's flexibility for weakness of its material.
Converting the fourteen foot-foot lengths of harvested vines into a pieces of finished furniture involves several processes, all done by hand. The thorny leaves of the vine are removed by pulling each length across a forked stick driven into the ground. Bundles of rattan are floated down the river though the jungle to the sea and then the materials are cured in the sun to dry before being shipped to the factories. At the factories, machines cut the vines into various shapes.
The smooth, strong outer skin (cane) is often used to make cane seats. Cane is usually machine woven. The rest of the fibers are done by hand and workers prefer to use material that is still a bit green because of it's pliability. If the material becomes to dry or rigid they can soak it for a few minutes to regain some lost flexibility.
Steam is also used in the process of making furniture. When steamed rattan vines are bent and twisted as the material dries out, they becomes rigid and will maintain their shape permanently. Generally the vines are woven over a wooden frame.
Wicker should not be exposed to direct sunlight, or other harsh elements. This will cause the wicker fibers to deteriorate and become dried out and brittle. The fibers can also deteriorate if they are exposed to an excess of moisture, rain and snow. This can cause the hardwood frame of the furniture to warp. Using wicker outdoors is fine. Just ensure that is your wicker furniture is in an area that will be protected from the elements. A covered porch or a three season room should suffice. I strongly suggest, if you live in a environment with seasonal weather changes, you find space indoors for your wicker during the winter.
Synthetic Woven
The synthetic woven (polyethylene resin) is really what the name suggests: an artificial material that is manufactured by a production process called esterification. Esterification is a chemical process involving an alcohol and an acid, which form a hydroxyl compound called ester. Both natural and synthetic resins are materials with high viscosity that are capable of hardening at a certain temperature. The synthetic resin fiber that is used in the wicker weaving process is known to endure the most adverse elements. Polyethylene resin can withstand just about any temperature variation without suffering any type of deterioration in its structure. The best part about polyethylene resin is that is does not chip, warp or shrink.
These attributes make polyethylene an ideal candidate when it comes to outdoor patio furniture material. The dye that is applied during the manufacturing process makes it a maintenance free material that does not need constant upkeep to preserve its elegance. It is also easy to clean and does not entail the cautions and care that have to be taken into consideration when dealing with natural fibers.
Usually the resin weave is done by hand-weaving over an aluminum frame. With the high demand for resin weave by the consumer, the styles and design choices have grown over the last several years. From traditional styles to the more contemporary, colors, as well, are coming in more choices than simply brown and white.
The latest information from the world of upscale outdoor furniture.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Smart Buyers Series - Part 2
Metal Patio Furniture
Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminum loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbor's lawn. Metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Here's a quick primer on the available types and their care.
Construction Methods
Metal is fashioned into furniture in one of three main ways; extrusion, casting, and welding.
Extrusion forces melted metal through long pipes and forms long narrow tubes of metal, sometimes solid, but often hollow.
Casting metal involves a form or cast shaped like the finished product. The molten metal is poured into the form and then the form is removed when the metal has solidified. Cast pieces are almost always solid.
Forging is a process in which metal is heated and hammered into shape. This technique produces the type of furniture known as wrought metal. It uses pipes and various solid pieces of the metal and joins them together by welding or bolting.
Common Materials - Care and Use
The most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminum, although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing rapidly.
Iron
Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily. Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and galvanizing. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light furniture might be blown away. Don't expect it to be highly portable, though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years.
Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron rather than cast iron. When you're buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid metal rather than hollow tubing and that are welded together rather than bolted. Generally, the better furniture is North American made.
Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool and then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If you're using a spray paint, apply with short, light strokes.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element that never rusts. Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. These pieces are still available today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in outdoor dining or sitting areas.
Whether you're looking for extruded, cast or wrought aluminum items, there are a few items that indicate a quality piece. As is normally done with wrought iron, joints should be welded (preferably full-circumference welds) rather than bolted. If bolts are used (for example to connect webbing), they should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Otherwise they will begin to rust even though the main frame does not.
Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish which determines the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked onto the frame.
If you're buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated with a finish to guarantee durability.
Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water and rinse well. You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth finish frames.
Steel
Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages of other metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting. Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion.
Before the production of aluminum furniture in the mid 20th century, steel furniture was common, dating from popular French-made items manufactured in the later half of the 1800s. American companies used solid steel until the Second World War when the heavy military demand for steel dictated the use of lightweight tubular (hollow) steel in outdoor furniture. Vintage steel sets can still be found at flea markets.
If you're looking at modern steel furniture, be sure the product is either stainless or powder-coated and that any hardware used is also rust-resistant.
Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy!
Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminum loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbor's lawn. Metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Here's a quick primer on the available types and their care.
Construction Methods
Metal is fashioned into furniture in one of three main ways; extrusion, casting, and welding.
Extrusion forces melted metal through long pipes and forms long narrow tubes of metal, sometimes solid, but often hollow.
Casting metal involves a form or cast shaped like the finished product. The molten metal is poured into the form and then the form is removed when the metal has solidified. Cast pieces are almost always solid.
Forging is a process in which metal is heated and hammered into shape. This technique produces the type of furniture known as wrought metal. It uses pipes and various solid pieces of the metal and joins them together by welding or bolting.
Common Materials - Care and Use
The most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminum, although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing rapidly.
Iron
Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily. Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and galvanizing. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light furniture might be blown away. Don't expect it to be highly portable, though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years.
Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron rather than cast iron. When you're buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid metal rather than hollow tubing and that are welded together rather than bolted. Generally, the better furniture is North American made.
Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool and then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If you're using a spray paint, apply with short, light strokes.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element that never rusts. Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. These pieces are still available today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in outdoor dining or sitting areas.
Whether you're looking for extruded, cast or wrought aluminum items, there are a few items that indicate a quality piece. As is normally done with wrought iron, joints should be welded (preferably full-circumference welds) rather than bolted. If bolts are used (for example to connect webbing), they should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Otherwise they will begin to rust even though the main frame does not.
Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish which determines the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked onto the frame.
If you're buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated with a finish to guarantee durability.
Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water and rinse well. You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth finish frames.
Steel
Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages of other metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting. Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion.
Before the production of aluminum furniture in the mid 20th century, steel furniture was common, dating from popular French-made items manufactured in the later half of the 1800s. American companies used solid steel until the Second World War when the heavy military demand for steel dictated the use of lightweight tubular (hollow) steel in outdoor furniture. Vintage steel sets can still be found at flea markets.
If you're looking at modern steel furniture, be sure the product is either stainless or powder-coated and that any hardware used is also rust-resistant.
Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Smart Buyers Series - Part 1
Over the years, I have been asked many questions regarding outdoor living furniture. However, one question stands above the rest in its frequency. It has been asked by almost all my clients over the years and it is:
"Why is this furniture so expensive?"
With that in mind, let's talk about the reasons why high-end outdoor furniture seems to be so much more expensive than the furniture you can get at your big box retailers.
First and foremost, high-end outdoor living furniture manufacturers are selling the best quality obtainable by the public. In most cases, the quality of an outdoor furniture element is a direct corollary to the materials used in it's construction. Three of the most popular materials used in high-end outdoor furniture are; teak, aluminum and resin weave.
Let's take a closer look at these materials over the next three days, taking our time to understand them from start to finish so that we can shore up a clear picture as to why you're paying a premium for high-end outdoor furniture and why it, ultimately, pays you to do so.
We will begin this 3-part series with teak.
Teak
Second only to mahogany, teak is an extremely valuable type of lumber. It occurs naturally only in India, Myanmar, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand and was introduced to Java and Indonesia about four to six hundred years ago.
Because of if it's strength and aesthetic qualities, teak wood is most often supplied for the luxury markets of furniture, ship building and decorative components.
Teak is a fine wood often used in boat-building and furniture making. Teak wood withstands weather, rot and insects, making it ideal for outdoor or patio furniture, as well as marine decking. Teak wood, also, has a naturally high oil content so it is not necessary to stain it. The high oil content contributes greatly to its endurance and weather resistance.
Every piece of teak furniture will look slightly different as teak comes in a wide range of grains or patterns. Unstained teak will have an olive-brown or yellow-brown color and eventually, especially if used outdoors, develop a beautiful silver patina.
Teak furniture is manufactured by several methods. It is important to understand the grades of wood, the processing of the wood, and how it is manufactured. Teak wood is graded by appearance, knots (and their location) and by the root source of the wood. There are three main grades in teak wood.
Grade A teak wood is produced from the center of the tree commonly known as the heart wood. A grade A piece of teak will be produced from a tree of 30 to 50 years of age. The wood's characteristics will include a close grain, a warm honey color and the wood will be oil rich and knot free. Other characteristics include; no streaks of white, no knots on the top side, very few knots on the bottom side or live knots (places where a branch grew from the tree) with some discoloration but no fill (ring-like in nature rather than a solid circle). Live knots have to be less than half an inch in diameter and present only once in every 3 to 4 linear feet. This grade of teak is chiefly used in machine made furniture since it is risky for the furniture manufacturer to allow their craftsmen to create teak items with it because of it's expense and the greater potential for less than perfect results from human intervention.
Grade B teak wood has a warm color with occasional streaks of black and some splotches and discoloration. This grade of teak has more allowance for knots per linear foot. It is also sometimes used in semi-machine made products. Semi machine made implies that personnel use electric saws to cut the wood but there is no concept of a jig and fixture to make all the slats the same size or make the process repeatable. A semi-machine made product does not afford the consumer the luxury of finding a replacement part since all parts are unique and made to fit a specific piece only. Semi-machine made also means that the tenons float in the mortise (the joint is not exact, and there are gaps). These gaps are usually filled with epoxy and generally the furniture comes completely assembled . Otherwise, the customer would be left to assemble the furniture themselves without the required knowledge of a craftsmen to properly mate the pieces together.
Grade C teak wood has a dark color in places mixed with a very white color in places. The white color is the young sapwood and the dark color is the older sapwood. There is an allowance for dead knots (where the knot was weak and has been gouged out and filled with epoxy or putty). These knots may be on the top side or the bottom side. Grade C teak wood is most often used in handcrafted outdoor teak furniture. It is less valuable than grade or A or B teak and thus is better suited to human intervention. This grade of wood is completely outsourced to the local village industry and follows no process for drying and manufacture. Like grade B teak, this grade also means that the tenons float in the mortise and are filled with epoxy and generally sold completely assembled.
In summary – Grade A teak wood will most likely be machine made. Grade B and C will most likely be semi machine made or handcrafted.
Kiln Drying
A teak tree has a moisture content of over 60 percent prior to felling. To create the best furniture, the moisture content has to be reduced to 8 to 10 percent. Depending on the pieces, it can take weeks or even months to properly reduce the moisture content to the correct level. Kiln drying not only enables the pieces to fit together correctly but also ensures the stability of the furniture over long periods of time and in all weather conditions. Teak that is not kiln dried can quickly warp and will show signs of splitting when left in the elements. Ultimately, non kiln dried teak will become unstable and eventually unusable.
Manufacturing
Machine made makes the parts precise and interoperable. This precision implies that if a part on your chair or table breaks, you can get a like replacement.
Semi-machine made furniture is a cheaper method of manufacture, more prone to error, and every piece is unique with little possibility of replacing parts exactly.
Handmade means everything in that piece of furniture was made without jigs and fixtures and that there is a wide variation between pieces with no chance of interoperability or finding replacement pieces. There is also an increased incidence and danger of warping in the teak itself (mainly in the legs).
"Why is this furniture so expensive?"
With that in mind, let's talk about the reasons why high-end outdoor furniture seems to be so much more expensive than the furniture you can get at your big box retailers.
First and foremost, high-end outdoor living furniture manufacturers are selling the best quality obtainable by the public. In most cases, the quality of an outdoor furniture element is a direct corollary to the materials used in it's construction. Three of the most popular materials used in high-end outdoor furniture are; teak, aluminum and resin weave.
Let's take a closer look at these materials over the next three days, taking our time to understand them from start to finish so that we can shore up a clear picture as to why you're paying a premium for high-end outdoor furniture and why it, ultimately, pays you to do so.
We will begin this 3-part series with teak.
Teak
Second only to mahogany, teak is an extremely valuable type of lumber. It occurs naturally only in India, Myanmar, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand and was introduced to Java and Indonesia about four to six hundred years ago.
Because of if it's strength and aesthetic qualities, teak wood is most often supplied for the luxury markets of furniture, ship building and decorative components.
Teak is a fine wood often used in boat-building and furniture making. Teak wood withstands weather, rot and insects, making it ideal for outdoor or patio furniture, as well as marine decking. Teak wood, also, has a naturally high oil content so it is not necessary to stain it. The high oil content contributes greatly to its endurance and weather resistance.
Every piece of teak furniture will look slightly different as teak comes in a wide range of grains or patterns. Unstained teak will have an olive-brown or yellow-brown color and eventually, especially if used outdoors, develop a beautiful silver patina.
Teak furniture is manufactured by several methods. It is important to understand the grades of wood, the processing of the wood, and how it is manufactured. Teak wood is graded by appearance, knots (and their location) and by the root source of the wood. There are three main grades in teak wood.
Grade A teak wood is produced from the center of the tree commonly known as the heart wood. A grade A piece of teak will be produced from a tree of 30 to 50 years of age. The wood's characteristics will include a close grain, a warm honey color and the wood will be oil rich and knot free. Other characteristics include; no streaks of white, no knots on the top side, very few knots on the bottom side or live knots (places where a branch grew from the tree) with some discoloration but no fill (ring-like in nature rather than a solid circle). Live knots have to be less than half an inch in diameter and present only once in every 3 to 4 linear feet. This grade of teak is chiefly used in machine made furniture since it is risky for the furniture manufacturer to allow their craftsmen to create teak items with it because of it's expense and the greater potential for less than perfect results from human intervention.
Grade B teak wood has a warm color with occasional streaks of black and some splotches and discoloration. This grade of teak has more allowance for knots per linear foot. It is also sometimes used in semi-machine made products. Semi machine made implies that personnel use electric saws to cut the wood but there is no concept of a jig and fixture to make all the slats the same size or make the process repeatable. A semi-machine made product does not afford the consumer the luxury of finding a replacement part since all parts are unique and made to fit a specific piece only. Semi-machine made also means that the tenons float in the mortise (the joint is not exact, and there are gaps). These gaps are usually filled with epoxy and generally the furniture comes completely assembled . Otherwise, the customer would be left to assemble the furniture themselves without the required knowledge of a craftsmen to properly mate the pieces together.
Grade C teak wood has a dark color in places mixed with a very white color in places. The white color is the young sapwood and the dark color is the older sapwood. There is an allowance for dead knots (where the knot was weak and has been gouged out and filled with epoxy or putty). These knots may be on the top side or the bottom side. Grade C teak wood is most often used in handcrafted outdoor teak furniture. It is less valuable than grade or A or B teak and thus is better suited to human intervention. This grade of wood is completely outsourced to the local village industry and follows no process for drying and manufacture. Like grade B teak, this grade also means that the tenons float in the mortise and are filled with epoxy and generally sold completely assembled.
In summary – Grade A teak wood will most likely be machine made. Grade B and C will most likely be semi machine made or handcrafted.
Kiln Drying
A teak tree has a moisture content of over 60 percent prior to felling. To create the best furniture, the moisture content has to be reduced to 8 to 10 percent. Depending on the pieces, it can take weeks or even months to properly reduce the moisture content to the correct level. Kiln drying not only enables the pieces to fit together correctly but also ensures the stability of the furniture over long periods of time and in all weather conditions. Teak that is not kiln dried can quickly warp and will show signs of splitting when left in the elements. Ultimately, non kiln dried teak will become unstable and eventually unusable.
Manufacturing
Machine made makes the parts precise and interoperable. This precision implies that if a part on your chair or table breaks, you can get a like replacement.
Semi-machine made furniture is a cheaper method of manufacture, more prone to error, and every piece is unique with little possibility of replacing parts exactly.
Handmade means everything in that piece of furniture was made without jigs and fixtures and that there is a wide variation between pieces with no chance of interoperability or finding replacement pieces. There is also an increased incidence and danger of warping in the teak itself (mainly in the legs).
Friday, July 23, 2010
Funky Friday becomes... Funky Saturday morning!
What a week it's been!
The pipe under the house is finally fixed. Two days without water, jackhammers, welding tools and a few words heard from the tradesmen that made me blush!
With the temperature falling back into the normal range inside the house, the temperature outside played a cruel joke and also fell back down the 30 degrees it had increased over the last week.
Hmmmmmm... I sense a conspiracy!
All in all, however, things are slowly getting back to normal. The floor in my bathroom will need to be replaced as it is down to the concrete. The new cement that has been poured in the master-bedroom closet is drying but due to the ambient temperature being cooler, much, much slower than I had anticipated. Perhaps soon, I will be able to put the carpet back down and get the door back on.
Maybe, I’ll be able to turn off the four circular fans that have been strategically placed around my bed, in hopes of catching that elusive breeze in the night.
I am sooooooooo ready for this week to be over and the next one to begin. I know I need to have a little fun so let us look at some pieces I have found that made me think of Alice and her visit though the looking glass, where everything was BIG!
Grazie! Graziano Moro and Renato Pigatti Graziano for creating your Queen Of Love baroque style chairs, made of eco-friendly recyclable linear polyethylene in eight eye- catching colors; pink, red, mandarin, yellow, green, celestial, black and white - all of which are UV resistant. I think the queen of hearts would be jealous of this chair. Read all about the designers and see the chairs at Designsoflove
No your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The chair is a regular size folding chair the lights are just really, really big! Available in two towering heights – 6'8" and 7'10" – Amax is the antithesis of discreet outdoor lighting.
The iron base and aluminum stem are protected with a cataphoresis coating (similar to what’s used on cars) with a matte grey finish. Designed by Charles Williams for fontanaarte
The desk lamp grows and grows and grows up! Designed by Centro Stile for ItreUSA, it is just like a desk lamp with an articulating arm and body for directional placement. The arm pivots 165° in each direction, and the diffuser rotates 150° as well on the vertical axis. Equipped with 30 feet of wire for hard wiring.
Our Alice through the looking glass theme, would not be complete without a game of chess. I think even the white queen would approve of these 72" chess pieces. Crafted out of Teak wood, they will stand up to all types of weather. Giantchess makes them in a variety of sizes and out of molded plastic as well as teak wood. What a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors!
The pipe under the house is finally fixed. Two days without water, jackhammers, welding tools and a few words heard from the tradesmen that made me blush!
With the temperature falling back into the normal range inside the house, the temperature outside played a cruel joke and also fell back down the 30 degrees it had increased over the last week.
Hmmmmmm... I sense a conspiracy!
All in all, however, things are slowly getting back to normal. The floor in my bathroom will need to be replaced as it is down to the concrete. The new cement that has been poured in the master-bedroom closet is drying but due to the ambient temperature being cooler, much, much slower than I had anticipated. Perhaps soon, I will be able to put the carpet back down and get the door back on.
Maybe, I’ll be able to turn off the four circular fans that have been strategically placed around my bed, in hopes of catching that elusive breeze in the night.
I am sooooooooo ready for this week to be over and the next one to begin. I know I need to have a little fun so let us look at some pieces I have found that made me think of Alice and her visit though the looking glass, where everything was BIG!
Grazie! Graziano Moro and Renato Pigatti Graziano for creating your Queen Of Love baroque style chairs, made of eco-friendly recyclable linear polyethylene in eight eye- catching colors; pink, red, mandarin, yellow, green, celestial, black and white - all of which are UV resistant. I think the queen of hearts would be jealous of this chair. Read all about the designers and see the chairs at Designsoflove
No your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The chair is a regular size folding chair the lights are just really, really big! Available in two towering heights – 6'8" and 7'10" – Amax is the antithesis of discreet outdoor lighting.
The iron base and aluminum stem are protected with a cataphoresis coating (similar to what’s used on cars) with a matte grey finish. Designed by Charles Williams for fontanaarte
The desk lamp grows and grows and grows up! Designed by Centro Stile for ItreUSA, it is just like a desk lamp with an articulating arm and body for directional placement. The arm pivots 165° in each direction, and the diffuser rotates 150° as well on the vertical axis. Equipped with 30 feet of wire for hard wiring.
Our Alice through the looking glass theme, would not be complete without a game of chess. I think even the white queen would approve of these 72" chess pieces. Crafted out of Teak wood, they will stand up to all types of weather. Giantchess makes them in a variety of sizes and out of molded plastic as well as teak wood. What a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Going Vintage
I stumble upon quirky, fun pieces from time to time and it got me thinking,
"Does everything purchased off the factory floor need to be brand new?"
My answer, in a word, is "No."
In the outdoor furniture industry, one often hears the phrase " heirloom quality furniture." This is furniture on the market today that is meant to be passed down to the next generation. In other words - It lasts.
The phrase holds a special meaning for me and takes its most distinct form in a particular wrought iron and glass set. A set that I am extremely fond of and forever attached. A 50 year old set that is still in use today. Most importantly, a set that graces the bucolic setting of my mother's backyard patio.
My parents purchased this set in the late 1950s and it shouts 50s sensibilities with its flat black and glass with hand forged scroll work that is intricate but not ornate, four perfect round-back chairs with neatly threaded and tightly seemed, cushion padding on the seats and seat backs.
I dearly love this set as it takes me back to my childhood; to the long summer nights on the hills of Vancouver's north shore. The wrought iron has been re-powder coated at least once and the cushions get frequent makeovers per my mother's changing style whims but the integrity of the frames has withstood ( perhaps survived?) over fifty-years of rambunctious children (and now grandchildren), various pets - large and small, wet and dry, Canadian winters and the perennial creepy crawlings of every six and eight legged critter that ever made its home in my mother's backyard. I hope, someday, in the distant future, to see that set on my own patio.
I did some research and found a few companies who are committed to restoring classic outdoor furniture.
One such company, based in Florida, is Gardenhouse. Gardenhouse is owned and operated by Cheryl Maeder Antonio and her husband Gary. Together, they breath new life into vintage indoor and outdoor furniture, truly making the old new again with loving attention to detail.
Adding a contemporary spin with new modern powder coating techniques and the latest trends in fabric, Cheryl and Gary's creations are an invitation to indulge your sense of nostalgia for a simpler and more pastoral day.
Having appeared in many of the most upscale magazines, Cheryl and Gary are artists in every sense of the word.
Finding a vintage umbrella in shape for daily use might prove to be a little difficult. There is no need to fret that your vintage look will not be compete. Two of my favorite umbrella manufactures produce amazing replicas of the vintage look.
SantaBarbara, with it's Paseo, is a stylish reproduction of the umbrellas of a bygone era. Choose your color and you have a welcome shade feature for your vintage look.
OR
Add a little trim and some fringe and you will have the elegance of yesterday with the classic style of the pagoda Umbrella by the CaliforniaUmbrella Company. With a wide variety of fabric and trim choices, the only thing hard about this crank system is choosing your colors.
If you love, glassware and dishware as much as I do then you have to visit the world of Michael Chiarello's Napastyle.
I have fallen in love with these little beauties. And each time I see them I think of Daisy Buchanan in her beautiful white dress on the lawn surrounding Gatsby Estate in West Egg Long Island.
Monogrammed Vintage silverware - How perfect! Available from NapaStyle and selected from sources in the United States and Europe, the pieces are from the 1930s and 1940s. To purchase these items, just tell them how much you need and they will sell it by the pound.
"Does everything purchased off the factory floor need to be brand new?"
My answer, in a word, is "No."
In the outdoor furniture industry, one often hears the phrase " heirloom quality furniture." This is furniture on the market today that is meant to be passed down to the next generation. In other words - It lasts.
The phrase holds a special meaning for me and takes its most distinct form in a particular wrought iron and glass set. A set that I am extremely fond of and forever attached. A 50 year old set that is still in use today. Most importantly, a set that graces the bucolic setting of my mother's backyard patio.
My parents purchased this set in the late 1950s and it shouts 50s sensibilities with its flat black and glass with hand forged scroll work that is intricate but not ornate, four perfect round-back chairs with neatly threaded and tightly seemed, cushion padding on the seats and seat backs.
I dearly love this set as it takes me back to my childhood; to the long summer nights on the hills of Vancouver's north shore. The wrought iron has been re-powder coated at least once and the cushions get frequent makeovers per my mother's changing style whims but the integrity of the frames has withstood ( perhaps survived?) over fifty-years of rambunctious children (and now grandchildren), various pets - large and small, wet and dry, Canadian winters and the perennial creepy crawlings of every six and eight legged critter that ever made its home in my mother's backyard. I hope, someday, in the distant future, to see that set on my own patio.
I did some research and found a few companies who are committed to restoring classic outdoor furniture.
One such company, based in Florida, is Gardenhouse. Gardenhouse is owned and operated by Cheryl Maeder Antonio and her husband Gary. Together, they breath new life into vintage indoor and outdoor furniture, truly making the old new again with loving attention to detail.
Adding a contemporary spin with new modern powder coating techniques and the latest trends in fabric, Cheryl and Gary's creations are an invitation to indulge your sense of nostalgia for a simpler and more pastoral day.
Having appeared in many of the most upscale magazines, Cheryl and Gary are artists in every sense of the word.
Finding a vintage umbrella in shape for daily use might prove to be a little difficult. There is no need to fret that your vintage look will not be compete. Two of my favorite umbrella manufactures produce amazing replicas of the vintage look.
SantaBarbara, with it's Paseo, is a stylish reproduction of the umbrellas of a bygone era. Choose your color and you have a welcome shade feature for your vintage look.
OR
Add a little trim and some fringe and you will have the elegance of yesterday with the classic style of the pagoda Umbrella by the CaliforniaUmbrella Company. With a wide variety of fabric and trim choices, the only thing hard about this crank system is choosing your colors.
If you love, glassware and dishware as much as I do then you have to visit the world of Michael Chiarello's Napastyle.
I have fallen in love with these little beauties. And each time I see them I think of Daisy Buchanan in her beautiful white dress on the lawn surrounding Gatsby Estate in West Egg Long Island.
Monogrammed Vintage silverware - How perfect! Available from NapaStyle and selected from sources in the United States and Europe, the pieces are from the 1930s and 1940s. To purchase these items, just tell them how much you need and they will sell it by the pound.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Caveat Emptor!
You did it! You found a great deal on your outdoor furniture after weeks of searching the internet for the best possible price. You're going to have the beautiful furniture that you have always dreamed about.
You chuckled to yourself as you thought about your pleasant but none too hip neighbors who had just received their outdoor furniture from a brick and mortar showroom. Sure, you had to wait a couple of weeks to get your product but that was mitigated by the fact that you got a free delivery through the e-tailer. You don't need white glove service - curbside is just fine. What's the big deal? You don't mind placing your new furniture in the backyard yourself.
Then you wait.
...and wait.
...and wait.
Eventually, two weeks go by and you hear nothing. Finally, you pick up the phone, call the e-tailer and are told that there was a "glitch in the system" and that it will be another week before they can secure a truck to deliver your furniture. You're slightly irritated, but decide not to panic or get angry because it is only one more week.
The delivery day arrives on a Wednesday. The only day that the freight company could deliver was a Wednesday so you use one of your accrued day's off work and sit back in the comfort of your recliner knowing that in a few hours you will be relaxing in your outdoor space. There you'll be - under a warm sun, with a cool breeze gently tossing your hair to and fro. A few cups of coffee later, you have read all your online periodicals and even the fine-print on a few pharmaceutical advertisements. It's now mid-morning and your anticipation has become electric. You check your watch for the current time as the window of delivery was set between 11:00am and 4:00pm.
Thoughts of furniture placement dance though your head.
"The chaise lounger's near the big fir tree for shade, the dinning table and eight chairs under the pergola, the four club chairs and conversation table in the left corner."
You've finally decided where the best place in your outdoor space to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day is going to be. You're becoming giddy with excitement.
You look at your watch again and it is nearing one o'clock. You're getting a little frustrated. You think to yourself,
"Why on earth would you think that the window between eleven and four would mean you're delivery would be at eleven?"
You realize that you still have a good three hours of waiting.
Time passes and it's now 2:30pm. Impatience is slowly overtaking your good mood. You decide that perhaps a quick call to the e-tailer is in order to find out if they can contact the truck and pinpoint your delivery time.
The young lady on the other end of the phone is polite but she informs you that they use independent trucking services and that she can not contact them to find out what time they will be at your home. You hang up and walk to the front door and depress the doorbell to ensure it is working. You look out the front window like a puppy in storefront and go back to pacing back and forth in the front hallway.
You open the door again and this time walk down the drive way to the street, looking both ways to see if there might be a truck coming. Disappointed, you see nothing. It's now 4:15pm and your mood has gone from elated to down-right angry.
This waiting game has now taken up your whole day and you want to know where the furniture is that you paid for three weeks ago. You dial the number to the company again and after hearing the 15th ring you realize it is on the east coast and closed for the day. You can feel your anger transforming quickly and inexorably into rage as you put the phone down and walk back to the window.
Then, suddenly, like a dream, there it is.
The large freight truck for which you've been on the look-out over the past three weeks!
It's here and you laugh a little at yourself internally for being so hot headed and childishly impatient.
Out you go to greet the delivery person. He opens the tailgate and with childlike anticipation you look inside the truck. Your eyes adjust to the dark inside and you don't see any furniture, just a scattering of flat boxes. The driver jumps up on the tailgate and starts to move the boxes towards the lift gate. You stop him citing what, surely, must be a mistake, but he carefully looks over the manifest and gives you the "good news."
All eighteen of these boxes he is about to place in your front yard are, in fact, the total aggregate of your "non-assembled" brand new outdoor furniture.
"Every piece is accounted for" the delivery man proudly exhorts while handing you a yellow slip to sign.
As you watch him set the first of these boxes on the front yard, your neighbor - the one who recently purchased from a local brick and mortar showroom - pulls into his driveway. He gets out of his car and asks if you need a hand.
You feebly smile at him and politely decline his offer in dreaded anticipation of the four club chairs, two chaise loungers, eight dinning chairs and two tables you will be spending countless hours (and curses) putting together over the next couple of weeks. The time during which, of course, you will have the added "pleasure' of being able to hear he and his family enjoying their outdoor living space in the furniture they recently purchased at a "real live" furniture store.
To some people, this little dramatization might sound far fetched. I can assure you that I have encountered such "hair raising" stories in my years of service to my clients. Other horror tales include; cash-on-delivery freight charges, missing components for furniture and instructions that where either not included or written in a language not known to the purchaser. Each case left the client frustrated, unhappy and, on a few occasions, unable to return the furniture because the cartons had been opened. If you end up spending weeks putting your furniture together or have to pay an additional 12% freighting charge or can't read the instructions to put your furniture together, are you really getting the best deal possible?
Probably not.
You chuckled to yourself as you thought about your pleasant but none too hip neighbors who had just received their outdoor furniture from a brick and mortar showroom. Sure, you had to wait a couple of weeks to get your product but that was mitigated by the fact that you got a free delivery through the e-tailer. You don't need white glove service - curbside is just fine. What's the big deal? You don't mind placing your new furniture in the backyard yourself.
Then you wait.
...and wait.
...and wait.
Eventually, two weeks go by and you hear nothing. Finally, you pick up the phone, call the e-tailer and are told that there was a "glitch in the system" and that it will be another week before they can secure a truck to deliver your furniture. You're slightly irritated, but decide not to panic or get angry because it is only one more week.
The delivery day arrives on a Wednesday. The only day that the freight company could deliver was a Wednesday so you use one of your accrued day's off work and sit back in the comfort of your recliner knowing that in a few hours you will be relaxing in your outdoor space. There you'll be - under a warm sun, with a cool breeze gently tossing your hair to and fro. A few cups of coffee later, you have read all your online periodicals and even the fine-print on a few pharmaceutical advertisements. It's now mid-morning and your anticipation has become electric. You check your watch for the current time as the window of delivery was set between 11:00am and 4:00pm.
Thoughts of furniture placement dance though your head.
"The chaise lounger's near the big fir tree for shade, the dinning table and eight chairs under the pergola, the four club chairs and conversation table in the left corner."
You've finally decided where the best place in your outdoor space to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day is going to be. You're becoming giddy with excitement.
You look at your watch again and it is nearing one o'clock. You're getting a little frustrated. You think to yourself,
"Why on earth would you think that the window between eleven and four would mean you're delivery would be at eleven?"
You realize that you still have a good three hours of waiting.
Time passes and it's now 2:30pm. Impatience is slowly overtaking your good mood. You decide that perhaps a quick call to the e-tailer is in order to find out if they can contact the truck and pinpoint your delivery time.
The young lady on the other end of the phone is polite but she informs you that they use independent trucking services and that she can not contact them to find out what time they will be at your home. You hang up and walk to the front door and depress the doorbell to ensure it is working. You look out the front window like a puppy in storefront and go back to pacing back and forth in the front hallway.
You open the door again and this time walk down the drive way to the street, looking both ways to see if there might be a truck coming. Disappointed, you see nothing. It's now 4:15pm and your mood has gone from elated to down-right angry.
This waiting game has now taken up your whole day and you want to know where the furniture is that you paid for three weeks ago. You dial the number to the company again and after hearing the 15th ring you realize it is on the east coast and closed for the day. You can feel your anger transforming quickly and inexorably into rage as you put the phone down and walk back to the window.
Then, suddenly, like a dream, there it is.
The large freight truck for which you've been on the look-out over the past three weeks!
It's here and you laugh a little at yourself internally for being so hot headed and childishly impatient.
Out you go to greet the delivery person. He opens the tailgate and with childlike anticipation you look inside the truck. Your eyes adjust to the dark inside and you don't see any furniture, just a scattering of flat boxes. The driver jumps up on the tailgate and starts to move the boxes towards the lift gate. You stop him citing what, surely, must be a mistake, but he carefully looks over the manifest and gives you the "good news."
All eighteen of these boxes he is about to place in your front yard are, in fact, the total aggregate of your "non-assembled" brand new outdoor furniture.
"Every piece is accounted for" the delivery man proudly exhorts while handing you a yellow slip to sign.
As you watch him set the first of these boxes on the front yard, your neighbor - the one who recently purchased from a local brick and mortar showroom - pulls into his driveway. He gets out of his car and asks if you need a hand.
You feebly smile at him and politely decline his offer in dreaded anticipation of the four club chairs, two chaise loungers, eight dinning chairs and two tables you will be spending countless hours (and curses) putting together over the next couple of weeks. The time during which, of course, you will have the added "pleasure' of being able to hear he and his family enjoying their outdoor living space in the furniture they recently purchased at a "real live" furniture store.
To some people, this little dramatization might sound far fetched. I can assure you that I have encountered such "hair raising" stories in my years of service to my clients. Other horror tales include; cash-on-delivery freight charges, missing components for furniture and instructions that where either not included or written in a language not known to the purchaser. Each case left the client frustrated, unhappy and, on a few occasions, unable to return the furniture because the cartons had been opened. If you end up spending weeks putting your furniture together or have to pay an additional 12% freighting charge or can't read the instructions to put your furniture together, are you really getting the best deal possible?
Probably not.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
To sleep, perchance to dream...
This past week has seen San Diego go from a gentle 60 degrees to the high 90’s. I do realize it is July in Southern California, but a 30 degree swing in such a short period of time is drastic. Really drastic for a Canadian girl who has lived in California since 1986 and never seems to get used to the hot summers but has become accustomed to wearing multiple sweaters when the temperature dips below 60F.
Adding to the sweltering heat outside has been the untimely discovery of a leak in the hot water pipe that runs right under my master bedroom/bath. Repairs are on the way but not until next Tuesday. I don’t have a thermometer to accurately predict the temperature in my bedroom but I do know that when I step on the floor it is excessively warm to on the feet in much the same way as sand at the beach on a very hot day.
"Ouch.. yes, ouch!!!"
This untenable situation has made me cranky, lazy and sleepless for a good deal of the past week. I keep dreaming of purchasing a bed that I could put outside; something that would give me a restful night sleep.
These dreams have lead me to the selection of some day/night beds that I think would be smashing for a relaxing afternoon of reading or for those more adventurous souls, without air conditioning, a restful nights sleep under the stars.
EDEN
Delicate curtains make it even more elegant and beautiful. This outdoor bed has quite a large size: 300x215x180 cm, so there is more than enough space for two persons. There are also dozens of colours to chose from. Please visit Ego Paris to get more information about this romantic daybed.
ELEVADA
This sleek and elegant design is the brain child of Jose A. Gandia Blasco. Constructed of Anodized aluminum and canvas of plastic fabric and
polyurethane foam rubber that is completely removable. Please visit the Gandia Blasco website to see this daybed and other daybeds in the collection.
DAYDREAM.
Yes, it's a single bed although purchasing more than one and placing them under a pergola with flowing draperies would create a dreamy south seas effect. Dedon captures the romantic spirit with their Daydream bed. In two finishes light and dark and twenty-eight different fabric choices.
WINDWARD
The synthetic wicker outdoor canopy bed.
It comes in a dark mahogany finish but the choices of fabrics are endless. The canopy pushes back to allow the light to enter the bed from above. This bed is a true queen size bed allowing for a cozy nights sleep for both you and your partner. This bed is manufactured by LaneVenture
I love all these options and with so many choices available, I just might not have to try and drag my California king size bed outside....
Happy Dreaming
Jane
Adding to the sweltering heat outside has been the untimely discovery of a leak in the hot water pipe that runs right under my master bedroom/bath. Repairs are on the way but not until next Tuesday. I don’t have a thermometer to accurately predict the temperature in my bedroom but I do know that when I step on the floor it is excessively warm to on the feet in much the same way as sand at the beach on a very hot day.
"Ouch.. yes, ouch!!!"
This untenable situation has made me cranky, lazy and sleepless for a good deal of the past week. I keep dreaming of purchasing a bed that I could put outside; something that would give me a restful night sleep.
These dreams have lead me to the selection of some day/night beds that I think would be smashing for a relaxing afternoon of reading or for those more adventurous souls, without air conditioning, a restful nights sleep under the stars.
EDEN
Delicate curtains make it even more elegant and beautiful. This outdoor bed has quite a large size: 300x215x180 cm, so there is more than enough space for two persons. There are also dozens of colours to chose from. Please visit Ego Paris to get more information about this romantic daybed.
ELEVADA
This sleek and elegant design is the brain child of Jose A. Gandia Blasco. Constructed of Anodized aluminum and canvas of plastic fabric and
polyurethane foam rubber that is completely removable. Please visit the Gandia Blasco website to see this daybed and other daybeds in the collection.
DAYDREAM.
Yes, it's a single bed although purchasing more than one and placing them under a pergola with flowing draperies would create a dreamy south seas effect. Dedon captures the romantic spirit with their Daydream bed. In two finishes light and dark and twenty-eight different fabric choices.
WINDWARD
The synthetic wicker outdoor canopy bed.
It comes in a dark mahogany finish but the choices of fabrics are endless. The canopy pushes back to allow the light to enter the bed from above. This bed is a true queen size bed allowing for a cozy nights sleep for both you and your partner. This bed is manufactured by LaneVenture
I love all these options and with so many choices available, I just might not have to try and drag my California king size bed outside....
Happy Dreaming
Jane
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Funky Friday!
I thought that Friday would be a good day to just have some fun so I found some furniture and accessories that I think are not only fun but practical. I had two requirements for my post today:
1. The furniture, object or accessory had to be unique
2. It had to make me smile
With that criteria in place, I would like to share some funky designers and their fun furniture and objects/accessories with you...
The Tulip lamp comes in a smaller version for indoor or the extra large size for outdoor. Standing approximately six feet tall, these floral beauties are designed to illuminate your outdoor living space. Made from polyethylene, they are available with light in transparent green, orange, lilac or red; as well as more numerous decors in both glossy and embossed finish. Designed by the brilliant Italian firm Moredesign for the forward thinking MYYOUR.
SOLAR DYNO, or as I like to say, "Solar D-Y-N-0-M-I-T-E"! What else can you say about this incredible outdoor shower. Solar powered so no more cold showers after a dip in the pool or after your morning run. With a new patterned system that reduces the risk of antibacterial contamination.
The design is elegant yet subtle. The available colours are; black, orange, lilac, red, ivory, green and beige in the embossed finish. In the glossy finish, your colour choices are; white, black, lilac, silver and gold. Brought to you by, who else, the always forward thinking Italian company MYYOUR .
Inflatable furniture? I can hear the "giggles and even a few "Are you serious" out there. However, Blofield has upped the ante and created the Air Design, a line of inflatable furniture, classic in style. With a club chair, two seat sofa and more recently a four person sofa, each Blofield piece includes a sleek carrying case with power inflater! Colors come in stone white, midnight gray, earth green, red, orange and black.
Plastic Fantastic! Yes, indeed! Jasper van Grootel, founder of JSPR, started the Plastic Fantastic line about five years ago. With followers requesting an outdoor line of his amazing furniture, he has given the people what they wanted. The Baroque style is updated with a single color. Colors? Oh yes - there are 22 standard colors and the option of custom colors making the choices endless. The collection is large and includes dining chairs, a sofa, tables and even some lighting elements.
1. The furniture, object or accessory had to be unique
2. It had to make me smile
With that criteria in place, I would like to share some funky designers and their fun furniture and objects/accessories with you...
The Tulip lamp comes in a smaller version for indoor or the extra large size for outdoor. Standing approximately six feet tall, these floral beauties are designed to illuminate your outdoor living space. Made from polyethylene, they are available with light in transparent green, orange, lilac or red; as well as more numerous decors in both glossy and embossed finish. Designed by the brilliant Italian firm Moredesign for the forward thinking MYYOUR.
SOLAR DYNO, or as I like to say, "Solar D-Y-N-0-M-I-T-E"! What else can you say about this incredible outdoor shower. Solar powered so no more cold showers after a dip in the pool or after your morning run. With a new patterned system that reduces the risk of antibacterial contamination.
The design is elegant yet subtle. The available colours are; black, orange, lilac, red, ivory, green and beige in the embossed finish. In the glossy finish, your colour choices are; white, black, lilac, silver and gold. Brought to you by, who else, the always forward thinking Italian company MYYOUR .
Inflatable furniture? I can hear the "giggles and even a few "Are you serious" out there. However, Blofield has upped the ante and created the Air Design, a line of inflatable furniture, classic in style. With a club chair, two seat sofa and more recently a four person sofa, each Blofield piece includes a sleek carrying case with power inflater! Colors come in stone white, midnight gray, earth green, red, orange and black.
Plastic Fantastic! Yes, indeed! Jasper van Grootel, founder of JSPR, started the Plastic Fantastic line about five years ago. With followers requesting an outdoor line of his amazing furniture, he has given the people what they wanted. The Baroque style is updated with a single color. Colors? Oh yes - there are 22 standard colors and the option of custom colors making the choices endless. The collection is large and includes dining chairs, a sofa, tables and even some lighting elements.
Set the Stage
I think the word “staging” is misunderstood by many people. Often, the word is too narrowly associated with, simply, a method of preparing a home for sale by placing the objects in it in such a way as to reflect the home in the best possible light. Of course, this is true but ask yourself this question:
Why would we only want to stage our homes when we are preparing to move out of them?
The essential nature of staging is to prepare the home to the extent that we can embrace and love the space we are in now. To do that, you need to stage a welcoming environment that you will enjoy on a daily basis. When you walk outside to your outdoor living space do you feel so overwhelmed that you can’t wrap your brain around all that you sense needs to be done? If so, take a deep breath, get out the laptop or paper and pen and start writing down what you feel are the most important elements of your outdoor living space.
Perhaps, staging is as simple as cleaning and moving the furniture you already have into a more inviting configuration. Maybe, its a simple matter of updating the configuration by adding new pieces to your current furniture collection. If you're happy with all the furniture you presently have, you can spruce things up by getting some new lighting elements or, possibly, a new outdoor rug or rug replacement. A few new toss pillows can do wonders to create a different mood. Perhaps the cushions on your chairs need some repair or you're just tired of looking at the pattern you chose so many years ago. If you feel the patterns, colors and/or textures of your current cushions are outdated, perhaps its simply time for a replacement. Whatever you decide, ultimately, you want the outside of your home to reflect your personal signature as completely as does the inside.
This thought process is setting the stage for your space, an area that is defining the identity of who you are and how you want to exist with in its boundaries. Keep in mind, you’re creating a welcoming place for yourself or family and friends to enjoy. It’s perfectly acceptable to mix and match elements or find pieces that are compatible but not necessarily the same or part of a matching set. In face, "stirring up the pot" a bit can add a little funkiness to your outdoor space. Just remember, staging is a subjective endeavor and although there is not a absolute wrong way to stage, you must bear in mind general rules of aesthetics.
Staging should be as individual as are you and indicate to your guest, friends and/or family that its result is one of your creation and a clear statement that you live here and you’re really proud of what you have accomplished.
There’s always going to be exceptions and clearly there will be a time when calling a professional is your best course of action. Perhaps, you need to do something extra for an event. There is no reason to get frustrated or anxious as your outdoor space should be a refuge; a place to enjoy the peace and quiet at the end of the day or a serene place to entertain. If you are feeling trepidation at the thought of having to select pieces to compliment your existing furniture then contact a professional. Seek out an expert to help you select those touches that will give your open air room the feeling you want.
Happy staging,
Jane
Why would we only want to stage our homes when we are preparing to move out of them?
The essential nature of staging is to prepare the home to the extent that we can embrace and love the space we are in now. To do that, you need to stage a welcoming environment that you will enjoy on a daily basis. When you walk outside to your outdoor living space do you feel so overwhelmed that you can’t wrap your brain around all that you sense needs to be done? If so, take a deep breath, get out the laptop or paper and pen and start writing down what you feel are the most important elements of your outdoor living space.
Perhaps, staging is as simple as cleaning and moving the furniture you already have into a more inviting configuration. Maybe, its a simple matter of updating the configuration by adding new pieces to your current furniture collection. If you're happy with all the furniture you presently have, you can spruce things up by getting some new lighting elements or, possibly, a new outdoor rug or rug replacement. A few new toss pillows can do wonders to create a different mood. Perhaps the cushions on your chairs need some repair or you're just tired of looking at the pattern you chose so many years ago. If you feel the patterns, colors and/or textures of your current cushions are outdated, perhaps its simply time for a replacement. Whatever you decide, ultimately, you want the outside of your home to reflect your personal signature as completely as does the inside.
This thought process is setting the stage for your space, an area that is defining the identity of who you are and how you want to exist with in its boundaries. Keep in mind, you’re creating a welcoming place for yourself or family and friends to enjoy. It’s perfectly acceptable to mix and match elements or find pieces that are compatible but not necessarily the same or part of a matching set. In face, "stirring up the pot" a bit can add a little funkiness to your outdoor space. Just remember, staging is a subjective endeavor and although there is not a absolute wrong way to stage, you must bear in mind general rules of aesthetics.
Staging should be as individual as are you and indicate to your guest, friends and/or family that its result is one of your creation and a clear statement that you live here and you’re really proud of what you have accomplished.
There’s always going to be exceptions and clearly there will be a time when calling a professional is your best course of action. Perhaps, you need to do something extra for an event. There is no reason to get frustrated or anxious as your outdoor space should be a refuge; a place to enjoy the peace and quiet at the end of the day or a serene place to entertain. If you are feeling trepidation at the thought of having to select pieces to compliment your existing furniture then contact a professional. Seek out an expert to help you select those touches that will give your open air room the feeling you want.
Happy staging,
Jane
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Never, plan your Blog at 2:00 in the morning ....
Good Morning from sunny, San Diego California! It’s a spectacular morning; the kind that makes you want to grab your coffee cup, laptop and dive right into some serious blogging. I spent a great deal of time last night researching new lines and looking for the latest trends in the outdoor lifestyle. I’m always on the lookout for the different, the unique, the WOW...
The Fendi "Love" Sofa for Two..
The Fendi hand woven chaise lounger with cushion.
To view more of the Fendi Casa Outdoor collection please view the Fendi webite
After a very long evening of reading and looking, I had a brain storm. I was going to write the best blog ever written! It was going to be so filled with helpful insight that I would land on the front page of DIGG, the Huffington post and next week, on the couch with Matt Lauer or maybe Lester Holt (Matt does take vacations.) I had put together the concept of …
Drum ROOOOLLLLLL....... please!!
Fashion designers beware; Jane Bassi is on to you and will expose your need to brand everything from purses to pillows. I was aghast when I looked at the Fendi Outdoor Furniture line. Were they kidding? Like the child of a rock star who may or may not be talented, given the opportunity to perform based on their parents talents and name. "Hmmmm", I smugly thought as I stumbled in the dark looking for the plug to charge my iPhone.
"Did they think that because they make Couture and sunglasses that they could enter my sacred world of outdoor living?"
I think not.
I was going to blow the lid of this furniture nepotism. Then something happened...
I slept.
When I awoke, my bravado was not what it had been at 2:00 AM with my mind swirling around in a million different directions.
"What if I offend someone? What if the people at Fendi read my scathing yet witty dialogue."
Like a ton of bricks, it hit me.
As an outdoor stylist, I am always preaching that everyone has a different idea of beauty. Taste is individual and while I might not love something, I have to look at it and give it a chance. Not every piece of furniture is going to tell me the story I want to hear but it might speak loudly to someone else.
Ladies, and I do hope a few gentlemen...
I introduce to you the Fendi Outdoor Furniture collection...
The Fendi "Love" Sofa for Two..
The Fendi hand woven chaise lounger with cushion.
To view more of the Fendi Casa Outdoor collection please view the Fendi webite
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Meet Elena Colombo
There are times when the line between art and function blur so elegantly that I am mesmerized by what I see. I decided to share a designer who lifts fire to the most spectacular level.
Elena Colombo is a classically trained sculptor and architectural designer. Her work is breathtaking in simplicity and yet once viewed, each of the four elements (fire, water, air, & earth) are clearly represented in her work.
I frequently marvel at people who are so accomplished in so many different disciplines. Elena has the ability to shape copper, steel and bronze into a vision that inspires awe in those who view it.
To view a a more complete collection and to read more about the incredible artist Elena Colombo, please visit her website. You can also see the team of exceptional trades people and artisans with whom she surrounds herself. Some of them have very interesting side gigs...
See her beautiful work here!
Fire in the 21st Century
Bio-fuels are renewable fuels derived from biological materials that can be regenerated as they are mostly made from bananas, beetroot, potatoes, sugarcane and most recently from wheat. This distinguishes them from fossil fuels that are considered non-renewable.Bio-Fuel creates a clean and odor free flame with 100% efficiency, creating no residual waste matter to remove after use. The only byproduct of burning Bio Ethanol comes in the form of water vapor and a minuscule amount of carbon monoxide which is equivalent to the levels found in human breath. The fireplace is environmentally friendly and easily moved from one location to another. These designs are the ultimate mix of form and function.
There are no limitations to the size and shape of these new fire vessels and you will find them to be extremely accommodating regarding placement. There a myriad of areas that these fire vessels will look right at home, from under the pergola to an elevated patio.
Of particular interest and utility, these fire vessels can also be placed inside your home and are completely safe and fume free. The ambient light produced by the fire vessel, coupled with its natural beauty, could be the perfect solution for an interior living room lighting element.
They are designed with the consumer in mind. There is no need to lug around large canisters of propane to place them under the very large fire pits you see in most retail outlets today. The only other option has been to dig a line under your deck or though you’re outdoor space for a gas line.
A gas line is, of course, less cumbersome than the tanks but once placed you can’t move the fire structure unless you dig up your deck or outdoor space again. With bio-ethanol, you simply pour the manufactures recommended amount into the vessel, light it and you are ready to enjoy your outdoor fire.
In addition, some the manufactures provide "scent ports" for an aroma-therapy like atmosphere in the immediate vicinity of the fire vessel.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
It's still raining in San Diego ... Let's talk about Teak
The left hand side of this bench has not been treated with any oils or sealants.Teak in it's natural state will gray, it takes between six and nine months for this process to occur depending on the climate you reside in. On the right side you can see the honey colour of the teak. This teak has been treated with a sealant. It is normally how your Teak looks when you first purchase it... If you want to maintain this look or just get your teak cleaned up then please read on...
I think Teak gets a bad rap; people are a little afraid of it. Believing it too much work to maintain, many shy away from Teak. However, with the proper care and a little ongoing maintenance, it is heirloom furniture that is incredibly comfortable and it never goes out of style.
To understand how to care for your teak furniture or decking, it is important to know something about the wood itself. Teak is a very dense hardwood that has an extremely high oil and wax content. These traits make teak quite durable for both indoor and outdoor use. The wood is naturally resistant to rot or degradation caused by fungal decay plus the oil that is in the wood cells prevents attack by termites and other wood eating insects.
Proof of teak's extraordinary long term weather and wear resistance is the fact that it has been used for years in marine construction. Despite exposure to sun, salt, rain and heavy foot traffic, teak on boats lasts for decades. Although teak is a very durable wood, it does undergo change as time passes and the wood is subjected to use and environmental exposure.
Cleaning
Here’s what you’ll need: A gentle brush, a mild soap and some elbow grease. If you need a little extra cleaning power then add a table spoon or so of TSP to the water. Let the soap and water solution sit for a few minutes to help loosen the dirt and then go over the wood with the brush gently, take a hose and rinse all the solution completely off the teak.
------- Important --------
Do not use any steel wool or high pressure hoses. If any steel wool remains in the wood grain it will rust and cause discoloration.
Deep Cleaning Teak
You can purchase a commercial teak cleaner to clean your teak furniture or you can make a solution yourself. You do have to remember that the commercial cleaners all have one thing in common they are all acid based cleaners and all carry a strong warning due to their chemical nature. Because these products will remove some of the top layer of wood it is best to use them no more often than once a year.
Here is what you’ll need if you choose to mix your own:
- Five gallon bucket of warm water
- One quart of ammonia
- Two caps filled with Wisk laundry detergent.
You will need a good household grade soft bristle brush. You’ll then want to mix a solution of ammonia and laundry soap and apply it to the wood. Let the detergent mixture sit on the furniture for several minutes to allow it to penetrate to the dirt. After doing so, scrub with the brush and after that is complete give the furniture a good rinse with clean water. Ensure that the residue is removed. Stains can be gently removed with a little bit of Bar Keepers Friend purchased at the super market which contains oxalic acid. With a soft brush or cloth rub the stain gently and rinse well with clean water. Or you can use a very fine grade sand paper going with the grain of the wood.
Oiling your Teak:
Warning: Don't apply oil if you plan on sealing your teak furniture in the near future as the excess oil will interfere with the adhesion of the sealant.
You will need some oil, (There is no such thing as “Teak oil” it is usually linseed or Tung oil and can be found in hardware and home improvement stores) a clean paint brush, some clean cotton rags, good light and plenty of space to work in. It can be a little messy so I recommend wearing household gloves to keep the oil off your hands. The oil can be applied with a clean brush, starting from the top and working downwards. The surface should be left wet by the brush, but try to avoid leaving too much surplus oil behind as you work. After a few minutes - maybe 5 to 15 – and depending on the ambient temperature, the oil will start to become tacky. At this point, the surface of the furniture should be wiped down with a clean cotton rag, carefully removing all surplus oil. One coat is usually sufficient, but you can apply a second coat if required.
Allow a minimum of one hour for the first coat to dry. Once you've completed the oiling and the surface is dry to the touch, a second clean rag can be used to buff up the surface. Please be sure to dispose of any used rags and cleaning cloths carefully in accordance with the instructions from the oil manufacturer.
Sealing Your Teak:
You want to look for a teak sealer that contains UV protection. Whichever product you purchase, you will want to diligently follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing your teak is the easiest way to ensure it maintains the honey color. Most products will require several applications of the sealant and you want to make sure that it is completely dry before you use your furniture. Do no replace cushions until the furniture is completely dry. Sealants protect the color of teak but still allow the teak to breathe, so stains and spills can still penetrate a sealant. It will be necessary to repeat this process approximately once a year depending on the environmental conditions.
New Teak will require that you leave it outdoors for about two weeks, allowing the natural oils to dry out prior to sealing your furniture. You should clean it to ensure all particles have been removed prior to sealing your new teak...
Jane :)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Proper Care and Feeding Of Your Outdoor Living Furniture
Good Morning,
I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. It’s July 7th in San Diego and it’s raining? That got me thinking. How do you take care of your outdoor furniture though all the weather and the various seasons? Let’s discuss while I contemplate the fate of the fresh laundry I hung out to dry last night in the warm and "dry" air.
The best method of caring for your outdoor furniture is to be proactive. Make sure you dust with a gentle cloth as this will ensure that the dirt is not sticking to your furniture and making it a bigger job a few months down the road. Wiping down and dusting your outdoor furniture on a consistent basis is better than having to do a huge clean once a year.
On most furniture, you can use a hose to remove any dirt that might be stuck to the surface. Anything that can not be removed by a cloth should come off with a hose. You are better off to try using the hose than to scrub too aggressively as this could cause scratches to your finish. Some articles I have read suggest pressure washing to clean your outdoor furniture. I would do this with caution. Perhaps, one small piece to see how the finish holds up. And make sure you allow the furniture to dry in the sun until it is completely dry.
Even with regular cleanings there are going to be a few spills and the dreaded stain. Make sure you are using the correct cleaning agents to remove any stains. A gentle soap and rag are you best defense against stains. I’m going to go out a limb and recommend Dawn dish soap. It is a great de-greaser irrespective of the material your furniture is made of. Once you have washed the furniture down leave it to dry naturally.
Now that you have washed and let the furniture dry, make sure you are apply any protective products that your manufacture recommends. Again, this will ensure the life of your furniture and keep it looking great for years.
Teak and Cedar can live outdoors year round. Both are a hardy wood that seems to do well across climate variances. Any other wood should be stored indoors during the inclement seasons. Most aluminum and Resin weave are also fine outdoors and protective covers can be added to ensure the natural elements are not too hard on the furniture. Most wrought iron products today are pre-treated to withstand the elements and should not rust.
By being proactive and taking care of your outdoor furniture you are not only making it look good but enhancing the longevity of the furniture. You care enough to make sure that you regularly clean your indoor furniture so make sure you take care of the outdoor furniture as well.
Have a great day!
Jane
I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. It’s July 7th in San Diego and it’s raining? That got me thinking. How do you take care of your outdoor furniture though all the weather and the various seasons? Let’s discuss while I contemplate the fate of the fresh laundry I hung out to dry last night in the warm and "dry" air.
The best method of caring for your outdoor furniture is to be proactive. Make sure you dust with a gentle cloth as this will ensure that the dirt is not sticking to your furniture and making it a bigger job a few months down the road. Wiping down and dusting your outdoor furniture on a consistent basis is better than having to do a huge clean once a year.
On most furniture, you can use a hose to remove any dirt that might be stuck to the surface. Anything that can not be removed by a cloth should come off with a hose. You are better off to try using the hose than to scrub too aggressively as this could cause scratches to your finish. Some articles I have read suggest pressure washing to clean your outdoor furniture. I would do this with caution. Perhaps, one small piece to see how the finish holds up. And make sure you allow the furniture to dry in the sun until it is completely dry.
Even with regular cleanings there are going to be a few spills and the dreaded stain. Make sure you are using the correct cleaning agents to remove any stains. A gentle soap and rag are you best defense against stains. I’m going to go out a limb and recommend Dawn dish soap. It is a great de-greaser irrespective of the material your furniture is made of. Once you have washed the furniture down leave it to dry naturally.
Now that you have washed and let the furniture dry, make sure you are apply any protective products that your manufacture recommends. Again, this will ensure the life of your furniture and keep it looking great for years.
Teak and Cedar can live outdoors year round. Both are a hardy wood that seems to do well across climate variances. Any other wood should be stored indoors during the inclement seasons. Most aluminum and Resin weave are also fine outdoors and protective covers can be added to ensure the natural elements are not too hard on the furniture. Most wrought iron products today are pre-treated to withstand the elements and should not rust.
By being proactive and taking care of your outdoor furniture you are not only making it look good but enhancing the longevity of the furniture. You care enough to make sure that you regularly clean your indoor furniture so make sure you take care of the outdoor furniture as well.
Have a great day!
Jane
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Beyond Plastic Forks, Paper Plates and The Red Plastic Cup
I admit it, I am not a fan of the paper plate. Yes, they can be really pretty and even practical at the park or beach, but at home? I'm a fan of table settings and linens. Like some woman love shoes I love tableware I know, weird but true. When I find something I love, I think my body goes though the same euphoric state as others may upon finding the perfect dress or purse. My mind will visualize the dinner table all dressed up!
________________________________________
Melamine..
________________________________________
Check it out.. They are primarily made with renewable plant fiber from bamboo, straw and rice hulls, they are completely food safe. and they look amazing...
Carbon steel and in assorted colours, each has a silver tipped edge.
Now that I'm sharing with you, let me share my other pet peeves; Plastic utensils,that tend to break as soon as you push down on them… Leaving you looking for the tine that has disappeared deep into the contents of your salad. Making you wonder, "Should I risk choking or use my fingers in a less than lady like way to find that little sucker?"
You can go formal or casual it all works because your not going to worry about breaking your flatware...
_____________________________________
Last but not least, the 16 ounce, usually red with white inside plastic beverage cup. Like most adults, I have fond memories of these cups from my university days. They where a staple at the on-prem pub at my school. I appreciate the nostalgia they engender and iconic status they enjoy but not on the dinning table.
Fresco frosted glass..
Shatterproof, yes they are and they look like the real thing..
______________________________________
Recycled Glass makes this a natural choice for your outdoor room. I firmly believe that a meal tastes better when it is served on a real plate that won't leak on your clothing. As well, cutting with a knife and fork made of something that will remain in the local landfill for thousands of years is not exactly environmentally friendly. And let's face it, there's nothing really like sipping wine out of a proper wine glass. So lets look at some alternatives to paper and plastic.
________________________________________
Melamine..
________________________________________
Check it out.. They are primarily made with renewable plant fiber from bamboo, straw and rice hulls, they are completely food safe. and they look amazing...
Carbon steel and in assorted colours, each has a silver tipped edge.
Now that I'm sharing with you, let me share my other pet peeves; Plastic utensils,that tend to break as soon as you push down on them… Leaving you looking for the tine that has disappeared deep into the contents of your salad. Making you wonder, "Should I risk choking or use my fingers in a less than lady like way to find that little sucker?"
You can go formal or casual it all works because your not going to worry about breaking your flatware...
_____________________________________
Last but not least, the 16 ounce, usually red with white inside plastic beverage cup. Like most adults, I have fond memories of these cups from my university days. They where a staple at the on-prem pub at my school. I appreciate the nostalgia they engender and iconic status they enjoy but not on the dinning table.
Fresco frosted glass..
Shatterproof, yes they are and they look like the real thing..
______________________________________
Recycled Glass makes this a natural choice for your outdoor room. I firmly believe that a meal tastes better when it is served on a real plate that won't leak on your clothing. As well, cutting with a knife and fork made of something that will remain in the local landfill for thousands of years is not exactly environmentally friendly. And let's face it, there's nothing really like sipping wine out of a proper wine glass. So lets look at some alternatives to paper and plastic.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Year of the Modular Seating Group
Sectionals are terrific for large gatherings and, with the ability to move the pieces around you have the flexibility to place your furniture as you need it for each occasion. I picked four collections that I think are forward thinking in style and are well constructed … Each one is in a different material and has a slightly different feel, while all are classic in design and will endure for many years ahead.
Gloster’s… Estrada is new fresh and has a great lines, it is made out of grade A teak that has been harvested in a sustainable way from only the finest teak in Indonesia. With over fifty fabrics to choose from to complete this outdoor look. The also includes lounge chairs, side and conversation tables and a daybed with a billowing sail top.
Henry Hall designs is an innovative creative company that is making a big statement in the outdoor marketplace. The Natalia is a sectional that can be placed in many configurations, the fabric choices are a little bit more limiting but you can also provide your own fabric. The frame is made out of Stainless steel with resin slates to support the seat..
Gandia Blasco Na Xemena the Italians know how to create the most streamline furniture. Each piece of fabric fits this furniture like a glove. It comes with a large collection of companion pieces from a TV cart to a bar table and stools, several different chaise styles and even a dine table and stools or benches to complete this group.
Rausch Sectional Outdoor seating is made with a Teak frame and polymer resin weave that is completely weather resistant. This collection allows you to purchase the pieces individually or as a group. Four, 22'' x 22'' back cushions and a seat cushion are included for the left or right sofa and two are included with the corner section.
Each of these pieces are unique and would be an excellent choice for A Room Without Walls.
Gloster’s… Estrada is new fresh and has a great lines, it is made out of grade A teak that has been harvested in a sustainable way from only the finest teak in Indonesia. With over fifty fabrics to choose from to complete this outdoor look. The also includes lounge chairs, side and conversation tables and a daybed with a billowing sail top.
Henry Hall designs is an innovative creative company that is making a big statement in the outdoor marketplace. The Natalia is a sectional that can be placed in many configurations, the fabric choices are a little bit more limiting but you can also provide your own fabric. The frame is made out of Stainless steel with resin slates to support the seat..
Gandia Blasco Na Xemena the Italians know how to create the most streamline furniture. Each piece of fabric fits this furniture like a glove. It comes with a large collection of companion pieces from a TV cart to a bar table and stools, several different chaise styles and even a dine table and stools or benches to complete this group.
Rausch Sectional Outdoor seating is made with a Teak frame and polymer resin weave that is completely weather resistant. This collection allows you to purchase the pieces individually or as a group. Four, 22'' x 22'' back cushions and a seat cushion are included for the left or right sofa and two are included with the corner section.
Each of these pieces are unique and would be an excellent choice for A Room Without Walls.
Somethings never go out of style
Brown Jordan is a name synonymous with outdoor furniture. When you look at the photo's above you will see you the Tamiami I in a advertisement from the 1960s and the updated Tamiami II in the latest 2010 edition of the Brown Jordan online catalog.
The Calcutta, is another collection that Brown Jordan has updated, in the picture on the left an advertisement for the Calcutta I. On the right the Calcutta II from the brown Jordan online 2010 Catalog.
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