Fun stuff for a small space

Accessorize your small space just as you would a large space.  Here are some really fun things that are not going to take up a ton of room but give you the ability to cook and entertain on your patio/deck.

 Cute and functional... These little babies are sweeeeet!!

Bodum, (Yes...The company that makes the french press.) offers the Fyrkat grill.  It is portable and easy to carry with silicone handles (genius!) and is perfect for grilling up a nice dinner for a small group!

The colours are UBER AWESOME as well!

Smokey Joe! You sir, are adorable! All dressed up in a green porcelain finish! See him at Crate and Barrel.

















If you prefer the strong silent type then the traditional black Smokey Joe is the guy for you.  Just like his green cousin he is small in stature but can cook a mean burger or steak.  Weber has many other styles of grills for small spaces check out their web page to see more.

Eva Solo you are adorable!

Add some charcoal and you are ready to cook a meal in the great outdoors. Imagine purchasing a few of these darling little pots and having guest make their own dinner.














A rug adds warmth to any space and, with the advance of technology, the fibers today are amazing, not to mention stylish. So go ahead and cover that concrete floor!



Mad Mats has a huge selection of recycled outdoor rugs in every colour palette you can imagine.
 
With a myriad of sizes, they have your patio covered!

Koko is using recycled potato chip bags to make these rugs. 

Yes... I said recycled potato chip bags. 

Never satisfied with just making fabulous outdoor rugs, KoKo is always at the forefront of finding old materials to turn into new rugs.

They have scored big time with these terrific colourful rugs. 

I bet you'll never look at a bag of chips the same way again :)  

How about some fire?

I know you're thinking:  "She has officially lost her mind!"

Just take a moment and read this blog I wrote in July to see other options for fire that do not require, wood, propane or gas lines.

Conmoto has these small fire pots available in several finishes and colours. So, yes - you can have a fire even in the smallest of spaces.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Don't forget:  As January turns into February, we are getting closer and closer to warming up and getting outside to enjoy our Room Without Walls!

Jane 

Beautiful Bar Sets

The bar table and chair works perfectly for a balcony.  They have the height that will allow an unobstructed view and the size is good for two to four persons.  As well, they come in ever style imaginable.


Ego Paris Offers the Tandem High Bar with a choice of a three-seat bench or individual stools.
With sixteen different lacquered finishes for frame choice, choose either teak or corrian for the top.
The result is gorgeous, stylish and portable.

JANUS et Cie  travels the world to create some of the most beautiful furniture imaginable.  Often, there are days when my mind simply needs a rest and on those days I will visit JANUS et Cie and just allow my mind to be filled with beautiful things.

The Versa Table is available in white or gray, electrostatic powder-coated  aluminum. The table top is ceramic.

It is easy to see the elegant simplicity when the table is partnered with the Vitali bar chair.  The chair is also electrostatic powder coated aluminum with a vertex hand woven fiber on the seat and seat back.












Brown Jordan has an exceptionally large selection of outdoor bar groups ranging from contemporary to traditional.

 1. Camden Square is available in both a cushion and a gorgeous (1a) sling back version. Reminiscent of old world elegance, it can be partnered with the Camden Square 42 inch bar height table. Choices of finishes are always plentiful as are the cushions and Versatex® ( mesh ) fabric.

2. The Grand Via is designed to inspire the visions of Caribbean living.  Available with durable Suncloth® cushions, these cushions feature a welt on the seat and back.  The sand-cast aluminum is fully welded, ground, and meticulously polished.  It is available in a broad selection of powder-coat finishes as well.  The table is a 44 inch bar height table in the Grand Via Collection.

3. The Sol y Luna is an adaptation of the classic Gazelle design originally created in 1954 by the late, noted architect Dan Johnson.  The Gazelle design was originally cast in bronze with woven caning for the seat and back.  Unusual by design, this organically shaped form is unexpectedly comfortable.  With practicality in mind, the current version is usually produced in cast aluminum.  There is an optional cushion and the frame can also be powder-coated in a multitude of finishes.  The bar table is slightly smaller coming in at 37 inches and is cast aluminum. 

We have gone over a lot of different styles this week to set the mood for a patio.  We started with the bistro set, moved on to deep seating and ended today with bar sets.  Any of them would be great choices for a small space.  However, you are not limited to them.

If you can find a love-seat that fits, then by all means...

Just remember to measure the space and ensure you have enough room for the desired look and feel you want.  As always, love what you decide to purchase!

If you live in a Condominium,  before you make any purchase,  you should first check with the homeowners association to ensure that the furniture you want is allowed by the local charter.  I know some associations will detail the style and manufacturer requirements permissible and  you don't want to fall in love with something that is not allowed . 

Small space, meet the club chair

Tuesday, I gathered a collection of bistro sets that would be excellent choices for any sun deck or small patio space.  Maybe you're thinking "Gee, those sets were all really awesome but I don't really want to go with the traditional bistro set."

I completely understand this sentiment.  Sometimes, a comfortable chair and a glass of wine is the answer to all that seems wrong in the world.  Lets pull up some chair styles and see what catches your fancy.

Joel Escalona has designed a ...to die die die for... collection for GRUPO HEWI  V.

Look at how absolutely fabulous are these pieces!  The colours sing the designs and are extremely edgy and fun.  Joel Escalona is an award winning designer who creates everything from jewelry to furniture and all with exceptional detail and spectacular style. 

Fabricated out of soft synthetic fibers with a sturdy metal frame, the fibers are UV resistant and are designed for the elements.  Salt, sand and pool water will not deter The V collection.  It's good to know the fibers are also non-toxic and 100% recyclable as is the metal frame.

For a more traditional look, Richard Frinier has designed some of the most influential furniture in modern times. His designs have stood the test of time - setting himself apart and influencing the direction of outdoor furniture. Richard Frinier, in partnership with Century Furniture, offers  Archipelago and Andalusia, along with several other amazing collections.  All these collections are timeless treasures and the attention to detail is impeccable. 

Henry Hall of San Francisco takes designing furniture to a new level.  Timeless, classic pieces crafted with the best materials to ensure longevity.  With a strong commitment to the environment and the community that manufactures all his collections, he has created memorable but classic designs for a modern world.



The Coast Collection is woven out of  Coaxxs® ( synthetic fiber which is then hand-woven over an aluminum frame.  The weaving is so precise that a chaise lounge takes up to five days to create.)









Or my absolute favorite Henry Hall collection: Mariposa - a design for Henry Hall  by Ted Boerner   .

The curves are sensuous and deliberate, inventive and so exquisite.

Henry Hall Designs is committed only to using teak harvested from a sustainable source.  In the construction of the products, each part of the tree is used.  Even small wood pieces are cut into dowels for joinery pieces.






Now that you have a few choices for deep seating lounge chairs, consider two important details before you purchase you're furniture.



Size matters: Ensure you purchase furniture that will fit proportionally with the deck space.  Pretty is not pretty when you try and cram a large piece of furniture into a space too small.

Love what you buy: If you're, most likely, going to be looking at the back of the chair, ensure the aesthetic is pleasing to you're eye even from behind.




.

Small space

"I want to have furniture on my deck, but it's so small."

I hear this often and there is always a solution to any decorating dilemma.  Consider the size of the space you have to work with, and the results you want to achieve.

Do you want a space to dine? Or, perhaps, just a cozy outdoor seat for reading or working at the end of the day?

Once you figure out the purpose of the space you can start to plan.

Flow is important regardless of the spacial requirements.  However, when your dealing with limited space, ensuring that you have enough walking room around the space is going to be very important.  Creating your seating area is awesome but not if you have to climb over things to get to it.  Make sure you have measured the area you are using and then measure again.  

Other things to consider - do you have a view?  If you have a view from indoors do you want to obstruct the view with a collection that can not be easily stored? Or, perhaps, you should consider going up to a bar table and chairs.

Be realistic, chances are your balcony is not going to seat eight for dinner but intimate dinners of two or four is possible.

Lets take this week and look at some choices for a small area.  Today, we will start with bistro sets.  A table under 36 inches is ideal for a smaller space - it can set two in complete comfort and four for a intimate meal.

Fermob! is my new favorite.  I am truly, madly and quite deeply in love!  The colours, the styles and the infinite possibilities of choice.  They make the most perfect furniture for the small space.

Too cute!

"I don't have the space to use for my furniture all the time but I do want to use it occasionally..."

OMG!!!  Just add a couple of hooks and hang it up!  Take it down when you're ready to use it.

Simply BRILLIANT!!! 








Magis has these great looks available and most of the chairs can be stacked which give you the ability to store your furniture should you want it out of site when you're not using it.  I can't imagine not wanting to look at these amazing pieces though.

"These are really cute, but I was hoping for something more traditional."   


Brown Jordan - the grand-daddy of outdoor furniture has you covered with a huge collection of bistro tables and chairs to complement every possible look.  Many of the collections include chairs that can be stacked. You can purchase a woven collection, such as Eastlake, with the table base and then add a top of glass, stone, or mosaic.

Sunny, Warm and filled with Colour

"A chair should be more than simply functional. It should be friendly, fun and colorful."
~Pierre Paulin


John Kelly Introduced the Rho series last year. This colourful collection is constructed from powder-coated aluminum, PVC-coated polystyrene fabric and high-impact polystyrene ROM  {a recyclable outdoor material that is a perfect substitute for genuine wood }

Rho translates as creative female power - meaning fruitfulness, vegetative
growth, adaptability and fluidity. Inspired by its name, the Rho series
are composed of graceful curves and delicate angles to insure comfort and repose in any outdoor environment.










The Rho series is available in ten different colours and demonstrate endless possibilities as to how you can combine the different colours.

Don't let the bright colours scare you away.  The furniture is protected against UV rays to ensure years and years of use and is easy to clean with a simple soap and water solution or a slight abrasive for harder to remove stains.











Fermob makes some of the coolest furniture I have ever seen. The colours are amazing - all twenty-four of them!



The availability of a colour depends highly on the materials used for the product.  The furniture is made of steel, iron or aluminum and is available in the 24 Fermob colours under the conditions previously described.  Furniture combining metal and OTF (a polyester, PVC-coated fabric specially designed for outdoors) is only available in the 20 colours existing in the OTF range.




Comprising chairs, tables, swing seats and benches, each collection has its own style identity and each piece has its own purpose.  Mix and match the colours or use different styles in different areas of the garden. In powder-coated steel with UV and rust protection, Fermob furniture is built to last.

Can you imagine this brightly coloured bench tucked away in your garden?











Exciting! This year, Fermob is adding the Luxembourg in a little person size.

Now the kids can have a cool colourful place to hang out just like mom and dad.  Fabulous!












Jennifer Newman  has some spectacular pieces in her outdoor collection.  With clean lines and great colours, her table and bench/stools are excellent for small and large groups.  When I find outdoor design that can set upwards of twelve people I get excited.

Portal bench partnered with the Groove table.

BRILLIANT!

How awesome that you can tuck the benches right under the table out of the way if you're short on space.

Welded aluminum, powder-coated and ready to handle all weather conditions. 








Recently Jennifer Newman added the stainless steel for a more industrial look.

Have a most excellent weekend!

Jane 

Rocking Chairs

One of my favorite pieces of outdoor furniture is my Lane Venture traditional rocking chair.  The chair is made of a light resin weave finish, the runners are a wood finish and I have hit my ankle on them a hundred times but, no matter how many times I bang into this piece of furniture I love my rocker.  The cushion will be replaced this season as it has seen better days but the chair is in great shape and the simple joy the rocking motion gives me is amazing.

Rocking chairs are available in every conceivable style and design for the outdoors.  From the traditional rocker to the ultra-modern, there is a rocking chair to suit every style of home and outdoor space.

How about a classic rocking chair made by Lane Venture?  The Camino Real Collection is made from synthetic wicker.  Choose from Lane Venture's seemingly endless collection of fabrics to create the desired look you love.






        

Beautiful in it's simplicity, Weatherend offers it's Dark Harbor rocker in a palette of sixteen different finish colours.  This is estate furniture created to last no matter the conditions.  Choose a complimentary cushion cover for the seat or use it "au natural" to show the true beauty of this classic piece of Americana.












The Flip rocking chair is designed by Dondoli and Pocci for the Italian design firm of Bonaldo.

The frame: is composed of batch-dyed polyethylene and is also suitable for outdoor use. Flip Table Small table Frame: batch-dyed polyethylene. Central top in anodized aluminum. Suitable also for outdoor use.

In your choice of three colours and a super cute coffee tablet to complete the look.

Also from Italy, Sintesi has this awesome rocker created by designer Eduardo Baroni.

The Think Machine is offered in three colour choices: pink, orange and white.

Created out of steel tubing and polyurethane, it would look perfect with most mid-century modern collections. 
































Last but not least!

Are you looking for something that truly makes an artistic statement?

Then look no further than the Magis Voido rocking chair designed by Ron Arad for Magis. This is not your grandmother's rocking chair. Sculpted out of rotational-molded polyethylene and available in five colours in lacquered or non-lacquered finish, this piece is something to let your guests talk about.

The look you want

I promised yesterday to fill in the details about finding the look you love at a price you can afford.  Lets be honest.  With the economy in the tank the last few years we all want to get the best value for our hard earned dollars.

I highly recommend purchasing your outdoor furniture the same way you purchase your indoor furniture.  Get what what you need to complete your desired look, keeping in mind that this furniture will be with you for many, many years to come.

A great analogy to think about:  If you purchase at the top end of your budget you will be getting heirloom quality pieces that will last forever. If you simply can't do the heirloom pieces at this time but need to fill you outdoor space you can still purchase great furniture that will last for many years.  However, at some point, you will, most likely, have to replace it.


Lets look at a few examples :

Sofa A                                                                                           Sofa B

Both of these pieces are teak three seat sofa's.  One is made by a world renowned manufacture that sells only the number one grade of teak. Can you tell by looking at these two sofa's which one is the high end and which one comes in at the lower price point?  Sofa A is the high end sofa, but had I not told you, I am doubtful by looking at these photographs you could have told them apart. 

Chair A                                                                                              Chair B

Two chairs of similar style.  Both are aluminum, both have straps and each of the companies offer to change the finish and strap colour.  Chair A is going to be considerably more than chair B. 

Day Bed A                                                                                                          Day Bed B

Day beds are one of the most popular outdoor furniture pieces of the last few years.  Day bed A is one of the originators of this look with a tightly woven resin weave in three choices of finish.  Both Day Bed A and Day Bed B will give you a choice of fabric.

As I said, these are some examples of different looks that can be achieved at different price points.  I direct my clients to spend what they can afford to get the best quality furniture within their budget.  There is no point in going overboard and then regretting your purchase or being afraid to enjoy it because you broke the bank.

We can always talk to the retailer and see if we cans strike a good deal on the collection you love but if there is too much of a disparity between your love and your bank account then look for similar furniture and enjoy what you purchased.

Jane

Snow Day

With snow present in 49 of the 50 States it hardly seems like many people are concerned about outdoor living.  A snow shovel, snow boots and parka are hardly inspiration for planning your personal retreat.

Or, are they? 

Now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor space.  If you are going to choose custom fabric or change the frame colours of furniture, you're looking at between 8 and 16 weeks for delivery, depending on the manufacturer.

If you need to build structure or add a custom kitchen/fireplace, now is the time to start searching for contractors or a designer to bring your dream to reality.

Just remember references, references, references... 

If you're home and have some downtime today what a perfect day to start planning.  Take a look at your canvas, I am sure it is beautiful with a white winter blanket covering the grounds.  How perfect for looking at what you want to do when the weather warms up.

It's also a great time to start looking at vendors to see what is available in 2011.  The best part is the available technology you now have that allows you to have the pleasure of previewing collections and vendors online.  No sales people to drive you in the the direction of what they want to sell you - just you, your laptop and a nice hot cup of cocoa, coffee or tea.

Now think about what you want to achieve with your space.

Adding to existing furniture? 

Find the manufacture and see what pieces they have added to the collection since you last purchased it.

Starting from scratch?

Narrow down the materials you want, think about the location and how you will be using the furniture..

At this point, look for what you want... I know this will sound crazy but...don't worry about you're budget right now.  I guarantee that if you find something you love and the price point is on the high end, with the right negotiation it can be attainable.

Or...

Much like Haute Couture, there are manufactures that will make a similar item.  (Wednesday I will show you how to find similar products for all price points!)

Right now you're just looking for idea's.  You're forming a plan that will help you as you, confidently, move forward into the the shopping phase.

Enjoy you're snow day while you dream of the warm months ahead :)  Get you're plan together now for the day's when you're outdoor space is back to green and the weather is warm again. 

Jane

Tub Time

Someday, I want a home with a beautiful view of the ocean.  I want my master-bedroom to look out over the sea and I want to build an alfresco bath-tub - someplace just off the master-bedroom, a place surrounded by beauty with lovely rocks and fragrant flowers to enhance the experience.

In the mean time, I found these incredible tubs to dream about ..

 Kos  


The Geo line is a range of new products which shine a new light on the bathtub.  All the models in the Geo line range are the fruit of extensive research into new shapes for the tub shell  Its gentle, innovative lines are designed to give new ergonomic support to the body.

Awards: Design Plus 2007 - Nomination German Design Award 2008

Ludovica-Roberto Palomba:
"Mind and body, in an almost mystical atmosphere that evokes primitive, ancestral feelings, finally find a true and profound equilibrium. This is the concept on which Geo 180 is based - bringing pleasure and joy to our daily rituals, so that each of us can find his primitive, ancestral self."

With lines that are uniquely innovative in the world of bathroom design, Geo 180, today, is universally recognized as an icon in "total wellness."

At the Salone del Mobile, Milan 2008, KOS presents a new outdoor edition of Geo 180, designed for total wellness and to be used alone or to be playfully shared.

Yet again, KOS proposes architectural and design products for every type of bathroom, and - finally - total wellness and comfort out of doors.

Sundeck from Duravit   is an indoor-outdoor bathtub with a cushioned cover.  When closed, the cushion serves a dual purpose: it keeps water warm while filling in and while not bathing, and it's used as a lounge.

Designed by Eoos Group, the freestanding Sundeck is an acrylic tub that is set in a wood veneer (for indoors) or weather-resistant laminate enclosure (for outdoors) with an overflow channel.  The marine-quality white plastic cushion can be folded into two head rests. Options and accessories include: air or whirlpool jets, LED lighting, a remote control, a matching bolster and a cushioned step.

Blue Moon.

Bathing not in a tub but in a pool.

The more water, the more space, the more depth the better. With its square corpus and round tub, the Blue Moon whirlpool looks like a pool; and with its water depth of 530 mm it feels like one, too – despite occupying an area of just 140 x 140 cm. Immerse yourself in water with mood-setting coloured lights; the body is completely surrounded by water with only the back touching the tub, giving a pleasant feeling of weightlessness. Bathing in a pool? Letting yourself go? Floating? Pure relaxation? It’s not easy to describe the feeling. Suffice to say that Blue Moon is a unique bathing experience.

Poly-Wood Not Boly-Wood

Sometimes we set our minds on the negative and that's all we can see.  I have noticed that Poly-wood  furniture is really coming into it's own, and I was aghast!

Instead of taking the time to learn about the product, I immediately scoffed at the idea of anything made of plastic being good quality let alone attractive.  We have all seen the resin chairs you can get at any big box retailer, grocery store etc...  I believed that Poly-wood was the same thing with a catchy name .

Boy, was I wrong!    


What, is Poly-wood?


Poly-wood is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), UV-inhibited pigment systems, foaming compounds, and selected process additives.  The HDPE primary raw material is derived from post-consumer bottle waste, such as milk and detergent bottles or other HDPE post industrial material.  This material is cleaned by a decontamination process to a high purity level, which removes contaminants such as food residue, paper, and adhesives. It is then compounded into a rigid board stock material; with the resulting finished product containing over 90% recycled plastic by weight.




How do they make milk jugs and detergent bottle into furniture? 

Poly-wood plastic lumber is extruded from pellets.  And pushed through tubes to make plastic lumber. The lumber can then be cut, router, screwed and assembled into sustainable outdoor furniture that will last a lifetime.  All the hardware is stainless steel and made to withstand the elements.










 Is Poly-Wood easy to take care of?


YES!!!  Just wipe it off and wash it with soap and water.  If a stain was to occur, Poly-wood can be washed with one part bleach to two parts water.  A soft cloth and a brush should remove the toughest stain.







I love the colours as they are bright and plentiful.

Poly-wood is twice the density of real wood.  

With exceptional moisture resistance you will never have  to worry about cracking or sanding, bugs or rot.








After reviewing and really looking at some Poly-wood pieces I have to say I am impressed.  I can see this product at your secondary home, beach house or the PERFECT addition to a rental property.

I am all about going green and this product represents a huge step forward.

Taking milk jugs and other recyclable plastics and turning them into chairs, tables and other outdoor living products is pretty darn smart to me! 







I'm so glad to have reviewed these furniture pieces!  My research into these pieces has re-affirmed my belief that you need to see the product and get as much information as possible before passing judgment on that product.

It is a simple maxim but will help ensure you make the correct furniture selection decision.  Products such as these should also remind us to thoroughly distance ourselves from any preconceived notions as to the innate quality of an item based solely on its material composition.

Ummm...yep! -  Just like I have been telling my clients and readers to do. :)

Jane