By ELAINE MARKOUTSAS may 30, 2010

As “the season” begins, the great outdoors beckons — and with it, a renewed focus on furnishing al fresco spaces with comfort and style, extending the interior’s decor.

A still-recovering economy has continued to boost the concept of “staycations” — hanging out at home instead of traveling. Importing a tony resort with spas, pergolas, fireplaces, outdoor bars and kitchens mimics the kind of features that highlight romantic holidays, from the south of France to Tuscany, the Greek islands or the Caribbean.

When shopping for outdoor furniture, look for:

• Furniture frames in eggshell, bright white or taupe gray, as a fresh alternative to the espresso that has been popular in recent years.
• Fully upholstered pieces, such as Lee Industries’ Mimosa outdoor chair with gently sloping arms. The chair wears a slipcover with pleats at the corners.
• Large scale that’s clean-lined or curvy, and big or open weaves in synthetic wicker that make the designs fresh and more airy.
• Attention to detail, such as X’s or designed backs on seating.

When space and budget allow, outdoor “rooms” are analogous to those indoors. There’s a place to sit, bask in fresh air and greenery. A place to curl up with a book, just lounge or nap. A place to grill. A place to entertain friends — watch TV or movies on weatherproof screens. A water feature — fall, pool, spa or pond.

In spite of sagging retail sales in most sectors, there’s every indication that consumers will add to their outdoor spaces. Demand in the U.S. for outdoor furniture and grill products is projected to increase 3.9 percent each year to $7.2 billion in 2013, according to The Freedonia Group inc., a research firm based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Nearly every building and remodeling survey suggests that an outdoor room is one of 10 must-have features. interest has been bolstered by television shows such as HGTV’s “The Outdoor Room” with Australian landscape designer Jamie Durie, who transforms dreary backyard afterthoughts into dreamy hideaways. even celebrities have gotten into the act. at the recent Las Vegas furniture market, former Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell rolled out Red Carpet, a line of high-end outdoor furnishings for Patio Heaven.

The evolution of the outdoor room is “revolutionary,” says Kevin Sharkey, executive editorial director of decorating for Martha Stewart Living magazine.

The reason? “Technology, pure and simple,” says Sharkey.

Not only can you now enjoy a swivel rocker or recliner outdoors, an introduction by Domus Ventures boasts a massaging feature.

Besides weather-resistant woods in natural, stained or painted marine finishes, there are convincing wicker and wood looks in resin or metals — even bark, birch twigs and willow.

Mixing materials has become more sophisticated and often is eco-chic. A Pottery Barn table, for example, combines a zinc top with a sustainably harvested acacia wood base.

Outdoor furniture can also be practical: look for smart storage — tables that store leaves, a bench that houses cushions or a tile-topped console table with a scrolled metal base that cradles wine bottles.

For nighttime ambience, consider lamps that also are sculptural. The Wave, a new floor lamp offering from Veneman, resembles a wavy, tapering tree trunk. Crafted from a woven shell, its light source glows from within. Shady Lady’s Yin Yang is a similarly organic woven shape — a 45-inch-tall gourd-shaped piece with a stem crafted from Viro, a synthetic fiber.

There’s fashion underfoot as well. The high-end Liora Manne company, with signature felt weaves in subtle colorations, has an outdoor counterpart available at Frontgate. Its watercolor-effect patterns include geometric mosaics; all are waterproof and fade-, bacteria-, mold- and mildew-resistant.

Leather, velvet, linen, chenille and silk look-alikes are so convincing that they have garnered attention indoors. Wood grains and animal prints are among the current motifs.

And what you don’t see — plush waterproof cushions — have made a huge impact, allowing fuller, thicker cushions that often are ultra-deep.

“Comfort is king,” says Cinde Ingram, editor-in-chief of Casual Living, a monthly trade publication. So not surprisingly, there’s a continuing interest in beds, megascale cuddle chairs and daybeds, often with canopies.

Improved materials, technology and style are inspiring many consumers to “trade up” to fancier grills and more fashion-forward furniture. On many wish lists: a firepit, according to a survey by the American Home Furnishings Alliance.

“There’s something primal about it,” says Sharkey. “Everyone wants to be able to sit around a fire together. It’s applicable to all different styles — from Adirondack to English wrought iron.”

Pets also get a spot in the sun: there are pet beds designed for outdoor use. even the high-end, to-the-trade outdoor fabric company Perennials makes pet beds in any of its fabrics. Melrose, a dressy, bolster-style silky damask cushion is available from Crypton for $198.

Although prices at the high end might range from a $5,000 chair to a $10,000 table, it’s still possible to get design and value. Better Homes and Gardens, for example, offers sets that include furniture — settee, chairs, tables and ottomans — and even contrast throw pillows from under $500 to $800 at Wal-Mart. A grouping of four Martha Stewart chairs plus a firepit sells for $499 at Home Depot.

Whether you have a small terrace, a sprawling patio or an urban roof deck, your backyard can be a wonderful getaway. for casual living and entertaining, your outdoor space just may be the most flexible of all — and the most inviting.

Ads by Google

Dining al fresco

Related Blogs

• Home Improvement Using Modern Furniture
• Spice Up Your Outdoor Furniture! | laporteouverte.net – Home Idea
• Create a Beautiful Backyard With Landscaping Ideas and Enjoy Its Natural Ambience « Loretta Kearns
• Some of The More Common and Elaborate Types Of Folding Chairs You Can Select For Your Back Yard
• GLB Pool & Spa Products 71024 2-Pound Super Sequa-Sol Sequestering Agent | Chemical Business Information