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Cushions… the outdoor soft spot!

A Cushion is a Cushion… but not necessarily a good one!
By Jerry Newton, Casual industry veteran entrepreneur

In a never ending quest for cost cutting on indoor and outdoor furniture, many manufacturers have chosen to import their cushions from overseas. Cushions can make or break outdoor relaxation. There are choices out there; selecting the right one is worth a closer look.

Even though labor costs have always been notably less offshore, in past years the limited selection of marketable fabrics has left a lot to be desired in both quality and style by American standards. The solution to that was to export domestic fabrics, cut, sew and stuff overseas and re-ship the finished goods back once again to the American market. The time and cost of this process pretty much eliminated the benefit.

In recent years, notable improvement in offshore fabrics has once again encouraged cost cutters to import cushions to cover their product. They often look “acceptable” to the untrained eye, and the landed cost of a cushion with imported fabric and fill is a fraction of the cost of one containing American made materials and labor.

However, there is far more to a good quality cushion than appearance. There is still no substitute for well engineered consistent quality cushion filler. An attractive and functional design, the proper density of high quality foam combined with premium fiber, and quality sewing is the one and the only way to accomplish the comfort and durability that our consumer deserves… and demands.

In most cases one test drive of an imported cushion is all it takes to understand this point. “It looks nice… price is low… but OH MY… it surely isn’t comfortable!” Furthermore, these imported fillers typically break down even more in a very short time.

Fortunately for those of us in the casual specialty industry, our big box counterparts have chosen to take the path of price, price, and price. In some cases, it is difficult for end consumers to recognize the difference in quality of the frames between our products and those in the mass venues. But I promise you, when they sit down for a few minutes, they will become irrevocably convinced that there is truly a difference in comfort between a good domestically produced cushion and a cheap import.

One manufacturer that has been crafting cushions in Florida since the early 80’s is Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics. Each cushion is uniquely designed for style, durability and utmost comfort on its specific frame. All Palm Springs sofas, sleepers, loveseats, recliners and action chairs are manufactured in the USA by American craftsmen. There is also a very extensive selection of high quality fabrics offered at one grade pricing.

Most successful suppliers will tell you, the cushion on a seating or dining group is an extremely vital part of the success of the group. You can have the best looking frame in the world, but if the cushion is not properly designed, the group will not retail. Palm Spring Rattan and Garden Classics is one company that understands cushions. They have always believed that the first impression of furniture must be a “WOW”, and the second impression as the customer sits down must be an “AHHH”. Every piece is individually designed to earn that reaction.

“Our high back rattan seating is a good example”, states Tami Newton, Palm Springs Rattan’s marketing director. “We have pulled out all the stops on comfort. Every person who sits back into our Islamorada Seating says it is one of the most comfortable sofas they have ever experienced.”

Yes… a cushion is a cushion… and some can even look pretty good. But when you find the one that is designed from top to bottom with pride and quality, you will quickly experience the difference.

Scenic and historic Malibu with its 23 miles of alluring coastline, rugged mountains, wooded canyons, and sheltered coves fill you with a sense of well being as you take an early morning stroll along a deserted beach … or on a canyon horseback ride on a day that starts misty and suddenly fractures uncovering lavender and chartreuse hillsides. Often the feeling returns when the Coast Highway quiets down and a dazzling magenta sun tumbles bit by bit into a sequined sea. These images create an ambiance of relaxed luxury, which inspired the NEW Malibu Collection from Sunset West.

The gorgeous espresso collection combines the grandeur of the Malibu movie colony with the feelings of the ease of lifestyle. This modular collection redefines outdoor living as it provides a multitude of configurations to fit any outdoor room. Curl up with a book on the lounge portion of a u-shaped modular setting or entertain your family and friends on this large sectional that resembles the sofa in your family’s great room, surely a crowd pleaser. The design community is taking notice of this affordable luxury, helping their clients realize dreams that are as custom as their lifestyle.

Sunset West is a redefining indoor and outdoor living with their new Malibu Collection that will make a beautiful vignette on your showroom floor or outdoor room.

Customize this modular set with beautiful fabric from Sunbrella to make it truly fit your outdoor space. As the sun sets and the air cools throw an Outdoor Couture Sunbrella Throw blanket over you as you relax and watch the sky paint colors across the horizon.

Let me know what you think of this new Malibu Collection from Sunset West…leave a comment below.

Your Outdoor Living space is an expression of you, a place to share with friends and family as you gather together to enjoy conversation and relaxation. As you select the furniture, plants, fabric, colors and textures you begin to develop an aesthetic that is pleasing to you.

I just spent three days at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market seeing the latest collections that will redefine Life Outdoors. Whether you have a small porch or a large conversation area, there is something exciting and new.

Terra Furniture has partnered with Suniture to bring an updated style of a traditional design. Slipcovered furniture with Sunbrella fabric brings a piece of history to present-day outdoor living, Anastasia a classic comfortable and chic outdoor sofa is durable in all weather. The slipcover is machine washable and easy to maintain. As I sat on the love seat in this showroom, I envisioned a beautiful outdoor room that flowed seamlessly with the interior design.

Bringing the outdoor room to life as an artistic composition is easily achieved with the assorted color palette Sunbrella® offers in the 2011 collections. Sunbrella® Flame brings a beautiful sunset to life with Darby Flame, Canvas Rust, Dupione Nectarine, Hendrix Clay, Emilio Nugget, Spectrum Sierra and Carnegie Hearth. Sunbrella® Pistachio debuts a new color that has been requested over the years. This new color combination works well with grey or warm cocoa families. Sunbrella® Surfside combines Spectrum Kiwi, Canvas Basil, Malay Surfside, Spectrum Mist, Miramar Moss, Dupione Latte, Pango Buff and Dupione Bamboo to help you create a coastal work of art. The choices are endless as you design your outdoor canvas.

Another exciting addition for 2011 is the Sunbrella® Fabric Kiosk that will be in many retail stores across America. This interactive Sunbrella Fabric Kiosk will allow you to touch and feel the fabrics, combine them in your very own special way as you order cut yardage for throw pillows, drapes, and cushions. At market the Sunbrella booth on the 8th floor was a happening place.

Congratulations to O. W. Lee for Winning the Manufacturer of the Year award for 2010! O.W. Lee’s showroom was as beautiful and colorful as always. New for 2011 is the addition of the Palazzo wrought iron collection that blends tradition with modern design. In this photo you can see the Montrachet wrought aluminum collection and Outdoor Couture Throw Pillows and Drapes to add the finishing touches to your outdoor living space.

Walking through the showrooms and temporary exhibits it is exciting to see the Mariachi colorful rugs which are made of fade-proof recycled plastic. Patio Living Concepts lights up an outdoor room or porch with vibrant color in the WINOS table lamp. Alfresco Home presented a fun marble checkered table for an outdoor game room. A new exhibitor Bongenre showcased a casual line of dinnerware and I loved the tiered serving tray that would be lovely for serving afternoon tea or ending a dinner party with delightful deserts.

A company from Southern California, Dimension One Spas, created the perfect addition to any backyard using soothing healing waters as you enjoy a social experience bringing people together in the new Elemental Spa. The compact footprint of the Elemental will fit into your outdoor living space complementing the aesthetics that you worked hard to create.

Another favorite of mine this season is the latest addition of glass tiles in Ancient Mosaic marble table tops. These tops look like they belong in a small hill town in Italy.

The merchandise mart was filled with unique and exciting new additions for Outdoor Living stay tuned to my blog for more updates. If you are looking for something and need help just send me a comment or question and I will be happy to point you in the right direction for all of your Outdoor Living needs.

These are my outside views…Marcia

Television Celebrity, Designer and Master Gardener, Kathy Peterson and CedarStore.com have teamed together to create a signature outdoor furnishings line packed with color and American craftsmanship.

Capitalizing on a passion for outdoor living and design, Kathy Peterson Inspired – Outdoor Lifestyles is available exclusively from CedarStore.com.

“CedarStore.com is proud of our latest collaboration,” said Tim McTighe, founder and owner of CedarStore.com. “Kathy Peterson is one of America’s leading experts on outdoor decorating. She has been in the forefront of the outdoor living concept and has inspired homeowners to be creative with their outdoor spaces through her books and her television work and now with this line of outdoor furniture.”

Kathy is the author of five decorating books, she has shared her expertise daily for ten years on her national television show, Town & Country Crafts with Kathy Peterson and currently serves as a lifestyle correspondent on The Balancing Act on Lifetime. Television and magazines alike value her advice as she is a regular featured designer on HGTV, The DIY Network, The Discovery Channel, E! and PBS as well as Woman’s Day and Better Homes & Gardens magazines.

“Designed with color in mind, all of the pieces in my line will come with extensive painting options made possible by the folks at CedarStore,” said Kathy. “This will allow consumers to create their own unique backyard paradise.” Utilizing eco- and child-friendly American-made paint, the craftsmen at CedarStore hand apply all finishes to pieces within this line.

This new collection has 14 designs crafted of weather resistant natural cypress including traditional Adirondack, and Mission style chairs and accessories. Swings, garden benches, rockers, and accent tables also will bear the Kathy Peterson mark. The Mission furnishings feature cushioning of fade and stain resistant Sunbrella fabric. Kathy chose Cypress for her line based on the durability of the wood and its natural resistance to insects and decay. “I want to offer outdoor living furnishings that are built to last in the out-of-doors,” said Kathy. “With Cypress, our line is a perfect fit for residential or commercial usages.” To further enhance the durability of the product, stainless steel hardware is included to combat harsh exterior environments including saltwater.

This morning I was interviewed on Home Fashions U Blog Talk Radio by Karen Erickson about Outdoor Living.

Outdoor Interiors – A Passion for Outdoor Living

Meet Marcia Blake – Design Consultant

Listen to hear what Karen has to say about my collection, Outdoor Couture,  which has garnered rave reviews and is a favorite of customers who favor dramatic, yet comfortable outdoor accessories. We talked about how I got started in business, what I love about it, and the best fabrics to use outdoors.

Outdoor Couture Drapes, Throw Blanket & Pillows

Click the link below to listen to the interview!

Listen Here!

How would you like to create a custom designed gazebo especially for you? Did you know that there are a myriad of sizes, styles, shapes and materials to choose from to customize a stunning hand-crafted gazebo that is just right for your outdoor living space? All you need are some dreams of a personal outdoor retreat to get started.

If your home is a traditional style, you can build an elongated Hexagon Belle Gazebo with cedar shingles and a custom belle cupola. Adding comfortable deep seating; sofas and club chairs along with an outdoor fan will provide many long hours of relaxation.

If you live out west you will most likely prefer a treated pine pergola in red cedar stain to create an outdoor dining space.

These gazebos and pergolas will also house spas for a bit of added privacy.

You can create a dining room, living room, family room, play room or even a pool house. Once you know which type of room you want to add to your home you can select the perfect furniture. Teak and all weather rattan, cypress, aluminum, wrought iron or an all teak outdoor living set will provide durable, functional, comfortable & colorful style.

The options are limitless, so start envisioning the room of your dreams. There is an award winning company that can help you create a custom designed gazebo or pergola: www.gazebocreations.com

If you need help designing a custom pergola or gazebo your interior designer can work along with you to create a beautiful haven.

Let me know what kind of custom design is in your dreams.

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is when family, friends and business associates get together. Have you ever noticed how people tend to congregate in the kitchen for a period of time during the festive occasions? In my home my guests and I usually start out in the kitchen and move from room to room as the evening progresses. The family room, living room, dining room and outdoor rooms all receive equal attention, however, I do believe that the kitchen somehow seems to have the most amount of people congregating together. For this reason, having an outdoor kitchen in your outdoor living space is a terrific idea. One of my favorite features is the brick oven. Everyone loves pizza and if you haven’t had the opportunity to taste a brick oven pizza then you are missing out. They are some of the best and certainly my favorite. They remind me of the pizza in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy.

The Harmony Outdoor Living company sells a number of outdoor brick pizza ovens. This one is called the Tuscany Brick Oven and is an extraordinary fusion of tumbled Brussels Dimensional Stone and the celebrated Copthorne.

Harmony Outdoor Living teams with the Chicago Brick Oven company to offer authentic old world style wood fire cooking. Just as in Tuscany and all over Italy, you begin by heating the coals. When they are nice and hot, you simply push them aside to cook pizza, bread, and many other delicious foods.

Standing around a wood burning oven, sipping wine and conversing with friends, family or business associates is a time that will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Even in the cooler temps, these wood burning ovens will warm you up.

The Gathering Place

Currently, more than ever before, homeowners are validating the significance of the homestead, where the backyard is clearly an enhancement of the living area in the house. The economy has motivated people to choose to stay home, Staycation, and spend their money on their investment, while they obtain immeasurable enjoyment in this change of behavior. The addition of a therapeutic spa promotes healthy bodies, hearts, minds and lifestyles. According to Dr. Thomas M. Lachocki, Department of Health and Physical Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, “After a particularly stressful day, which most of us experience on a daily basis, lingering in warm water while muscles and joints are massaged with water jets encourages ones physical, mental and emotional relaxation. You feel calm and energized from the increased circulation, your mood improves as you body releases chemicals to help you relax and breath more efficiently leaving you with a sense of well being.”

Soaking in a hot tub can add quality to your daily life as it links the time between workday and evening activities. This is a gathering place to reestablish a bond of communication and emotion with family and friends in your own backyard. Wouldn’t you like to feel as though you are luxuriating in an ancient Greek or Roman hot water bath? You can engage in the lost art of conversation and reconnect with the people who mean so much to you, your family and friends. Spending quality time together nurtures a healthy and happy family relationship, it is these small acts in life that give us enormous happiness.

Dimension One Spa

The best way to transform your backyard into a haven of warmth, comfort and style is to combine elements and amenities. Melding old and new creates an understated charm and elegance. Blending luxury by adding a curvilinear Dimension One Spa amenity with innovative outdoor room finishing touches such as attractive Outdoor Couture® flowing drapes for protection from the weather and decorative outdoor throw pillows to add style with a splash of color is just the beginning of the metamorphosis of your backyard great escape.

Outdoor Couture® by Marcia Blake

A pergola, pavilion or gazebo is a wonderful addition to accommodate your spa. The outdoor drapes can be hung on the columns for function and/or design. Beautiful pottery containing  colorful flowering plants can soften the lines of the spa while improving the esthetic value of the space. An important feature to this outdoor living room is the furniture, it should be welcoming, comfortable, accessible and provide enough seating for your family and friends. Depending on the style of your home and the interior furnishings you can choose all weather wicker for a Tropical feel, scrolling wrought iron for a Old World Tuscan feel, cast aluminum for a Traditional feel or teak and stainless steel for a Modern feel.

Outdoor fabrics have evolved over the years and are now mimicking indoor fabrics in their pattern, texture and durability. Velvet, chenille, plaids, stripes, damask, ikat and paisley are just a few of the selections available for outdoor drapes, pillows, throws, cushions and umbrellas. Outdoor rugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, colors and patterns, they add dimension, functionality and sophistication. Machine washable Sunbrella® outdoor chenille throw blankets will keep you warm long after you exit the spa as you sit back and relax with your partner.

Backyard Oasis with Spa

It is no longer necessary to simply place a hot tub in your backyard without adding the luxuries that complete the outdoor oasis. For help in designing your backyard oasis contact mblake@outdoorinteriors.com

Spa under Pavilion

As summer continues and the weather starts to turn warmer, it is an appropriate time to start planning your future outdoor parties. Keep in mind different ways to celebrate the outdoors by adding small fresh flower bouquets or miniature plants in low vases across the table to give the illusion of a large arrangement. Utilize tall tapered candles to illuminate the dining table, eating by candlelight creates a gentle and romantic setting.

While dressing the table add a sprig of rosemary, lavender or mint to the napkin rings to add a touch of nature. For a dressed up table setting use ivory cloth placemats, topped by beautiful glassware, stemware and china, preferably antique or traditional in spirit. Add some vintage flatware for a complete look.  If you are planning a more relaxed get together, try mixing and matching different color glasses, ceramic dishes and fun silverware to create a playful atmosphere. Use multi colored placemats, napkins and chunky pillar candles.

Determine your seating arrangement then use hand-scripted place cards to caringly identify each setting. Another special touch that you can add to the table is a host gift on each plate. A miniature box of chocolates is a wonderful treat.

Remember to consider setting the scene with preset background music, so that you can enjoy the party when your guests arrive. Try to work hard before the party starts so that you can enjoy being a guest at your own party.

All of these special touches and creative tips will be instrumental in helping to make your party a memorable event that both you and your guests will cherish.

These same simple tips can be applied to entertaining with style indoors by honoring the outdoors. Reunite your friends and family with you in a fun and relaxed environment.

This is a very costly endeavor that the designers undertake, so they look to manufacturers, local retail stores, design centers and craftsman to donate or loan their product or talent. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your products and to develop relationships with local designers who will want to use you and or your products for future projects. Sometimes the designers are fortunate to sell the products to the homeowner, builder or another client so the donated or loaned products are occasionally paid for. In other scenarios, the designers actually sell the product to multiple customers and therefore add additional sales onto the existing product.

Once all of the design work is completed the home is opened for public viewing for approximately one month. At a local design home in Newport Beach, California, the Philharmonic organization partnered with the local ASID chapter to create a very special design house. Approximately 11 to 15,000 people tour the home, which is on display. The designers have people and or themselves in the room that they designed talking to the viewers and explaining their inspiration as well as talk about the products that they are showcasing. This is a great venue to show the design world as well as a large number of people how wonderfully inspired, manufactured and detailed your casual furniture products are.

Whether you are a manufacturer or casual furniture specialty retailer you can participate. I encourage you to contact your local ASID chapter to inquire as to when they might be putting on a house of design. Then volunteer your resources to assist in anyway that you can. You will be rewarded with lots of new business when the designers and customers who view your products see just how design oriented and well built they are.

In addition to the many thousands of people who participate in these design homes, there are usually many opportunities to advertise along with the organization regarding the home. If you are a vendor you will be included in all of the publications and designer information that is printed for the home.

So you can see that a simple gesture of help will go a very long way.

OW Lee stepped up to the plate and volunteered to assist two sets of designers at the Orange County Philharmonic House of Design In Newport Coast and they are being rewarded for their efforts by the beautiful front page photo in the living section of the Orange County Register as well as many people recognizing OW Lee as the fine furniture manufacturer that they are. Numerous designers have stated their delight in the products and mentioned their intention of selling OW Lee furniture to their future clients.

I strongly encourage your participation in an event like this. You will find that participating in a local design house will increase your sales and the public’s awareness of you and your products.

If you have any questions related to design houses I would be happy to help answer them. Feel free to write a question or a comment and I will reply.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into an outdoor oasis can be accomplished with the addition of five essential elements. During these difficult economic times individuals tend to spend less on home improvements while spending more time staying, vacationing, and entertaining at home. You can still create the perfect outdoor retreat. The first step in this process is to identify the 5 essential elements in the creation of the outdoor sanctuary. These five components consist of the focal point, the furnishings, the lighting, the living elements and finally the finishing touches.

Dressing an outdoor room is not very different from getting dressed for a special occasion. The first ingredient that is essential is a focal point, the center of interest that you notice either about a person or when you enter an environment. As in wearing formal clothes while dressing for an event, one usually dons an accessory that produces an expression of style. Men wear ties that are colorful, trendy, sophisticated or whimsical and women wear jewelry that is glamorous, ostentatious or demure. In each instance, the accessory is the focal point of the ensemble, the feature that attracts attention and conveys a distinct message. The heart of an outdoor haven can be many things, such as a beautiful fireplace or fire pit, a soothing water feature, garden sculpture, or a work of art such as this outdoor painting by Nancy O’Toole. Once you identify the focal point you can then move on to the second component that is vital for the ideal outdoor retreat.

This second ingredient is the type of furnishings that is the foundation for the space. It can be a dining set, some lounge seating, or a deep seating collection such as this resort collection from Summer Classics called Plaza

Once the focal point is determined, the objective of the oasis can be accomplished with the addition of just the right furnishings. Whether you have a small or large budget you can select the most suitable collections of furniture for your needs such as wicker, teak, wrought iron or aluminum.

The next ingredient in this recipe is the addition of lighting.
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

This may be mood lighting such as landscape lights and candles that generate a glowing warmth for dramatic effects or it can be functional lighting such as lamps, chandeliers or overhead lighting that brightens up a space from companies such as Shady Lady Lighting.

The fourth strand in this framework is the living feature. With green being an important aspect of our daily lives, the addition of a living element to this setting will create a sense of existence. This is perhaps the simplest aspect of creating the ideal outdoor retreat. You can scatter assorted pots and small plants to incorporate in this setting, from companies such as Campania. Succulents are easy to maintain and look beautiful on a cocktail table or next to a lounge chair. Regardless of the foliage in the backyard, the addition of potted plants makes a powerful presentation.

The final and fifth aspect of creating the perfect outdoor retreat is the addition of the finishing touches. This category includes many products, comprising the outdoor rug from such companies as Capel Rugs and Colonial Mills. Decorative throw pillows, cozy throw blankets, cloth table runners, and outdoor drapes from Outdoor Couture™ manufactured by OW Lee, and colorful tabletop accessories from companies such as CBK. The best way to complete an outdoor oasis is to pull the entire ensemble together by incorporating these final details that enhance the area and achieves the desired design.

Simply follow these 5 essential ingredients to create the perfect outdoor retreat. You will be on your way to transforming an ordinary backyard into an outdoor oasis that will give you much joy and encourage you to stay home to spend time with family, friends and business acquaintances.

How would you like to adorn your patio with sophistication, as well as, create a warm inviting area that will provide privacy, shade and a soft flowing design feature to dramatically complete your elegant outdoor room?

New to Market this 2009 season from OW Lee is Outdoor Couture® Alfresco Drapes in the newest style called Brezza Sheers.

Once again, OW Lee is out in front leading the way with this custom designer finishing touch. These drapes say “allure and sophistication” and you won’t find affordable luxury like this anywhere else.  The classic sheer that never goes out of fashion is available in 4 stylish and 6 solid sheer fabrics. OW Lee is passionate about designing and manufacturing the finest quality Outdoor Drapes, and they make them affordable. Nothing is “ready made” each panel is constructed in California, made to order. Outdoor Couture® Alfresco drapes have been on the market for a year, the addition of the classic sheer that never goes out of style is an inspired idea to coordinate the complete outdoor room with a luxurious and romantic appeal.

These Brezza Sheers are timeless custom made outdoor drapes with tab tops that effortlessly glide over a powder coated adjustable aluminum rod designed and manufactured by OW Lee. Produce a spectacular entry way or impressive statement with this unexpected design element.

For more information contact me at:   mblake@outdoorinteriors.com