There is diversity amongst specialty retail stores across this country that provide casual living product selections and a high level of service to their customers. This diversity is reflected in the store’s product choice, color palette, merchandising mix, and retail artistry. In the coming weeks and months, I will be sharing a showcase of inspiration from specialty retail stores that are attracting earnest consumers, with their retail expressions.

Sharing ideas related to creative displays, the visual effects of height, layering, and cross merchandising will benefit the specialty casual furniture retailer and contribute to your success in becoming a local destination for outdoor living.

I invite all specialty retailers to send photos, ideas and best practices that have been instrumental in distinguishing your store as a showcase of innovation, imagination and inspiration.

Now is the optimal time to get underway. During this time that you are changing your floor layout from Summer to Holiday, just as everyone is imagining cozying up to a fire, drinking hot chocolate, beautiful foliage and crisp cool breezes, you want to create a multitude of settings that bring out the luxuriousness and romance of your products. This same concept applies to everyone who is creating an outdoor living space. You want to set the mood for a gathering, whether is be just family and friends or a lavish party. Retailers can consider setting up individual vignettes to reflect the story behind the product. As you develop the story, it will include color, touch, form and artisanship.

The key ingredient to any vignette is the story, once formulated you add the elements that will produce the desired impact. The elements are the details that polish off the plot. One key feature is the fabric. Choose a color that enhances the story line as you consider texture and coordinates. Accompany the fabric selection with a fashionable outdoor area rug. Draw attention to a seating environment with decorative outdoor throw pillows and an outdoor throw blanket. Add a coffee table book relating to outdoor cooking, entertaining or faraway places.

Reflect your diversity in the store’s mix of products from wall décor, permanent botanicals, decorative candles, sculptures, decorative pillows, and tabletop accessories. As you appeal to our senses, you will create an emotional attachment to your store, vignette or outdoor living space, which will encourage customers to stay longer and return over and over again.

The Kolo Collection opened in August 2003 and is located in Westside Urban Market, Atlanta, Georgia. Owners Michelle and Greg Martin have created an environment where clients can experience the finest collection of exterior furnishings. Garnishing recognition as an Apollo finalist (the industry award for best outdoor furniture store) in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.

The Kolo Collection, Atlanta, GA

Kolo Collection’s showcase of inspiration continues this year with new artwork from a local artist, Sally Benedict. The walls at Kolo Collection are populated with Sally’s beautiful artwork that captures the romance and essence of the casual furniture it surrounds. This innovative style is Kolo Collection’s creativity at its best… prepare to be dazzled!!

Photo courtesy of Kolo Collection

Photo courtesy of Kolo Collection

Let’s create beautiful settings together, where design, function and quality come together. Stay tuned for more retail-ol-ogy…

Coronado Collection for Sunset West By Marcia Blake

I’ve recently designed two furniture collections in collaboration with Sunset West USA in San Diego, California. These two furniture collections are inspired by the coastal towns of California, these locations are characterized by their seductive tranquility and exclusive old time charm. Using the individual beach towns as my personal muse, I’ve created collections that exemplify what it means to have a personal retreat from it all.

Carmel Collection for Sunset West by Marcia Blake

These innovative collections bring about the essence and character of each town, while simultaneously providing elegance and a sense of style uniquely its own. In style, form, comfort and functionality, both collections are visually striking while well crafted. To experience each collection is to understand what is meant by understated elegance and refined tranquility.

Come see these two new collections along with me. I will be in High Point at the end of this week and into next week showing these collections, so stop by Showplace, Space #1638 to see the Coronado and Carmel Collections for Sunset West.

Looking forward to seeing you all there….

Kokomo Sectional

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.

There are a few things to consider when creating an integrated outdoor room. One factor is whether or not the room is compatible with the natural environment? Is it accessible to utilities as well as walkways? Is it functional and easily maintained? When viewed from different perspectives is it pleasing to the eye?

It is very important to consider the climate, earth, incline of the land, foliage, drainage and where the sunlight descends on the area at varying times of the day. Once you have the answers to these questions you can begin to plan your outdoor room.

Express your style and character as you transform your backyard, patio or deck. The ambiance that you create will depend on your selection of outdoor furniture & the style of fabric that you choose.  Will you have low lights or bright lights? What form of shade protection will you add, a cantilever umbrella, a market umbrella, an awning, a pavilion or outdoor drapes?

Will you be entertaining friends in this space or enjoying the entire family including children in this area? Design the outdoor room to fit your lifestyle. Consider the addition of colorful flowers and a water feature to create a relaxing beautifully landscaped backyard oasis with spa inspired features.  Bring the element and passion of flames to the room with a hearth or fire feature.

When creating your design make certain to add a comfort ingredient so that you will want to spend more time enjoying the outdoor spaces. The potential for design is endless. Reflect your style in the selections that you choose, whether you are entertaining guests or enjoying family make your dream a reality as you design for the way you live. The transition from the inside to out can be a seamless passage for you to take pleasure in.

Luxe 30

Create the perfect outdoor living space for your needs, design especially for the lifestyle that you are dream of having.

Write a comment below if you have questions that you can share to help bring their outdoor room to life.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

For Immediate Release

Contact: Mark Brock
704-926-1305
mbrock@wrayward.com

For a photo of Marcia Blake, contact mbrock@wrayward.com



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Glen Raven Retains Outdoor Living Specialist

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As part of its continuing focus on promoting the outdoor room concept with consumers, Glen Raven has retained the services of a nationally recognized outdoor living specialist, Marcia Blake. Blake will work with the Glen Raven marketing and sales teams to further develop a Sunbrella® fabric kiosk program and Solair™ awning program at specialty retail.

The Sunbrella kiosk program from Glen Raven provides consumers with information on Sunbrella fabric design options and access to cut yardage. The new Solair® retractable awning program includes in-store awning displays and assistance with retractable awning installation. Both programs will help to transform decks and patios into outdoor rooms.

“Marcia is helping us combine the knowledge and experience of specialty retailers with her own design expertise and aesthetic for outdoor spaces,” said Suzie Roberts, vice president and business manager for decorative fabrics for Glen Raven. “By promoting the outdoor room, we believe we can create growth opportunities for our retail specialty partners.”

Blake, president and creative director of Outdoor Interiors®, will work with specialty retailers to gain a better understanding of current best practices. At the same time, she will offer her assistance as a consultant and design authority focused on outdoor lifestyles.

“Specialty retail is the ideal venue for marketing the outdoor room to consumers,” Blake said. “The goal we share with patio stores is making this concept come to life through merchandising, visual displays and integration with the sales process. Our success will result in a more enjoyable shopping experience for consumers and opportunities for retailers to offer not just one or two products, but an entire lifestyle.”

Blake’s company, Outdoor Interiors®, is a full-service design firm specializing in creating outdoor environments, including her own collection, Outdoor Couture®. Through her company’s website, www.outdoorinteriors.com, Blake is the author of a blog, “http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/fabrics/retail-ol-ogy-distinctive-partitions/,” which also appears on www.sunbrella.com and offers merchandising and visual display recommendations. She is also a regular contributor to national consumer and trade magazines in the home segment and a sought-after speaker.

“Marcia’s design and merchandising talent, along with her love of the outdoors, will help elevate the specialty retail segment as a lifestyle destination,” said Hal Hunnicutt, vice president of marketing for Glen Raven.”

About Glen Raven

Glen Raven is a global provider of innovative fabric-based solutions, including its Sunbrella® brand of performance fabrics for awnings, furniture and marine applications. With operations on three continents, the company sells products in more than 130 countries worldwide. On the web at www.sunbrella.com

Color is inspirational, color is exciting and fun, and color is different things to different people. When designing outdoor rooms some people pick color to match their indoor décor while others pick color to match the outdoor landscaping. Some people pick color for fun and adventure and others to calm and to soothe.

One thing is for sure, color is important and powerful and if you are trying to sell outdoor furniture and accessories picking the right color can be very important. Color sells and the right color sells better.

It is important to take the time to evaluate what you are trying to accomplish in a particular space. Is it a prominent spot in your retail store or the major area of your backyard? Do you want to make a seamless transition from one location to another or do you want to startle, shock and ignite emotions of surprise?

Spend some time questioning what is important to accomplish in the space. Consider a few different color directions and ways of thinking, and then you will be able to make an educated decision when you finalize the color that you select.

This year Pantone has chosen a color that is courageous, optimistic and essential. A color for all seasons. Unlike the 2010 Pantone color of the year, Turquoise, which served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle, Pantone’s 2011 Color of the year, emboldens us to face everyday troubles with enthusiasm and spirit. Pantone says, “Honeysuckle is a dynamic, reddish pink, that is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become a part of everyday life.” Who doesn’t want a little bit of that in our lives?

What ever it is I am certain that you can find the right color for your outdoor living needs.

What is your favorite color for outdoors? Write a comment to let me know?

One of the most significant actions that you can undertake in business today is to differentiate yourself from your nearest rivals. Distinguish your company by articulating your core values and culture, and tell a compelling story. One way to accomplish this is through branding and another way is through visual representation / merchandising. It is imperative that you bring out the luxuriousness and romance of the products.

This same concept applies to everyone who is creating an outdoor living space. You want to set the mood for a gathering, whether it be just family and friends or a lavish party. In the same way that you set a table to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas or prepare for a New Years Eve extravaganza you need to design a plan, implement the objective and develop your story which will include, color, touch, form and artisanship.

Now is the optimal time to get underway. During the time that you are changing your floor layout from Holiday to spring or keeping warm inside your home while winter gives a demonstration of its power, devise your strategy. Do you want to add sparkle, warmth, sophistication, and style? Will the setting be contemporary, transitional, classic, old world, tropical, romantic or fun? Whichever style you want to emulate can be accomplished with preparation.

For store owners, you can choose to redesign your entire floor with individual vignettes set up to reflect the story behind the product. Or you can simply make a focal point in your store the main attraction by creating one dynamic vignette to capture your customer’s immediate attention. The key ingredient to any vignette is the story, once formulated you add the elements that will produce the desired impact.

The elements are the details that polish off the plot. One key feature is the fabric. Choose a color that enhances the story line as you consider texture and coordinates. Accompany the fabric selection with a fashionable outdoor area rug. Draw attention to a seating environment with decorative outdoor throw pillows and an outdoor throw blanket. Add a coffee table book relating to outdoor cooking and entertaining or of faraway places.

If you are creating a dining vignette, set the table with glassware and serve ware in the genre of the story. Add permanent botanicals inside and fragrant plants outdoors. Feature lighting in the form of an outdoor chandelier, table top candles or outdoor lamps.

Music will liven up any gathering so be selective as you reinforce the story. Wall décor and garden accents add the finishing touches.

Develop this space outside your home as you would inside. Don’t skimp on the finishing touches that create a perfect outdoor entertainment setting.

If you are a store owner these essential elements can be an additional add on sale item, if you choose to add another category, such as glassware, tabletop, area rugs, lighting, books, candles, bar ware, grill accessories, specialty food, serve ware, pillows, throw blankets, and fabric to your inventory. Or you can choose to purchase these accessories for individual vignettes that you either reuse or sell once the vignette is remodeled.

The key to distinguishing your company from your competition is to tell the story of why you are here and what can you offer. Communicating your mission statement visually will intensify your image.

Now while you may agree with the need to merchandise differently you may not have the imagination or ideas to execute this strategy. This is the time to hire a designer or creative buyer to accomplish this goal.

You want your customers, family or friends to have an emotional attachment to your store, vignette or outdoor living space, so they will desire to return over and over again.

For more ideas and suggestions or if you simply have a comment, join the discussion by leaving your thoughts below.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

By Guest Blogger: Vern Marker

Even in the toughest of economic times, having a beautiful home and yard is important to most home owners. Learn how to create a wonderful outdoor space easily.
If you are fortunate enough to have some amount of outdoor space around your home, you might be interested in learning how to create a lovely ambiance that is attractive and inviting to your family and guests. As economic uncertainties continue, taking advantage of low to no cost activities already available in your home begins to make more sense than ever.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is determine just what part of your property you would like to begin working on. If you’ve never attempted to redesign an outdoor space, the suggestion is to start small. Get a good feel of the work, time and expense involved. Once you have mastered a small space here and there, you will be eager to move on to larger projects.

Perhaps you are interested in creating a peaceful meditation area in or near your gardens. As you study the area where you’d like to develop, consider how to magnify and highlight the natural beauty in the evening hours with outdoor garden lighting. For very low cost, energy efficient lighting can provide visual warmth as it sets the stage for dramatic effects to be viewed from your sitting area.

One key to developing your lighting plan is to spend some time in your proposed area during the evening hours. If you can enlist the aid of a helper with some high powered flashlights, you’ll be able to direct them where to illuminate. Combine these simple actions with placement of some nondescript tea lights in paper bags and you can have fun while getting a real world view of how you might like to place your outdoor lighting.

Don’t like how some feature of your garden looks while illuminated? Have your helper shine the light elsewhere until you figure out the perfect scenario. If you’re really enjoying the tea light effects, perhaps you’ll want to install decorative stone steps from your sitting area down to the garden’s entrance.

Now perhaps you add some solar powered lights to accompany your stepping stone pathway, and you have a thing of beauty, both day and night.

Adding some lovely accent lighting to enhance the existing beauty of your meditation space might allow for effective contemplation. Whether you’re an early morning riser and still need some amount of illumination or prefer focusing in the late evening hours, when you add accent lighting for effect, you’re sure to create perfectly peaceful surroundings.

With some amazing overhead lighting available for quite reasonable prices, you can add a lovely chandelier to your space and transform it into the perfect outdoor reading room. Now you can get up at or before sunrise and spend time with your favorite book. Adding a simple dimmer switch provides you with all the power to control the brightness of your overhead lighting. As the sun increases available surrounding light, you can decrease your chandelier’s brightness.

In the evening as the sun fades into the horizon, your dimmer option allows you to gradually increase your lighting.

With so many folks looking to find ways to save money but still needing to be entertained and have places to go and recharge, taking the time and effort to transform your outdoor spaces just makes sense — both financial and common sense.

It’s really not very hard work, and the energy you expend to orchestrate your perfect outdoor ambiance will be returned to you many times over. What are you waiting for?

About the Author

Vern Marker is a writer on several different topics including home decorating. She is also well-versed in outdoor decorating, like installing security lights or landscape lights.

From my family to yours, wishing you every Happiness this Holiday Season and Prosperity in the New Year!

Whatever is beautiful,
Whatever is meaningful,
Whatever brings you happiness…
May it be yours this Holiday Season
and throughout the coming year!
Marcia

Hand crafted beautiful and comfortable aluminum casual furniture collections, which are inspired by a sophisticated yet casual sense of lifestyle, make up the Castelle collections by Pride Family Brands. For over 30 years, Pride Family Brands is an award winning design leader that manufactures the finest durable casual furniture, where highly skilled artisans craft each piece. The Pride Family Brand’s designers, mold makers and hand finishing artists provide the artistry and luxury that complete the collections.

As you plan your creation of a beautiful retreat, a place to enjoy and share, a reflection of you, consider the Pride Family Brand’s collections that are designed with the idea that your outdoor living space is just as important as your indoor living space. These collections are inspired by nature yet made of aluminum, hand painted, faux finished and hand polished to create deep hues and textures found in exotic and natural materials.

Castelle’s formal Renaissance dining set transports you to Old World Florence, Italy, and the Casablanca Crescent deep seating let’s you experience Morocco, just like Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

If you are looking for a traditional style, Jakarta cushion dining, Valencia deep seating and the Vienna collections will help you accomplish this.

Classic with a contemporary twist mixes traditional and modern styles, where curves combine with straight lines to focus on the simplicity and sophistication of the design. Rovello and the Grand Regent collections of deep seating and dining are transitional designs that are classic, timeless and clean.

If you are a casual furniture dealer any one of these Pride Family Brand’s collections will help you create a beautiful vignette to showcase in your store.

For homeowners, these outdoor furnishings are rich with details of lush settings and inspired destinations. Wouldn’t you like to sit in your very own backyard yet feel as if you are transported to an exotic location?

If you would like more information about these products leave a comment below or click on a photo and be transported to the Pride Family Brands website for additional information and a dealer near you.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

No matter where you live, this time of the year is cold. This morning I heard that its freezing in Miami, its snowing in Pennsylvania, its cold in the northeast and out west we are bundled up as well. Of course our temperature range of 40-60 degree weather may not seem cold to those of you who are experiencing much lower temperatures, but as they say its relative, because to those of us in California, the 40-60 degrees makes us turn up the heat, bundle up and gather round the fire.

Some of my fondest memories growing up are sipping hot chocolate around an open fire during an afternoon of ice-skating in northern New Jersey, roasting marshmallows for s’mores in an outdoor fire pit in Pembroke Pines, Florida, singing holiday carols gathered about an outdoor fire pit in Dallas, Texas, and wishing friends and family a happy new year as the snow falls and music plays as we come together in front of the fireplace outside of a condo in Park City, Utah. Coming together as we share the warmth of the fire whether inside or out is what creates these loving memories.

It doesn’t matter where you live or what the weather is, bundling up, snuggling close as you warm near the fire is an activity that you can share all year long. All you need is a fireplace, fire pit or fire feature. Of course a cozy Sunbrella® throw blanket is always a welcome feature.

There are many options to choose from, starting with the Contessa Fire Pit from O.W. Lee which stands at counter height on hand wrought detailed legs supporting a functional base for storage of a propane tank or fire pit logs. This image features a 54-inch Rainforest Hearth Top and the Herbal Tea Tumbled Glass hearth option.

Elegant glass door and hidden mountings encourage cozy warm enjoyment in front of dancing flames while the Morso 6100-series’ unique combustion system helps ensure a higher internal temperature for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly burn with a higher level of efficiency and good fuel economy.

Cyl, a cylindrical shaped tea light inspired fireplace from EcoSmart Fire, features a stainless steel base and a cylindrical glass surround made of toughened glass panels which embrace the flame.

There are many more options for you to choose from, just remember its never too cold to enjoy an outdoor fire feature unless of course you are in below zero weather. Then just gather round the fire indoors.

What are some of your favorite memories huddled around a fireplace in the winter? Write a comment and let me know.
These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

Decorating for the Holidays is not limited to inside your home. If you have an outdoor room or any outdoor living space it is a perfect opportunity to create a festive feeling, as you get ready for the holidays.

The first step is to decorate your front door, whether you are a homeowner or a business the front door is the first thing that greets your guests, so hang a large plush wreath over the front door, or green garland wrapped around the door frame. Add some bows for color as you welcome them inside.

As you enter my home you see a beautiful winding staircase with wrought iron railing that leads up to the 2nd floor, this is where I start my interior decorating. I hang green garlands along the decorative iron rails, add sparkling white lights, dress up the garlands with handmade bows made from gold glimmering ribbon at the top of each swag and add a special touch with a handmade fabric rag garland that adds a bit of color and nostalgia, by wrapping this around the swags of the garland all the way up the staircase.

If you are a storeowner, you can easily dress up your display with green garlands, bows and twinkling lights. Place these on railings in your store or along dividers amongst your vignettes.

As you move further into my home you are ushered into the living room, in here the marble fireplace and mantle are decked out with colorful wooden blocks wishing you a happy holiday, green garland and twinkling lights are draped over the mantle to frame the fireplace as its embers glow. The coffee table is a place to add a bowl of wonderfully aromatic pinecones and scented candles to create a romantic ambience.

Throughout your store, you can add garlands to your fireplace and fire pit displays, baskets of pinecones and scented candles to inspire memories of the holiday season.

The dining table has a holiday table runner, flowering centerpiece, candles and green garland wrapped around the chandelier.

Many outdoor furniture stores have numerous dining table displays, embellish a few tables with colorful Sunbrella Burgundy, Canvas Forest Green, Gold or Logo Red fabric, a table runner of fresh garland, and fill a row of glass hurricanes with matching candles.

The room where family and friends gather the most in my home is the family great room / kitchen. As you walk into these rooms the holiday spirit envelopes you in an atmosphere of cheer with the vibrant color, glowing tree and treasured keepsakes of the season. Once again the fireplace is framed in green garland, candles and personalized stockings, the television is not left out, it too has been adorned for the holiday. Tabletops are covered in decorative runners and cloths, candles and keepsakes.

Next family, friends and guests move outside to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit and comfort of the outdoor furniture. This is where I add decorative outdoor holiday throw pillows and a cozy Sunbrella throw blanket, flickering candles in glass lanterns, and fresh garland hangs from the covered pavilion. The outdoor table is draped in festive Sunbrella fabric as tea light candles glimmer.

If you have a gazebo, pavilion or outdoor room it is easy to add garland, pinecones, candles and twinkling lights to create the perfect mood for the holiday season.

Add some holiday tunes inside and out and you are ready to enjoy while you entertain during the holiday season.

A friend suggested a terrific idea to decorate for Thanksgiving, use the same holiday green garland, twinkling lights, add some raffia, colorful fall leaves and a few sprigs of cinnamon on your staircase.

Tell me how you decorate your outdoor room or casual living store for the holidays? Write a comment below….

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

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.

By Guest Blogger: Nicole Pierce

Rooftops, patios and sidewalks have become an ideal place to eat a great meal. Restaurant patrons line up outside to wait for patio seats even when empty tables are available inside the restaurant. It doesn’t matter if it’s humid, chilly or perfectly warm outside, people like to eat outdoors. Outdoor restaurant furniture expands seating arrangements, attracts passersby and is likely to encourage patrons to eat at your establishment on a nice day. Outdoor dining is also referred to as “Al-Fresco” dining which is Italian for “in the open air” and “in the cool” in Spanish. People enjoy being outside and being seen especially when they are at their favorite restaurant. Of course, bad weather can deter patrons from dining outdoors, but the perfect sized awnings, a covered patio or the convenience of table umbrellas can alleviate certain weather issues.

Purchasing quality patio furniture should be on every restaurant owners to-do- list. Whether you’re a part of a well-known franchise or an independent owner of a small restaurant, outdoor restaurant furniture will enhance your business. If you are concerned that outdoor restaurant furniture may be out of your budget, you may want to consider purchasing outdoor furniture during the off-season. Most outdoor furniture retailers drastically lower their prices during the fall to get rid of the inventory and prepare for next year.

Another good option is to purchase outdoor furniture from other restaurant owners who may be closing up shop or even getting rid of their furniture to buy more for next season. You’d be surprised at how many ads you’ll find for restaurants selling old furniture. In addition to restaurants, hotels are usually known to change furniture every so often. For small business owners, money is usually an issue when it comes to keeping up with the competition. Outdoor dining is known to create a better dining experience for your patrons encouraging them to patronize your business more often. Providing outdoor seating is always worth the investment.

It’s that time of the year again when the days are shorter and the weather is cooler. The perfect time for sitting around a fire pit or fireplace enjoying the warmth of the flames and the ambiance it creates. This past weekend I was up in Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Arizona with my husband, brother and sister in law. We stayed in a lovely lodge with private rustic cabins scattered on 10 acres of lush organic gardens and apple orchards. Each cabin has its own unique charm, with rustic comfy furnishings. My favorite was the porches with pretty views that invite bird watching and basking in the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon. This is a place of serenity a true getaway where you go to relax and recharge, taking home restored energy and peace.

In between hiking and the gourmet meals provided with some of the fresh vegetables from the garden, we sat on the porch reading and soaking in the beauty of nature surrounding us. Our porch faced an apple tree, an apricot tree, the organic gardens and the majestic red rock hills. I couldn’t think of a better way to refresh our psyche than to sit amongst nature and let it envelop us with a sense of well-being. After a 6-mile hike, we rested on chaise lounges situated outside each cabin to gather a few minutes of shuteye and rejuvenate our soul.

Before dinner the guests at the lodge would gather around picnic tables for cocktails to watch the sun go down. After dinner people came together around the fire pit to chat and relive the days events. The weather was pretty usual for early October in Sedona, mornings and evenings in the 60’s and daytime highs in the 80’s with a few scattered thunder and lightning storms. It really doesn’t matter what the temperature is nor the weather, people congregate outdoors. The hiking trails are filled with families, pets and friends, people picnic along a creek or trail, dogs and children splash through the water. Even in cooler months the outdoor environment is fully functional. Coming home relaxed and recharged for our daily activities is vital to our health and happiness. This is why outdoor living is so crucial in our lives. Whether we have a porch, balcony, outdoor room, fire pit, fireplace, pool or spa, there are areas outdoors that are just waiting for you to occupy. A rocking chair, a lounge chair, a bench, a swing, a table, a club chair or a sofa are perfect additions to help you enjoy life outside.

Don’t let the cooler weather or shorter days dissuade you from spending time outside, instead see where you can add a fire feature, a cozy throw a piece of furniture to encourage and revitalize the good things life has to offer.

These are my outside views… Tell me what you do and how you spend time outdoors to refresh your soul?
Marcia Blake

Whether or not you live along one of the many coastal shores of America, you can design your outdoor living room to make you feel as though you are sitting on the shoreline of the Great Lakes, the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, or the Gulf of Mexico with one of four new collections for this 2011 coming season since Lloyd Flanders has collaborated with the consumer magazine Coastal Living to create a collection of outdoor furniture designs made especially to express the comfort of coastal living across America. From the long-established coastal communities of New England, to the quaint towns along the west coast, and along the lake shores of the Midwest to the shorelines of the South these collections exemplify life along a coast. Wouldn’t you like to walk out of your home into a room that makes you feel the ocean breezes and soothing lifestyle of a coastal town?

The first collection Carmel is made of hand-woven vinyl wicker over durable aluminum frames. The Carmel Collection is designed on clean, open weaves with flared legs and island design elements. Carmel is a quaint town along the Northern Coast of California that is home to many painters, writers and musicians. I have visited this town many times over the past years and it always makes me slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. This Carmel design is whimsical and sophisticated and will bring out the artist in you.

The second collection Great Lakes is made from eco-friendly southern cypress, and provides a color range suggestive of sea glass, marsh grasses and beaches along the lake shore. Imagine being on the shoreline of Lake Michigan on a beautiful day.

The third collection Low Country is reminiscent of woven baskets constructed from the wholesome grass sprouting in the tidal valleys of the deep south. Hand woven vinyl wicker on seats and backs wrapped around durable aluminum frames and southern cypress table tops are represented in this new collection. Add some Southern culture to your outdoor living space with the many pieces in this collection.

Finally, the Savannah collection presents high back seating with wide arms in the characteristic Lloyd Loom wicker featuring relaxing coastal colors. So whether you want to create Southern easy living, rustic Southern urbanity, the classic charm of natures simple perfection or the quaint gracefulness of a mythical getaway Lloyd Flanders together with Coastal Living has designed the perfect casual furniture for you.

2011 looks to be a great year to design your perfect coastal outdoor living space, whether you live along the coast or not.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

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

Jeri Koegel’s Photography

As the weather continues to provide sunshine and breezes we are inclined to spend time outside. The style today is to bring everything outdoors- the sofa, chairs, dining table, kitchen, rugs, television, lamps, art, accessories and much more.

I recently worked with a few local designers, Audrey Duncan and Tony Tony Baldocchi of Think Design, who created a spectacular outdoor loggia. They designed a really great living space for entertaining and enjoying a quiet alfresco meal.

Audrey and Tony chose a beautiful damask fabric in Sunbrella Spa Blue and Bay Brown, they added piping and decorative throw pillows to enliven the sofa.

Jeri Koegel’s Photography

A weather resistant outdoor rug, along with Sunbrella outdoor drapes, well appointed accessories in front of a cozy fireplace brings the space to life.

Audrey and Tony added multiple center pieces of the O.W. Lee Rustic Garden deep seating collection to create an over sized sofa. The best part of this Rustic Garden collection is the ability to design a multitude of different shapes for an outdoor living space.

So sit back relax or entertain in an outdoor living space, while enjoying the natural elements.
These are my outside views…Marcia