This year the outdoor fabrics that are vying for the coveted prize of the Design Excellence Award at the International Casual Furniture & Accessory Show next month in Chicago are from well known companies, Sunbrella, Outdura & JANUS et Cie.

Splendor Fiesta
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics / Sunbrella

Vibe Earthen
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics / Sunbrella

Chloe Cream/Black
JANUS et Cie

Avant Garden Collection
Shuford Mills / Outdura

French Twist Collection
Shuford Mills / Outdura

Let me know which fabric you would vote for to receive the Design Excellence Award by leaving a message / comment below.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

When designing an outdoor living space you should take into consideration the surrounding materials. In the photo above you will see the red brick accenting the outdoor living space, therefore, a natural choice for outdoor furniture is wrought iron or aluminum in a dark powder coating. Accenting the furniture with beautiful Sunbrella® fabric that has the same coloration as the brick is the key to unifying this space.

Another aspect of the outdoor room are the embellishments, such as plants and table top accessories. In this outdoor setting dark leafed plants accent the pots surrounding the seating area.

Another design element are the outdoor throw pillows, in this case the Outdoor Couture® by OW Lee® throw pillows on the bench seating are fabricated with the same Sunbrella® fabric found on the cushions of the rocking club chairs and the dining chairs, once again unifying this space.

A few feet away within the very same property, there is a lovely pool that has vibrant blue pool tiles. These are the surrounding features that you should consider when purchasing furniture for the pool area.

Here the homeowner chose to highlight the blue water and the dark blue tile which accents the pool with white wood furniture and blue fabric on the dining chair cushions.

The cool blue water of the pool requires outdoor furniture to be cool and blue. This is why white is such a perfect choice. It makes you feel as if you are living on the coast whether you are or are not.

Adding soft blue flowers in a vase with silver lanterns for candles enhances this outdoor table around the pool.

On one side off the pool is the gazebo where the homeowner chose a Bistro Bar height table in white wood with beautiful blue cushions to add to the usable seating space surrounding the pool.
The final accessory is the white and blue outdoor rug that brings the whole design together. This accessory is the focal point of this particular setting.

So as you can see within the very same property different materials and furniture are utilized to make the most of the outdoor living spaces.

Always consider the surrounding aspects of the yard when choosing furniture, fabric and accessories.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

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.

Backyardcity Awnings

There are many things that my husband and I evaluate when we are purchasing a new home, one is the location, another is the view and an important consideration is the exposure. Outdoor Living is essential to our lives, so the exposure will affect our ability to spend time outside. When the front of a home faces east, the back naturally faces west. Having a western exposure has its positive and negative aspects. Watching the colors in the sky change as the sun sets is a beautiful benefit, while the late afternoon sun and heat can be a disadvantage on a hot summer day.

The addition of awnings over westward facing windows add flair as well as protection. There are so many colors of awning grade that can accent or blend with the decor. Awning hardware can be Old World and Tuscan inspired or sleek and modern. A motorized awning sits idle up against the building or home and will transform the space when it is fully extended.

Sunbrella® fabric

Backyardcity Awning

Even the eastern exposure will need protection from the early morning sun for a few hours. Adjustable awnings are the perfect solution for this space. When needed the awning can be extended and when the sun has moved over the house and shade is no longer necessary the awning can be placed back in its resting position. Just as a tilting umbrella or a pop up structure provide shade as the sun moves around the earth, awnings furnish cover in appropriate places, they create outdoor living rooms that are sheltered from direct sunlight. Al fresco living is energizing to the body and soul just as the sun supplies much needed sustenance to plants and fauna in our environment.

Tuscan Old World Style Awning

Now homes with less desirable exposures can become more appealing with a Sunbrella awning. Add value to a home or even a commercial setting as you add design, color and useful protection from the elements.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

Courtesy of Platinum Home Staging & Connie Tebyani

The principles of Home Staging are to design a style that prospective buyers can visualize themselves living in. This allure accentuates the best qualities of the home. The space must be pleasant and welcoming, while innocuous enough to appeal to individuals who may or may not share the similar distinctive style.

Let’s draw an analogy connecting home staging and a theatrical stage. When not in use a theatrical stage is void of props and scenery, the stage lacks appeal and seldom justifies a second glimpse. Once the set designers have performed their magic, the space comes alive and sets a “scene” for the observer. Whether luring, stimulating or calming, the primary intention is to trigger a responsive reaction and an association to that distinct space. Much like home staging which focuses on improving a property to make it appeal to the largest number of buyers by transforming it into a welcoming, appealing, and attractive product for sale, according to Wikipedia.

Just as your home never gets a second chance to make an extraordinary first impression, neither does your showroom floor. A home must stand out amongst the vast amount of homes on the market. Selling your home, is in fact, selling a product. Properly executed staging leads the eye to the attractive features and focal points of the home in the same way that staging a space on your showroom floor will be inviting, memorable and stand out amongst the competition.

Photo Courtesy of Rick from SkyViewPix.com & Platinum Home Staging & Connie Tebyani

“While the competition continues to be fierce in today’s market, homeowners must take the necessary steps in order to make their home stand out from the others.” says RISMedia. “Staging your home before listing it on the market is a crucial step that many homeowners overlook.” The same can be said for the casual furniture business. It is no surprise that competition is fierce today, therefore, store owners should take the necessary steps to make their showroom stand out from the others.

RISMedia, the leader in real estate information systems, reports that the general public is enamored with reality television and home staging is part of the appeal. Currently home staging captivates mainstream media with eight shows on HGTV that are devoted to the process of preparing a house for sale. In a survey conducted by Staged Homes, once a home was staged it sold up to 20 times faster than its un-staged counterpart.

This is why it is so important not only to “Stage to Sell” but it is equally as important to “Stage to Buy”. You want to make a sensational first impression as soon as your customer steps through your front doors. For that reason the very best place to Stage a setting is within steps of your entrance. You want to capture attention, create subliminal, physiological and emotional responses to encourage a customer to purchase your products.

Rick from SkyViewPix.com & Connie Tebyani Platinum Home Staging

Use current trends that bring charm and invite warmth to outdoor living and entertaining as you design this space. 2009 Color trends like the strong, vibrant, yellow with orange undertones is an optimistic color which is uplifting in view of the current state of the economy. You can utilize this color as an accent, a pop of color in pillows, artwork, accessories or as a cushion on a piece of furniture. You can mix and match timeless florals, paisleys, traditional stripes, and ikat patterns to inspire a soothing, dazzling, vibrant, or quintessential experience that expresses comfort and a casual style that is timeless yet today.

The first step is to start by defining the space, either by using an outdoor living Pergola, a Bungalow by E-Z UP, a Gazebo or a unique outdoor area rug.

The second step is to add a focal point to this space, a water feature, a fireplace or fire pit, an outdoor plasma television set, or a chefs kitchen.

The third step requires that you choose a color to use that is a currently a leader in design trends. Splash the color around the setting for optimum effect.

The forth step is to select the casual furniture pieces that you want to showcase, then place them inside the structure or on the rug to highlight its qualities. If you are displaying a dining set, make certain to set the table lavishly. Use place mats, dishes, glassware, silverware and a centerpiece to embellish the table. Flowers, candles, vases, pottery, plants and lanterns are wonderful accessories to add to the setting. Make it different than anything you see elsewhere. This will attract the attention and interest of your customers. If you choose a deep seating collection under a pergola, start with an area rug, arrange the furniture in a pleasing manner, one that the observer can envision in their own home, or in an untraditional arrangement to inspire new possibilities for the customer. Accessorize the set with throw pillows, throw blankets, outdoor drapes, and all of the finishing touches that will make your store stand out from your competition.

Courtesy of Tanya Griffin The Shaping Spaces Group

The fifth step is to light up the vignette in a unique way such that it stands out amongst the rest of the collections on your showroom floor. Add music to touch another sensory cord.

Lastly, renew, refresh and redesign this “Staged to Buy” setting several times through the year to capitalize on all of the products that you sell.

Remember home staging is an effective means to attract sales. Follow these steps in your casual furniture store or a home for sale or a furniture store to incorporate tried and true tactics to stimulate your customers to buy.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

On a recent walk around my neighborhood, I noticed a few wonderful outdoor seating areas in front and on the sides of homes. Some of these cozy seating spots have a punch of color and some do not. This first photo shows a beautiful white swing with colorful flowers and a flowery throw pillow, it is just calling out for someone to sit and swing.

This next porch has a lovely seating space with a few club chairs and side table. The outdoor fabric coordinates very nicely with the brick on and around the house.

I love this decorative iron bench, however, I would like to see some colorful cushions and throw pillows adding that special soft touch to complete the space.

This seating area includes an aluminum bench. The scrolled cushion has matching throw pillows that add the finishing touches. I love all of the pots with plants scattered about.

Take a walk around your home to see if there is a space that you can use to create a cozy spot, there are many choices of benches, swings, and chairs to design your space. Of course there are many outdoor fabrics to choose from to transform an ordinary space into a spectacular one.

Send me your photos of porches and benches, let me see what you have created. mblake@outdoorinteriors.com

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!

Adding dimension to your outdoor patio surface is easy with the addition of stamped or textured concrete. Stamped concrete can be imprinted to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile or wood. This process is very durable and looks authentic. Another option is to texture the concrete with exposed aggregate or a rock salt finish.

If you already have an existing concrete surface you can resurface the concrete with a stampable overlay, so that any of the textures can be created on the surface of the existing concrete.

For more information about stamped and textured concrete surfaces check out http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/stamped_concrete/

Once you have the surface complete, add the finishing touches with decorative outdoor furniture and accessories and enjoy outdoor living!

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

Content provided by www.ConcreteNetwork.com

The weather is warming up and it’s time to spend more hours outside. The line between the indoors and outdoors is blurring as you and your guests spill outside from your interior great room. When designing an outdoor living space it is always fun to utilize a touch of indoor style and unify the space by adding outdoor drapes, pillows and rugs to complete the look. You can mix and match chandeliers and old antiques outdoors especially in the outdoor dining areas. Don’t be afraid to select fabric for patio cushions and accessories that reflect the indoor appearance, the use of color, pattern, and texture in fabrics is an excellent way to reflect the indoor space.

Using the interior color as a guide will help you decide whether you want to create an outdoor living space in harmony with the indoors or in contrast to the interior. Whichever way you choose, you will begin with the colors that are currently present in and around your home.

Creating a focal point such as a fountain, fireplace, fire pit, gazebo or pavilion will encourage your friends and family to spend quality time together. Or choose an existing focal point to strategically place some very comfortable deep seating arrangements or a spectacular dining area. Sometimes colorful outdoor art or an outdoor rug is your focal point. If this is the case, utilize the colors found in the artwork or rug to embellish your outdoor room. Select multiple coordinating fabrics and trims for use on the outdoor drapes, pillows and cushions in colors and textures, line the drapes with outdoor sheer fabric so that they look good from both views.

Outdoor Interiors

Outdoor furniture and accessories get their design and color signals from the traditional and fashionable interior décor. This season shades of red are being tossed into the outdoor room. Different hues of orange are spicing up the outdoor spaces while brightening up our mood. Nature inspires the addition of colors in the outdoor room such as tranquil blue, herbal green and cheerful yellow. Look for the hints of turquoise, the 2010 Pantone color of the year.

HomeCrest Divano Collection

If you live near the water, blue will make you feel good, add a bit of chocolate brown, some beige and you will create a tranquil space. In urban areas, yellow and grays are cheering up the outdoors.

Patio Renaissance Odessa Collection

In addition to adding color in the outdoor furnishings and accessories, choose colorful flowering plants to accent containers scattered throughout the outdoor living space. Place these on the dining table, coffee table, next to a club or lounge chair. Accent the outdoors with all different shapes and sizes of colorful outdoor throw pillows and a plush outdoor rug that will finish off the outdoor setting. Umbrellas also come in many sizes, shapes and colors that can coordinate or contrast the outdoor living space.

NorthCape International Tybee Collection

Mix and match materials in these outdoor settings, juxtapose wrought iron with glass, steel with terra cotta, wood against woven components, soft chenille textures and linear lines to get a new twist on an old world style.

Outdoor living is at its best when nature dazzles the eye and nurtures the soul. Create your perfect casual environment outside and enjoy.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

As we spend this Memorial Day together with family and friends, let’s take a moment to commemorate the soldiers lives that were lost in the pursuit of our freedom. Say a special prayer and thank all of the men and women who fight everyday to ensure America’s freedom!!

Hug your children tight, tell your parents that you love them, cherish your brothers and sisters and be Thankful that we live in such a wonderful place, America and have the privilege to choose our friends.

As Lee Greenwood sings:

“I thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men & women who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.”

Happy Memorial Day!!