Warm weather calls for outdoor rooms - Your Life

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), May, 2003

Following a winter spent snuggled inside their homes, consumers are ready to move outside for warm-weather relaxing, entertaining, and just plain fun. What better way to enjoy exterior spaces than by creating a fully equipped outdoor room?

"There's never been a better time to redo your backyard," suggests Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. "Manufacturers are offering a variety of fabulous exterior furnishings and accessories, and many of these feature exceptional functionality to meet your outdoor needs. It's now possible to have all the comforts of interior spaces on your porch, patio, or deck, or even in your yard."

Many of the new outdoor furniture selections are so ample and luxurious they could easily be mistaken for indoor furniture. Soft, supple fabrics are embellished with rich cords, welts, fringe, and ropes. "These new fabrics are unbelievable," she notes. "New technology has allowed them to have the desired soft touch, yet they offer the durability needed for outdoors."

Among other key trends in outdoor furniture are the following:

Big is in. Dining groups are designed for seating a crowd. Tables are often several feet long and can comfortably accommodate 12 people. Many dining chairs are wider, with higher backs for additional comfort.

Conversation groups. These low seating arrangements--higher than a cocktail table, but lower than a dining table--are also referred to as chat groups. They are ideal for the casual lifestyle of the outdoors and are perfect for serving beverages and hors d'oeuvres, playing cards, or just enjoying a conversation.

Alternative tabletops. Traditional glass is being replaced by materials such as tumbled marble, mosaics, tile, stone, granite, slate, and punched metal.

Elevated dining groups. These high seats and tables are designed so that you can more easily enjoy the beautiful view over the rail on a deck or balcony. Also popular are elevated bars with barstools for casual entertaining.

Earth tones. Colors of nature are widely popular this year. Look for shades of brown such as khaki, bronze, and rust on frames and covers. Also making a fashion statement are black and silver, as well as black combined with teak.