ELEMENTS

Outdoor Comfort

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

LEFT: The Ria collection, created by the Italian company, Fast, is constructed of vibrant sturdy colored rope, waterproof fabrics, and a painted aluminum frame. Shown in olive green. fastspa.com

RIGHT: This Italianmade outdoor garden table is crafted by Fast. Pictured in aluminum, with ceramic stoneware top, which is harder than granite, fireproof, UV and heat resistant. fastspa.com

s the weather warms, it’s exciting to finally uncover the patio furniture, take the cushions out from storage, and ready the grill for steaks. Great outdoor furniture brings not only function, but great beauty and comfort to your outdoor living area. Your indoor rooms are brought to the great outdoors. Outdoor furniture brings your dining and entertaining experience outside and the beauty of the blue sky becomes your ceiling. The long-awaited debut of last season’s outdoor furniture however, may reveal they are not in guest-ready shape. If you start shopping, you will quickly discover, there are a lot of choices, which can be a bit overwhelming with all the materials, styles, and designs available. Consider these helpful tips to help navigate through the sea of considerations.

The Opal collection by Jensen Outdoor dazzles with beauty in any landscape. The transitional lines are subtly decorative and the 100% FSC-certified Ipe wood, impervious to water, conserves our forests. jensenoutdoor.com DEFINE YOUR LIFESTYLE

The first step in identifying the right furniture is to think about how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you want to eat meals on your deck, or relax by a fire on your patio? Will you entertain large groups or host smaller, more intimate gatherings? Your answers to these questions will help you determine the next step.

MATERIAL SELECTION

When you’re shopping for furniture, choose easy-care materials and pieces that complement the look of your landscape and architecture of your home.

Natural Woodis sturdy and comfortable, but it will require regular maintenance and preservative treatments for weather and UV protection. Choose weather-resistant woods like redwood, teak, Ipe, and cedar, which require less maintenance.

Rattan and Wickerare natural materials that provide a casual, comfortable look for your deck, but they will require weatherproofing every few years. Synthetic rattan and wicker have a resin finish that will last a lot longer.

Steel and Wrought Ironare extremely sturdy and will need cushions for comfort. They’re

A mix of traditional and contemporary design, Cape Town by Lane Venture, offers deep comfortable seating and a high back. This sectional boasts a wheat color finish, Harvest, and looks like natural wicker. laneventure.com

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ABOVE: This Berkeley grouping by Castelle, with elegance and strength, offers an attractive mid-century design of durable cast and extruded aluminum. The carved wood look will complement any outdoor décor. castellefurniture.com

RIGHT: The Fast Mosaiko collection of modular coffee tables is a series of five different shapes and sizes to be used in clusters or stand-alone. Available in multiple aluminum colors from Pearl Gold to Green Tea. fastspa.com great for the outdoors, but will need to be painted or treated periodically with a weatherproof finish to prevent rust.

Aluminum, Plastic and PVCmaterials are rustproof, lightweight, inexpensive and easy to maintain with a little soap and water. However, because of their lightweight construction, they may need to be secured in high winds and storms.

No matter how weather proof the furniture is, you’ll want to store it over the winter to expand its lifespan. Consider the room you have for storage before you make a purchase. Also, try before you buy if possible. Sit in the chairs and try putting the umbrella up and down a time or two to make sure you like the comfort and usability.

LOOK FOR QUALITY

When you’re shopping, don’t assume that price is the best indicator of quality. So how can you tell what good quality furniture looks like?

Finish Consistency,ifwood, should be smoothly sanded and free of flaws, even in hidden spots, such as the underside of the tabletop. Painted metals should have a uniform finish. Wicker shouldn’t be unraveling or loosely wound on the frame. For metal, check for tight and well-fitted joints of the metal welds, which should be fairly smooth. Make sure metal has no bare, unpainted areas or rust spots.

ACCESSORIZING

Outdoor living spaces, like their indoor counterparts, are greatly enhanced with color, textures and accessories. Cushions and throw pillows provide stylish comfort for lounging, encouraging your guests to linger. Purchase products made especially for outdoor use so they will hold up well under the elements. Two popular material options are solution-dyed acrylic and spun polyester as they resist moisture, mildew and staining.

The long-awaited debut of last season’s outdoor furniture however, may reveal ”they are not in guest-ready shape.

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Most fabrics designed for outdoor use will also resist fading. Cushions with vents for air circulation will dry more quickly after spring and summer showers. Create an extra cozy lounging space with the addition of an outdoor carpet. Personal style and preference will be your guiding factors when selecting color palettes. Again, consider your landscape and the architecture of your home. Bright, colorful patterns will offer energy day and night on the patio. Neutral, subdued tones will create a relaxed, contemporary, and clean look.

A GOOD INVESTMENT

Quality outdoor furniture is a good investment — make informed decisions. Take your time to weigh the various materials and products available so you and your guests can enjoy summer in the comfort and beauty of the outdoor rooms you create.

ABOVE: In grand outdoor dining style, Jensen Outdoor brings the Topaz collection. Created by award-winning Italian designers, the sleek lines and chic allure combined with the unbridled strength of Ipe timber will guarantee lasting memories. jensenoutdoor.com

TOP: Perfect for an outdoor sitting room, the Aikana collection has modular elements with a frame of extruded aluminum. These indoor-outdoor frames come in multiple colors from Pearl Gold to Iron Gray, with a plethora of colors in weather-proof cushions and pillows.

Relaxation reaches a whole new level with the Coral collection by Jensen Outdoor. Danish designer Povl Eskildsen brings a transitional handwoven design of environmentally friendly materials. So beautiful coupled with chocolate brown Ipe timber, you’ll use it indoors and out. jensen outdoor.com

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