Redefining Outdoor Furniture

While checking out vendors online, I came across a unique line of outdoor furnishings that surprised me.  Most furniture I find is pretty contemporary in style and the colors tend to be a bit bland.  These outdoor offerings by Polart are surprisingly traditional with a selection of colors so fun, they are reminiscent of a box of crayolas. They're made of plastic and are certified to withstand humidity, cold, corrosion, extreme temperatures, hot water, colorfastness to light, and weathering.

They are also covered in Sunbrella fabric, making them fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, tear and abrasion resistant, scratch resistant, and water repellent.  What makes Sunbrella fabrics special is the fact that they are solution dyed, meaning that the color is added to the fibers while they are being produced.  In conventional fabrics, the color is applied after the fabric is already woven, whereas with the Sunbrella, the color is actually within the yarns so when it is spun together it becomes part of the fabric itself.  Check out the photos below to see some of the highlights of the line.

    

Head over Heels for Trellis Prints

Trellis prints have become increasingly in demand over the past couple of years, as they lend a feel of polished elegance to any space.  This geometric print can range from simple diamond patterns to complex interweaving lines and has a timeless appeal.  It seems that every manufacturer has their own take on the popular print.  Below are some of my current favorites: 

"Imperial Trellis" - Color: Silver - By Schumacher - (Available to the trade)

We all have a favorite type of pattern that we seem to go back to again and again, whether it be florals, stripes, or even animal print.  For me, the moment I saw Kelly Wearstler's "Imperial Trellis" for Schumacher, it was love at first sight.  This print is so versatile, with its ability to fit in the most traditional setting to the most contemporary one, depending on the colorway.  With its availability as a fabric or wallpaper, the possibilities seem endless, whether making a statement on walls, covering a pillow, or acting as an accent on a ceiling.     

Here, Schumacher's "Imperial Trellis" is seen in the "Trelliage" colorway and once again used as a wallpaper.  This entryway, belonging to Chloe Sevigny, is a perfect example of how the pattern can be used to add a real pop of drama to any space, large or small.

SBK19991 - Antonina Vella Collection - Dolce Vita - By: Seabrook Wallcoverings - (Available to the trade)

This Seabrook print is a more budget-friendly version that I often recommend to those who love the trellis look.  With its gracefully curving lines and stark background, it adds an element of crispness to any space.

"Pergola" - Color: Raspberry - By Clarke and Clarke - (Available to the trade through Duralee Fabrics in the US)

This chic wallpaper print by the U.K. based Clarke and Clarke, makes quite an impression.  It comes in 9 colorways, from the subdued, to the more unexpected shades of raspberry (shown), teal, and grape.  How fun!   

"Xu Garden" -  Color: 505 - By: Windsor Smith for Kravet - (Available for to the trade)  

The Windsor Smith fabric collection for Kravet is a must have for any lover of the trellis look.  It comes in a variety of colorways, including yummy candy-colored pastels, to sumptuous navy blue.  The variety of scales within the collection are great: offering plenty of different options for any project you may be working with.  Even better yet; one of her graphic trellis prints is offered as an outdoor fabric with a stain repellent softened finish.