Editor’s Picks

An outdoor oasis isn’t complete without a proper centerpiece and this firepit fits the bill. Ideal for casual gatherings, entertaining and quiet nights, this gorgeous bowl design features an efficient burner system to pair functionality with a lasting design.

AD PRO noted one of the hottest outdoor trends isn’t about the heat, it’s making outdoor living possible year-round. For consumers that desire four-season outdoor living, there are plenty of solutions to make the experience comfortable—from fire pits and built-in fireplaces to shading and screening systems that combine ease of use with practicality.

“Historically, patio spaces were used mostly during warm summer months, but increasingly those outdoor spaces are being designed for year-round use or at least three-season use,” noted Kevin Anderson, product and marketing manager at Insolroll. While protection from the sun’s heat and glare remain top priorities, some of the newest shading systems help keep the heat in. Insolroll’s Oasis 2900 is a prime example: a retractable patio shade that provides heat retention in colder months, along with protection from insects, heat and glare when it’s warm.

The right shading or screening solution can extend the usability of an outdoor living space by several months, noted Clint Childress, director of residential markets at Draper. For example, the company’s FlexShade ZIP can turn a roofed patio or pergola into a screened enclosure, “keeping out insects, maintaining comfortable temperatures and protecting occupants from rain and weather,” he said.

Of course, year-round outdoor living demands shading and screening systems that keep out the elements, including sun, glare, wind, rain and those troublesome bugs! Perhaps that’s why Serge Ferrari’s top sellers include Soltis mesh fabrics suitable for zip screens, tensile shades and interior shades. One standout is Soltis Proof W88, a waterproof translucent material for awnings and canopies that allows up to 21% of natural light to shine through while blocking out heat, rain and glare, Fryc said. At Mermet, outdoor fabrics for retractable solar screens, roller shades and zipper systems can block up to 99% of UV rays, yet still provide a crisp, clear view, Bridwell said.

Bring a beachy vibe to your backyard setup with a weather-friendly handmade wicker pendant. Each one is custom-made, so just as in life, embrace the slight imperfections that lend character.

Take the creepy out of the crawlies with these beautiful indoor-outdoor throw pillows that have the added benefit of being machine-washable. The thick woven tapestry textured fabric can work with neutral colors or on its own as a statement piece.

Brown Jordan’s weather-resistant chaise luxes up your lounging with countless fabric options and bamboo patterns on the base, arms, back and tapered legs. Added wheels help you easily adjust your location to find the perfect sun spot or natural lighting for a page-turning experience.

Consumers increasingly look to their outdoor living spaces to do more, creating separate and distinct spaces with different functions and equipping them with all the creature comforts it takes to make this home base a draw.

AD PRO’s forecast reported that the timeless appeal of dining alfresco got a big boost during the pandemic, creating a welcome respite from the day-in and day-out of eating at home. Now, outdoor food preparation has evolved from a simple grill to full-fledged kitchens sporting high-end appliances, pizza ovens, wine chillers, beer fridges and more. Homeowners are requesting better lighting for easier cooking after dark, outdoor cabinetry built to withstand the elements and designs that mimic their indoor kitchens.

Complementing these dazzling outdoor kitchens are separate spaces for equally important functions: a dining area that seats many guests, small conversation spaces, larger areas for hosting parties, a cozy hideaway and plenty of space for a rousing game of cornhole or pickle ball.

The more we ask of our outdoor living spaces, the more important it is to incorporate functional shading and screening solutions that suit each use. Sol-Lux retractable lateral arm awnings are one great example.

“The fully enclosed cassette systems protect the awning and its components from the elements when not in use, and the

Watermelon Mint Mocktail Total time: 5 minutes • Yield: 1 mocktail

INGREDIENTS:

■ 2 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish

■ Ice

■ ¾ cup watermelon juice (see Tip at right)

■ ½ cup club soda

■ Small slice watermelon for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Mash

TIP:

To cassettes enable the awning to nest tastefully on the side of any building,” Mayer explained. The new Sol-Lux Freedom awning uses a battery-powered solar charging system that allows it to be placed anywhere, without the constraints of installing a hard-wired power source.

With resort-worthy pools gracing many backyards, cabanas are all the rage, requiring shading or screening systems that protect against the elements and provide a clear view of the landscape. To accomplish both, designers are specifying ultra-wide openings—and manufacturers like Rollease Acmeda are responding with solutions like the Wire Guide and Zipscreen outdoor shades, which range up to 23 feet in width.

When a small seating area or secluded nook needs a little relief from the sun, homeowners are turning to versatile options like the Helux umbrella from Current Luxury. The industry’s first motorized solar umbrella, it’s part of an innovative line that includes a cafe umbrella version and a coordinating table, according to Ed Slatton, vice president of sales and marketing.

With demand for these projects soaring and advanced options continually emerging, the outdoor living trend is clearly here to stay. And that’s good for consumers and the industry.

“This is a huge opportunity—not only for homeowners to maximize their living space, but also a major business opportunity for retailers to move beyond the windows of a home,” said Childress. Mayer agrees: “Other regions, namely Australia, have similar lifestyle and design preferences, and we fully expect to see that direction become realized in the U.S. and Canada.”

And though the economic environment might seem a constraint, in some ways it’s a boon for outdoor living. “Aside from all the amazing possibilities of expanding your living space, homeowners are also concerned about rising energy costs,” noted Anderson. “Cooling down outdoor spaces and installing shade products on the outside of windows is more effective at reducing the temperature in the house as it stops the heat before it hits the glass.”

Slower home sales also might keep the outdoor living momentum going. “I think outdoor products will become a huge focus as home sales have slowed, with people investing in where they live and maximizing their outdoor experience,” Slatton said.

No matter the goal, it’s evident that consumers are eager to create outdoor spaces that reflect how they live. With an increasing variety of choices, there’s no limit! V

Outdoor spaces can’t just look good; they need to brave the weather too. Thanks to design and production advancements, homeowners have countless options that can withstand whatever nature brings.

Many outdoor textiles incorporate characteristics that make them suitable for the rigors of outdoor life.

“Our outdoor fabrics offer high abrasion results, are fade-resistant, soap- and water-cleanable for daily living, and bleach-cleanable for more stubborn stains,” Knight said, adding that the outdoor vinyl is treated to reduce heat buildup and outdoor trimmings are fade-resistant. The Mermet Natte line of textiles uses a fiberglass core that’s resistant to harsh elements, making it less likely to need a dealer service call. And, according to Dooley, “All Sunbrella fabrics are woven with our proprietary Color to the Core technology, ensuring each fiber of every yarn is saturated to the core with UV-stable pigments for long-lasting, fade-proof beauty.”

Advanced shading and screening options are up to the challenge too. Rollease Acmeda’s Zipscreen is made to withstand high winds and incorporates highperformance materials like marine-grade 316 stainless steel, making it ideal for coastal homes. Similarly, Sol-Lux uses 6060-grade aluminum extrusions and zincplated components on its awnings, designed to withstand extreme exposure. The acrylic fabrics are marine-grade, tested against the harshest elements and the awning automatically closes if the onboard sensors detect a chance of wind damage. Draper makes sure its solutions can face the wind, too, putting its FlexShade ZIP through rigorous wind tunnel testing.

Durability is even a must for shading and screening systems in adjacent indoor spaces. Norman’s manufacturing techniques and processes make its products “more resilient against natural elements that can degrade window treatments over time, such as warping due to heat or color fading from long periods of sunlight and UV exposure,” Tran explained.

And while it’s not always visible, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to keep these solutions looking good and working well.

“Features like welded edges on the fabric panels on our patio shades may not be obvious at first glance, but our weld significantly improves the durability of the shade fabric and extends the life of the shade,” Anderson said. Current Luxury uses a fiberglass framework, powder-coated aluminum rods and yarn-dyed canopy fabrics to preserve color on its Helux umbrellas, while Serge Ferrari uses patented, exclusive Precontraint technology for dimensional stability, stretch resistance and protection against UV degradation. V