trend spotting
An insider’s look at what’s hot for 2011
Comfort equals joy It’s simple: if your want to relax, you need to feel comfortable. For most of us, that means a cushy place to stretch out, a temperature that’s enjoyable and enough privacy to feel content. Patio heaters and fireplaces don’t just add warmth to an outdoor room—they add style. Today’s versions run on propane and look more like fire-breathing coffee tables than they do fire pits. Many, such as the one featured here, have slate tops and hidden control panels. What they all come with is built-in convenience—an instant campfire feel, minus the smoke, ashes and concerns about flying sparks. However, just as with any fire, be sure to manage the height of the flames to ensure added safety. Canopies and screens create shade, privacy and the structure we associate
with the indoors. Free-standing gazebos, canopied decks and vine-covered trellises all create shelter and protection from the elements. Cushions and comfortable seating are just as important in outdoor rooms as they are in indoor ones. And therein lies the golden rule: the key to decorating an outdoor space is to approach it as you would any indoor room. Choose furniture that’s comfortable, durable and in scale with the space, and make as many of those pieces as possible work double duty. Bench seating and hinge-topped coffee tables are great for storing blankets, board games, etc. Resin furniture is, of course, ideal for handling the rain, but if you have an enclosed spot, opt for fabrics and other indoor textiles. They create that extra comfort that transforms outdoor spaces into rooms.
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