Ah... Here Comes the Sun

It was a cold and stormy day. A passing rain cloud casts a shadow across Design Alliance and the temperature keeps falling. I zip up my jacket and think warm thoughts…

I see myself reclining in the sun on my “Summer Classics” all weather, synthetic wicker lounge, and as I look down at my legs I wonder, “Where did I get this fabulous tan?” Then, I turn to summon the cabana boy for another mojito and I realize I’m still at D.A. working and this was all just a rainy-day-dream.

Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

Daydreaming, ladies and gentlemen, is just one of the many benefits of outdoor furniture. Let’s face it.  We are in one of the most consistently “good weather” areas of the country and the best weather area in this state. Why shouldn’t we indulge in our wonderful weather?  Who better to create outdoor living areas than those who should—or can—go outside? Be it beach, mountain, desert or your own backyard, nature inspires us and evokes a sense of romance, so why not rejuvenate in your own private retreat?

Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

These are the questions designers need to ask their North County and San Diego clients. This carefree weather environment is our county’s best feature and its residents ought to take advantage of it. An outdoor room can add 200, 300 or even 500 square feet or more of living area as a fantasy design or a natural extension of an indoor space, with features like built-in kitchens, fireplaces, bars and video screens. There are countless outdoor furniture collections available today, each creating an environment by design. Help your client define what environment would best serve them. Do they need more room?  A tranquil place? Or do they need to get away? Once you choose a destination, let the designing begin!

As you know there are hundreds of choices in outdoor furniture available, so no matter what the situation is outside your client’s abode—terrace or decking, pergola, gazebo, covered porch, courtyard, walled patio or simply the dappled shade of the big tree in their backyard—there is a collection to fit their needs.

Companies we like are:

Photo courtesy of Ratana.

Ratana for its iron clad, weatherproof, resin weave collections. Designs primarily in the wicker or rattan “look,” but made of resin and a lot of imagination. Their unique, clean, contemporary collections really stand out. Bottom line: Ratana’s product line is full of styles you simply don’t see everywhere!

Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

Summer Classics: D.A.’s new favorite vendor! This beautiful, rich collection is versatile in the style and material mix, chosen to make each design statement sing. Using wicker, cane, rattan, teak wood, bamboo, cast iron and leather strapping for designs with spot on style. All pieces are made from weather resistant materials and look remarkably real. If you can’t find it, check out “Summer Classics.”

Photo courtesy of Lexington Home Brands.

Tommy Bahama Home: As a division of Lexington, a certain warmth and familiarity is evident throughout these exquisite designs from Tommy Bahama. The iconic styling of each collection shows a respect for the style’s integrity, right down to the indigenous natural materials used for table tops, chair legs and hand woven wicker. This collection is awesome. I’d be tempted to never let it outside—too pretty! But it’s made to withstand the elements in style.

Photo courtesy of Surya.

Outdoor Rugs we like for under the outdoor furniture collections: New to Design Alliance is Surya’s earthy, ethnic and interesting weaves. Coming soon, our new Surya display with 50+ new style samples! Another is Oriental Weavers’ large indoor/outdoor collection including some incredible Tommy Bahama patterns and the colorful, cool designs of Sphinx. Want to create your own? Try Creative Concepts from Capel—choose your field, choose your size and shape or specify your own custom dimensions, choose a border from over 100 fade-resistant fabric options or provide your own custom fabric and specify single, double or triple border—or no border at all.

Photo courtesy of Sunbrella.

Outdoor fabrics we like for the cushions and pillows: Sunbrella®. Duh…who doesn’t love a fabric that never fades! Check out the Sunbrella fabric lines from these vendors: Duralee: “Pavillon,” Kravet: “Soleil,” JF Fabrics: “Cabistyle,” Robert Allen: “Al Fresco” and Silver State. Plus, for rich traditional styling of quality indoor/outdoor fabric see Perennials “Uncorked.”

Okay Designers, what else do you need? You have access to the newest outdoor furniture, vibrant sunbrella fabrics, cool and stylish rugs and the PERFECT WEATHER CLIENT—a potential revenue stream you shouldn’t let pass you by. Outdoor living is the future.

Wait, I know what you need—some sales techniques for the big pitch on outdoor furniture!

How about a seat at our first D.A. "Lunch and Learn" Outdoor Furniture: The Next Design Frontier by the fun-to-watch Jim Warnock, sales rep for Summer Classics.

Thursday March 6, 2014 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Click here to register

Hope to see you in class.