oday enjoying outdoor spaces has taken
on its own persona with the creation
of the Outdoor Room. Although not
entirely a new concept, Outdoor Rooms
have recently grown in popularity and
encompass furnishings for maximizing
use and enjoyment. From outdoor art to all-weather
rugs, creating Outdoor Rooms is all the rage. Cur­
rent buzz words like "cocooning" or "stay-cationing",
coupled with the rise in gas prices, point to the popu­
larity of a trend to inhabit, dress and enjoy the spaces
outside our back doors.
T
For some, outdoor living by design can be accom­
plished simply. For the true enthusiast of the outdoor
room concept, it is a conscious decorating investment.
With quality furnishing, styles
not only create the maximum
in relaxation comfort, but are
built for optimum lifespan in
the out-of-doors. A few tips ,
Can help in making a lasting
choice.
I . Durublltry or Construc­
tion ... From wood to plas­
tic, many constructions
8
Cover 2 Cover Magazine
I May 2012
are being used in the creation of outdoor furnish­
ings. An extremely durable choice is cast alumi­
num. "The ability to survive in the elements is a
key benefit of cast aluminum," said Rory Rehmert,
vice president of sales and marketing for casual
furniture manufacturer, Pride Family Brands
(pridefami Iybrands.eom), a 30 year veteran of the
outdoor industry and Chairman of the International
Casual Furnishings Association. "Attention to the
finishing also is important when choosing metal
furnishings and accessories." Currently, a process
known as "Powder-coat" is considered the most
durable and involves applying to the metal ele­
ments a plastic­
"
type shell that
seals the metal
,
and prohibits rust.
2. Fashion For­
ward ... When
furnishings are
selected for the
out -of-doors,
durability and
low maintenance
should be a first concern; but the fun part is the
ability to add color and style. Outdoor fabrics for
cush ions and accessories today are fu 11 of decora­
tive weaves, designs and lots of color. Keeping
that color is all in making the right choice. Per
Rehrnert, the optimum choice is solution dyed
fabrics. "Solution-dyed
acrylics are colorfast in
direct sun as well as are
soft to the touch. " Ma­
jor brands to check out
are Sunbrella(R) and
Outdura(R) among oth­
ers. Look for fade resistance and ease of care. If
soil or even mildew occur, solution-dyed fabric is
made to withstand being washed with a 5 to I I
water to bleach solution for easy clean up of stains
or to eliminate mildew. With the resistance to
bleach, these fabrics stay colorful even pool-side.
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3. Pulling it Togcthe..... Outdoor furnishings today
are being created to completely outfit an outdoor
space. From entire living room set ups to dining
for a crowd, selections are endless. Elliptical tables
are the latest dining trend as they offer true con­
versation potential and positioning for even large
gatherings. With indoor relaxation styles moving
outdoors, the availability of dad's favorite, the re­
cliner, now made of cast aluminum with oversized
weather
resistant
fabric
cushions
IS no
surpnse.
Also hot
right now
843.513.3651
www.jkstiversphotography.com
er on I & wor
alely
Affordable Safety Training by
Certified Emergency Responders in your
home or at your place of business.
are fire
features
for warm­
ing up outdoor spaces. Models of every style or
construction are heating up. For luxury looks, cast
aluminum is a top choice with models offering
state of the 31i gas accommodation as well as motif
and finish options to coordinate with high end
seating groups.
Beginning beyond your back door, creating an Out­
door Room can end up providing enjoyment beyond
your dreams.
Classes include: CPR, AED, First Aid, Blood-borne
Pathogens, First Responder, Fleet Driver Safety, 02
Administration, Pet First Aid, Wilderness First Aid,
Fire Extinguisher and BLAST (Teen Babysitter)
"We go anywhere classes are needed;
'Discounts for groups larger than 20;
*Discounts jfyou choose more than one service atthe same time.
Contact us for pricing!
843.200.7560
personalworksafety@gmail.com
U
I - U
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May 2012
I Cover 2 Cover
Magazine 9