Americans spend twice as much on outdoor furniture as they did a decade ago - and furniture makers
are responding to that growing interest.
“Whether they use their outdoor rooms for relaxing in private or for
entertaining family and friends – or for both – Americans are investing more in
outdoor furnishings and décor than ever before,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice
president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.
The deck or patio has become the latest frontier for homeowners to express
their personal sense of style, according to Hirschhaut, who predicts, “When the
patio umbrellas rise on the 2005 outdoor season, there will be a vibrant garden
of color across suburban backyards!”
Here are the year's top trends in outdoor furniture, as identified by
Hirschhaut:
Colors
A fresh infusion of color heightens the fashion appeal of outdoor furnishings
this year. Outdoor fabrics in retro brights, lively tropical prints and sunny
florals are replacing drab neutrals, and many stores will be pairing these
fabrics with dramatic new black frames.
Big Tables
Consumers also can expect to see larger outdoor tables again this season,
according to Hirschhaut, who says seating for six is becoming the new standard –
and not just in the luxury end of the market. Eighty-four-inch oval tables are
now a fixture in most outdoor dining groups, and many producers are testing new
configurations this season, such as six sided tables and over-sized square
tables to seat eight or more.
Tables have been expanding over the last several seasons, but new this year
are outdoor sectional sofas. These modular units, some of which include chaise
lounges, bring an already popular family room style to the exterior of the home
and provide an easy solution to creating a comfortable setting for conversation
as well as relaxation.
Licensed Brand Names
Mirroring the merchandising phenomenon that has
dominated interior design for the past decade, manufacturers of outdoor
furnishings are tapping into an image or lifestyle that consumers can more
easily relate to.
For example, if a consumer admires a particular celebrity or artist, they may
very well be drawn to these licensed furnishings that inspire confidence as a
safe, tasteful and stylish statement.
On the Lighter Side
High-tech fabrics continue to gain favor in the
outdoor category, including elasticized fabric that adds comfort to “sling”
construction. When these fabrics are paired with aluminum, the result is both
lightweight and strikingly sleek.
Solution-dyed fabrics pair easy care with durability. In addition, several
companies are providing a lightweight alternative to pads and cushions with
chic, removable slipcovers.
Rampant Rattan
Vacationing in an island paradise may not be in your
travel plans this summer, but manufacturers are making it simple to step into a
tropical retreat by simply stepping out the back door. Several outdoor furniture
producers have perfected a rattan-look finish for aluminum frames that also
replicate the texture of rattan or bamboo.
Good-bye to Glass
Glass tabletops continue taking a back seat to new
textured and high tech surfaces. Mosaics remain strong, along with tile, stone,
granite, slate, punched metal and faux stone.
New tabletop materials this year include travertine, hammered copper and a
sculptured, faux flagstone.
Greek Revival
Perhaps the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece helped
prompt the Greek revival in outdoor furnishings for 2005. Several manufacturers
take inspiration from various aspects of Greek architecture.
Complementary Products
Accessories make the room, even when the room
is outside. Consumers shopping for special accents this spring will find the
broadest array of complementary outdoor products ever, from plant trolleys to
bar trolleys; throw pillows to throw rugs.
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