Modern Outdoors

Designing Outdoor Living Room w/ Palmetto Sectional by Pottery Barn

2013-02-08T02:48:12Z

When designing your outdoor living room, all you really need is one versatile piece to get you started, like the Palmetto All-Weather Wicker Sectional by Pottery Barn. This alfresco essential offers stylish yet comfortable seating, and its synthetic fibers are made to withstand any weather. And when we said "versatile," this sofa delivers. Offered as a "build your own" piece, the Palmetto's various components can be reconfigured whenever, however and where ever you like. Here are some hot ideas for your outdoor living room, in any season and setting! No matter what place you call "home," there's a place for the Palmetto. Take it to your beach getaway and create your own little piece of paradise. Set up as a water-front lounging and dining area, this sofa is accessorized with nautical-themed pillows, and coupled with a wicker coffee table and side table for serving up some cocktails and the catch of the day!

Go garden chic and put this sofa among your flowers and foliage. An ottoman makes a casual yet functional coffee table. Colors borrowed from the leaves and blooms are a perfect complement in throw pillows. Overhead, a vibrant green umbrella will shelter you from sun and rain.

Some lanterns transform this from a day-time sitting spot to a softly illuminated setting for your evening soiree.

Do you spend most of your lazy summer days lakefront at the cottage? This year, take Palmetto with you for a cool, casual spot to sit, sip and watch the boats sail by. Lake-side essentials include a mini fridge for pop and brew, and the ottoman is a must to kick back and relax.

On the other hand, stay close to home but feel like you're a million miles away. Transform your porch, patio, deck or balcony into an outdoor oasis. Some billowing sheer curtains and an outdoor rug will create that indoor feeling.

TIP: Add a pop of color with a vibrant rug, and pick up those hues in some couch pillows and tabletop accessories.

The ultimate living room accessory is the fireplace, and regardless if your living room is indoors or out, a fireplace will help make it livable in any season. Set up your Palmetto all-weather sectional in front of the fireplace for a warm and welcoming focal point. In the spring and summer, add vibrant green and floral pillows to echo nature.

In winter, change to furs, animal prints and themes for a cozy sitting and cuddling spot. Toast marshmallows, sip steaming cocoa and watch the snowflakes dance through the air. All it takes is some garland and twinkling lights to turn this into a holiday hotspot.

For more information, visit Pottery Barn.

Wicker in Colors: Garden Decor Inspirations by Pier1

2013-02-07T02:14:47Z

Nothing says "alfresco elegance" like wonderful wicker and lively colors, and Pier1 imports has some great garden decor inspirations for the coming spring and summer season. By decking out your, er... deck, patio or garden with some chic and comfortable outfdoor furniture and accessories, it's sure to become the favorite room in the house. Well, not technically a room and not inside the house, but you get the idea. Here are some ideas for essential outdoor rooms when the weather warms up. Alfresco living rooms A sweet seating area is easy to achieve with these wicker rocking armchairs. Available in white, natural and dark brown finish, the outdoors is a great place to mix and match for a casual, eclectic atmosphere. Complement them with these brightly colored glazed stoneware stools that double as mini side tables! Colorful cushions and paper lanterns overhead complete the look.

For larger spaces, go ahead and get the whole living room suite! Executed in wicker, this matching sofa, chairs and tables truly transform your patio into a parlor! Define the area and finish the look with a durable and colorful outdoor rug.

Outdoor dining rooms There's nothing like dining in the fresh air under an open sky. This wicker dining table is large enough to accommodate the whole family, with seating available as traditional dining chairs, armchairs or a long bench. Just pile on and grab a fork! With a colorful umbrella overhead, you can eat, drink and enjoy the company, rain or shine!

Smaller spaces call for compact furnishings, and Pier1 has some chic smaller styles you'll love. This sweet white patio set is perfect for breakfast by the pool, afternoon cocktails or an intimate dinner for 2! The white finish and paper patio lanterns keep it casual and comfortable.

Of course, you can go bold and in full color by choosing chairs in a range of hot hues.

Dining area must-have: A brightly colored beverage tub looks hot and keeps your drinks cool! In the hot seat! Even if your outdoor area is small, you can still add style and comfort with a couple of casual seats. This high-backed chair is great for chatting, reading, sipping or daydreaming.

A hanging swing seat is a great place to sit and catch the breeze on a hot day.

For additional garden decor inspiration, visit Pier1 imports.

Cozy Outdoor Space Featuring Stainless Furniture by Modernica

2012-07-04T05:39:54Z

How cozy and modern does this outdoor space feel - featuring stainless outdoor furniture by Modernica? The greenery and the brick really complement the stainless steel details for a dynamic and stylish outdoor space. It's a great look for this type of urban backyard or any modern garden for that matter. If you want to take design outdoors, this is a great way to do it. The Modernica stainless outdoor furniture collection is comprised of an abundance of furniture varieties such as dining chairs and tables, couches, loveseats, lounge chairs and ottomans, benches, chaise longues, coffee and side tables. It's a fully equipped collection that promises to have just what you need. What's more is that the furniture comes in beautiful wood or upholstered versions to fit the look and feel you're after. What do you think of this patio design? Image by Todd Winters.

Contemporary Cabana by Paola Lenti - Cabanne

2011-10-05T03:40:12Z

It's a cool cabana with a contemporary twist - Cabanne is every lounger's dream! An exploration between container and content, this modern architectural feature is the collaboration between Paola Lenti and Bestetti Associati, rolling simple style, high-tech materials and organic natural elements into one. Even when inside this chic shelter, you'll still enjoy the outdoors, visible through slats and openings. The inviting metal and iroko-wood enclosure is modular, allowing you to tailor your custom cabana to suit your specific space and your unique needs. Whether you're planning an intimate al fresco rendezvous, or wish to entertain a crowd, Cabanne is the place to be. Check it out by visiting Paola Lenti.

Enclosed Courtyard Design with a Central Entertaining Deck

2011-10-05T03:33:18Z

This enclosed courtyard design with a central entertaining deck is the perfect layout for enjoying time outdoors while preserving privacy. The U shape created by the home practically begs for a courtyard deck. The idea of building the deck, versus leaving the area grassy, helps to define the space and make it special and purposeful. But leaving the tree intact and building around it directly connects nature to the man made space and it provides natural shade. A nice touch is adding some decorative lighting to the tree so that a nice ambiance may be experienced in the evenings. Al fresco meals are something to look forward to at that extra long table, as are secluded and cozy gatherings (even with many people). See more of this house here. via Desire to Inspire

French Style Courtyard

2011-04-11T17:27:38Z

Summer is around the corner and this French style courtyard awakens dreams of outdoor gatherings. This amazing building, formerly a mill in the 16th century, was converted into a residence by Gerard Faivre. The beauty of the building itself is enough to stir feelings of wonderment, and the contemporary furnishings are the perfect choice for adding a modern touch to this courtyard space without taking away from the architecture and rustic feel of the building. The furnishings along with the brick work, the stone work, the pond, the trees and climbing vines - they all create an enchanting setting for enjoying the sun as well as a starlit sky. To learn more about this French house design, visit Gerard Faivre.

Walkover Lighting - Garden Pavement Lights by Serralunga

2011-03-27T21:25:29Z

See and show your garden in a completely different light, with this walkover lighting from illumination innovator Serralunga. Designer Roberto Paoli was inspired by Michael Jackson's music video for Billy Jean (where his dance moves coincide with the lighted floor), and thus Jacko Steps were born. These funky, fun garden pavement lights come in a string of five, which you can arrange in any pattern - as a single illuminated border surrounding your flower beds and plantings, or as an illuminated pathway three "stones" deep. This modern garden walkover lighting will transform any garden into an illuminated oasis. Check out Jacko Steps at the Serralunga showroom at Milan Design Week 2011, April 12 to 17. For more information visit Serralunga.

Small Backyard Design with Pool: Idea by Bestor Architecture

2011-03-25T01:52:52Z

Here is a creative idea for a small backyard design with a pool by Bestor Architecture. Notice how the pool and the house are positioned at an angle. This formation effectively splits a small and very private backyard into two separate areas. One side for after-pool lounging and bonfires by night and the other for friendly gatherings and meals. What’s also great is that the roof hangs off the house significantly, providing shelter to both sides. At night this cozy backyard turns into an illuminated delight. The large full-length doors and windows allow the warm interior light to shine out while the pool lights and the flames from the fire provide attractive kinetic lighting and set an inviting, relaxing mood. The layout and design elements of this outdoor space are exemplary of thoughtful planning and creative thinking when constrained by the lot shape. For more information, visit Bestor Architecture. via At Casa.

Glass Verandas by OpenSun

2010-09-15T23:55:41Z

Extend the indoors out with this modern glass veranda by OpenSun. This modern circular addition to your home encloses any area in contemporary floor-to-ceiling glass panels that slide open. It’s available in any size, so your only boundaries are your imagination, and your budget! Open up your home to a hot tub or swimming pool and deck, create a walk-through kitchen, or add nature into the living room where you’ll enjoy unobstructed vistas of city, forest, desert – wherever you call “home.” Regardless if you live in a warm or cool climate, you’ll enjoy this glass veranda all year round. For more information visit OpenSun.

Outdoor Glass Art by SWON Design

2010-08-12T05:40:35Z

Montreal-based design firm SWON does wonderful work with glass and light, blurring the boundary between art and outdoor design. Check them out, they're definitely work a look! A fabulous al fresco feature, Cascade is a waterfall-inspired glass wall overlooking a landscaped garden in Toronto, Canada, on the shores of Lake Ontario. This 10-ft. long, seven-ft. high glass installation was meticulously crafted of 77 ladle-poured glass blocks, shimmering in various tones of blue and green. Even the texture of water is echoed in the piece. And fittingly, the glass wall was incorporated into a real waterfall, which lets the muse flow freely over the glass. Another really cool, contemporary design is the Glass Rock Garden – if you like unusual, modern art in unexpected places, you'll love this! Located on a rooftop, Glass Rock Garden is a 14-by-4-ft. stainless steel "pond," filled with small stones and three large "rocks" made of a series of 1/2-inch thick sculpted glass plates. For more information visit SWON Design.

Roto Molded Furniture (rotomolded) for Outdoors by Qui est Paul?

2010-06-08T03:59:33Z

Ultra-modern art takes to the outdoors with this unusual, sculptural roto molded furniture by Qui est Paul? If you’re not sure whether to sit on it, put something on it, or admire it from afar, then you’ve got the right idea. These sculptures-cum-furnishings boast most unusual shapes and a contemporary aesthetic that will set the tone for your chic, modern outdoors. The roto molded lounge chair makes an ideal spot to kick back and relax under an open sky. It’s made with comfort first and foremost, followed (hot on its heels, we might ad) by a totally cool look and a palette of hot hues. Pool-side, in the garden or on the deck, these are the hotseat of the season! A coffee table, designed by Cedric Ragot, features rounded corners and a soft look ideal for your outdoor sitting area. This chair by the same designer boasts the same look and a matching base for a coordinated al fresco living area. And what living room is complete with out a sofa? Indoors or out, this roto molded sofa combines ergonomics, aesthetics and that cool factor that sets this furniture collection apart. All pieces are made of fully recyclable PE, and come in a palette of vibrant colors. For more information visit Qui est Paul?

Aluminium Sun Loungers - new D-Lux lounger by Royal Botania

2010-02-27T03:44:13Z

Kick back and lounge in pure luxury with this aluminium sun lounger by Royal Botania. The aptly named D-Lux sun lounger is definitely deluxe, both in looks and in feel. Inspired by the female form, its smooth lines and modern details invite you to recline and soak up some sun. The concave and convex curves hug your body and support its natural shape so you can truly relax, all the while looking cool in an ultra-modern aluminium frame finished in a range of hot colors. Pool-side or on a sunny patio, this modern lounger makes a great addition to your outdoors. The D-Lux aluminum sun lounger measures 197 L by 75 D by 27 H. For more details visit Royal Botania.

Home Tepanyaki Grill Table - indoor outdoor grill cooktop by Troy Adams Design

2010-02-23T03:44:05Z

Bring exotic flavors to the comfort of home with this sleek, restaurant-style Tepanyaki grill for home. The TepanGrill Table by Troy Adams Design is an indoor-outdoor Tepanyaki grill made for entertaining and feeding a crowd. A built-in stainless steel grill sits at the center of a black granite tabletop, which can be custom-made in any material and size. The grill cooktop uses infrared heat that does away with smoke, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use, while a downdraft ventilator draws any smoke particles, grease and cooking odors out of the air. East meets West with Troy Adams’ choice of exotic materials, which include basalt and lava stone, bamboo, cork and stainless steel. By blending a traditional method for cooking with a contemporary, minimalist look, Troy Adams delivers a truly unique eating and entertaining experience. Check out this cool home Tepanyaki grill at Troy Adams Design.

Outdoor Bench Seating - modern outdoor wood bench by B&B Italia

2010-02-15T22:35:02Z

Putting a modern twist on the conventional park bench seating, this contemporary outdoor wood bench design by B&B Italia invites you to take a load off in modern style! This outdoor bench was designed by Naoto Fukusawa as a departure from the traditional, rigid bench designs. The new Titikaka bench boasts teak lathes flowing fluidly over a durable aluminum frame. The result is a wave of wood; a sculptural seat that you’ll appreciate as much for its comfort factor as for its aesthetic appeal. The bench measures just short of 100 inches in length and 30 inches in height. Placed in the shade of your favorite tree in the backyard, on the deck or balcony, this gorgeous outdoor bench seating will be the hotspot of the season. For more information visit B&B Italia.

Outdoor Lighting Design Ideas by Vibia

2010-02-12T02:41:00Z

Vibia has created a veritable playground of modern lighting, the like of which you’ve never seen. The Spanish company, known for its contemporary, unusual and off-the-wall outdoor lighting design ideas, is transforming lighting into an art form with its sculptural and striking pieces. Why bother maintaining a meticulously manicured garden if you don’t have the lighting to show it off? This stunning setting illuminates landscape and pathways with the Tree 4000 outdoor lighting collection, a design by Pete Sans that resembles delicately drop-shaped conifers. Available in brown and white-lacquer finishes, these polyurethane lights contain compact fluorescent bulbs to cast a gentle glow on your outdoors. Turn your yard into a whimsical wonderland. For more outdoor lighting design ideas, visit Vibia.