| From appliances and spas to floor coverings, fabrics, lighting, and furniture, the latest outdoor trappings have morphed from the awkward deck and patio gear of the 20th century to comfortable state-of-the-art furnishings fit for the finest interior settings—or at least mimicking them in more durable goods. Even more impressive, the once spare selection has blossomed to encompass a diverse mix of styles sure to measure up to any taste barometer. —Linda C. Lentz |
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Vermont Castings
Convertible from wood-burning to gas, the Al Fresco SuperHearth fully-insulated 42-inch outdoor fireplace sports the architectural appeal of stainless steel construction, along with a mesh screen, basket grate, and optional bifold glass door kit in that material, and a firebox made of classic concrete brick installed in an attractive herringbone pattern. ($1,741; optional gas logs: $539) 905-670-7777. www.vermontcastings.com.
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Fen-Tech
For a seamless transition from indoors to out, the Botanica Garden Door opens 180 degrees with stainless steel hardware. Made of easy-care, high-strength vinyl compounds, this weather-resistant, energy-efficient door comes in three colors, 5- and 6-foot widths up to 8 feet tall and custom sizes, in single, French or center-hinged. ($1,600 to $1,800) 877-386-8004.
www.fentechinc.com |
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Sharp
Designed by industrial designer Toshiyuki Kita, the 15-inch Wireless Aquos television features an Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD panel with low-reflection coating to reduce glare, sculpted stereo side speakers, a rechargeable battery with power enough for three hours of uninterrupted viewing, and the company’s SmartLink digital audio/video transmission system, which allows users to connect the transmitter to a video source such as a DVD player. ($1,399.95) 800-BE-SHARP. www.sharpusa.com. |
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Bloom
The brainchild of a Dutch designer, the ingenious Bloom Flowerpot has been outfitted with four “cool” LED lamps between its sturdy double walls to provide a whimsical source of ambient lighting—indoors or out. Guaranteed to withstand the coldest winters, this 23-inch-high container (also a terrific stand-in for an oversized beverage chiller) is made of high-grade recyclable plastic and is available in white, red, lime, orange, pink, purple, and turquoise. ($199) 866-75BLOOM. www.bloomusa.net. |
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Acoustic Research
A simple solution to having your music anywhere in your home, the 900-MHz wireless and water-resistant AW811 Indoor/Outdoor Speaker System with integrated handle has been equipped to weather the likes of kitchens, bathrooms, and back yards. Expandable to deliver quality stereo sound when operated in pairs, the AW811 is said to receive signals up to 300 feet from its source—through windows, walls, floors, and ceilings. ($139.95) 800-732-6866. www.acoustic-research.com. |
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ShadeScapes
Boasting a moderate to strong wind rating, the Resort sidepost umbrella is made of marine-grade materials and will provide all the coverage necessary to create an outdoor room. Ranging from a 9-foot 2-inch square to a 16.5-foot octagon, in more than 140 shades and patterns, Resort models even link together if desired. ($6,750 to $7,550) 970-527-7070. www.shadescapesusa.com. |
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Viking
This appliance company continually adds to its outdoor offering. New gear includes stainless steel cabinets and an electric smoker oven (shown in a tall unit configuration), and a customized Outdoor Range comprised of a 53-inch-wide grill on a stationary or mobile cart, an outdoor gas oven, and options such as side burners and storage. (Components priced individually from $1,500 for the gas oven to $6,300 for the range pictured) 888-845-4641. www.vikingrange.com. |
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Henry Hall Designs
Used individually or in combination with each other, the modular Monolith table and bench can be arranged in a variety of single and multiple configurations due to their lean 87- by 16 1/2-inch footprint. Made of solid, FSC-certified teak and Sikaflex, an elastic adhesive bonding found in the floors and framing of yachts, the collection will maintain its clean lines without the usual warping typical of extreme environmental conditions. ($2,800 to $3,300) 415-863-4868. www.henryhalldesigns.com. |
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Richard Schultz Design
Dubbed a modern garden gazebo, the pavilion defines space and creates shade. Made of stainless steel with operable pleated vinyl mesh top and sides (available in a range of soft neutrals), it consists of numerous modular components that can be arranged to create various securely anchored customized structures. Integrated leveling feet allow for installation in most terrains. Available through architects and designers. (NA) 215-679-2222.
www.richardschultz.com. |
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Vessel
As versatile as it is charming, the 40-by-15-by-13 1/2-inch Squat Outside outdoor furniture module can be put to good use stacked as shelving, solo, or in multiples as an occasional or work table, a magazine rack, or even a bench—seating two comfortably. Topped in western red cedar with an anodized aluminum base, Squat Outside will weather gracefully when left to the elements. ($250) 877-805-1801. www.vessel.com. |
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Chilewich
A witty interpretation of the indoor/outdoor carpet,
Solid Shag is made of the company’s Plynyl material, a vinyl that is then looped in a tufted construction to imitate an authentic shag rug. Available by the yard through designers and architects in a trendy palette of white, black, gunmetal, and lime (shown), this retro floor covering is said to be waterproof, stain-resistant, and durable. (NA) 212-679-9204. www.chilewich.com. |
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Capel
Add a fashionable interior twist to exterior seating or dining areas with the sisal-like South Beach outdoor area rug in 100 percent olefin with a striped Sunbrella fabric border. Said to be sunlight resistant, quick drying, lightweight, and comfortable underfoot, the South Beach is available in four sizes, from 2 feet, 6 inches by 4 feet, 4 inches, up to 8 by 11 feet, and in four soft colorways: pastel, barley, marsh, and Mojave. ($279 for 5-foot-by-7-foot-8-inch size) 800-382-6574. www.capelrugs.com. |
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Modern Outdoor
The sleek and modern Talt Low sofa, lounge chair, and ottoman are available in white, silver, and gun-metal gray powder-coated steel or stainless steel with brightly colored cushions in lime, sunshine, snow white, orange, and turquoise. The Low cocktail table has a Ipe wood or polyboard top in white, off-white, sand, light gray, dark gray, or black. ($499 to $2,999) 818-785-0171.
www.modernoutdoor.com. |
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