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Spring Outdoor Furniture & Color Trends

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Written by our guest blogger Kayla

Our Design Guide Article on Spring 2013 Outdoor Design – See the article on the

Design Guide Online Editorial.

Dip Die Bench / Photo Credit: Decorativity

Spring is in the air and it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor living spaces.  This year’s trends lend themselves to nature, nurture and cocooning. There’s texture and color, the warmth of woods, and sleek lines of metal. Comfort and style come in one package with outdoor furniture designs found in the 2013 lines of Brown Jordan, Sutherland and DeDon to name a few.

Photo Credit: Swingrest

Sutherland-Chair-and-Table

Emerald_Fabric

Sutherland Table Chair / Emerald Textiles from Perennials / Photo Credits: Kayla Harvey

Selecting the right furniture to sit and enjoy the sunshine is only the beginning. Exploring the colorful world of outdoor fabrics like the new lines of Robert Allen, Perennials, and Sunbrella will give you the opportunity to add some personality and vibrance to your outdoor space. Schlosser Design Group especially loves the new Schumacher fabric by Trina Turk.

Photo Credit: Robert Allen Upholstery Fabric

Photo Credit: Perennials Outdoor Fabrics

Emerald green is the Pantone color of the year. So why not work the trend and add a splash of colored fabric with this tranquil hue? Or even incorporate emerald with the raging trend of dip dye for your outdoor accessories. Check out this simple image of dip dyed blocks that can be used as outdoor embellishments, and require a lot less watering than flowers.

Dip Die Blocks /Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Dip Die Outdoor Accents / Photo Credit: Charlottes Fancy

 

Space Age Design in 2013

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Slide1Mid Century modernism has always had a strong following, especially among artistic types such as architects, graphic designers and interior designers – to name a few. In 2013, trendy items making the strongest comeback in this design era are lighting and décor accent pieces.

In the late 1950s, Sputnik sparked the Space Age of Design, a period of Mid century modern style. Technology development and innovations in science drove the design aesthetic not only in architecture, but also in industrial, commercial and interior design. These influences continue to impact design some 60 plus years later. We find interpretations reflected throughout our culture in the way modern architecture frames exterior vistas through the use of storefront windows or glass walls with flat roofs, and in crisp, clean modern tile designs.

Consider the work of Austrian American architect Richard Neutra, who was one of the most influential modernist architects of the period. He was described as creating an “innovative stylistic balance between domicile and environment.”

Here’s a wonderful interpretation of Mid century modern design today with dark floors and the use of a tiled accent wall above the fireplace. Take note of the window wall systems that open the rooms and bring the outside in.

 

Now: Moraga Residence, J.Weiss Interior Design

 

Now: Spanish interior designer Mikel Irastorza

Today, we define the return in popularity to this design style, which originated in the ‘50s, as Retro-Futurism. We love the combination of linear and curved outlines in the furniture, the orb-like extensions of the lighting fixtures, and the mixing of traditional paired with Space Age-inspired furniture that lends to a delicate balance. Very low profile furniture and the juxtaposition of wide chaise frames with slender legs beside slender accent tables are characteristics of Retro-Futurism.

Italian lighting manufacturer, Stilnovo, produced one of the most iconic symbols of modern Space-Age design. The original “Sputnik” chandelier was produced in the 1950s. Consumers can find originals available at sources such as 1stdibs.com. Newer versions can be found at varying price points, all boasting space-themed names like the “Orbit” or “Satellite” chandelier.

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From top left, down: www.1stdibs.com  / www.practicalprops.com  / www.1stdibs.com  / www.yatzer.com/Two-Is-Company

 

 

Isn’t this chandelier a stunning feature in this dining room? What a statement in modern style. The Space-Age style light fixture fills the room with its delicate orbs and sparkling imagery.

 

 

Metallic decor is making quite a comeback in today’s design. We’re seeing metallic in all design avenues, including interior design. Metallic in the small details, especially vintage brass, is a terrific way to add a touch of glamour to any space.

See the post on Design Guide Blog