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Create an outdoor room
New furnishing materials withstand the elements
Design Dude
 | | Even the old seaside standard, cast aluminum, takes on new forms and shapes, as in this sectional. |
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Springtime on the Gulf Coast has arrived with it's warm gulf breezes and beautiful long sunsets.
After a winter spent indoors, the time has finally come again to celebrate the outdoor beauty of the Gulf Coast. For many that means a return to porches, patios, and gardens. This spring there are several new trends to help you turn your porch or patio into more than just an outdoor space, they invite you to turn it into a true outdoor room.
Jon Fortuna, of J. Miller's Furniture in Gulf Breeze, offers the following suggestions to create outdoor spaces that are, comfortable, functional, and welcoming.
"There are so many new outdoor materials worth
considering. Outdoor resins and plastics have really come into their own over the past several years," Fortuna said.
Palm Springs Rattan, for example, has a product called Prolen which mimics traditional wicker in feel, texture and color, but which is completely weatherproof and designed for tropical climates. Green companies are also making big inroads in outdoor furniture with recycled materials (like chairs made from milk jug plastic) and renewable resources like bamboo being big new trends.
Even the old seaside standard, cast aluminum, takes on new forms and shapes, as in the outdoor sectional from Tropitone, pictured above.
Once you select your outdoor furniture, the fun really begins. The world of accessories has moved outdoors with pillows made from Sunbrella type fabrics, outdoor rated lamps, and all manner of garden safe ceramics and sculptures. It is easy to change the mood of your space with just a few of these touches.
"This year, particularly look for all shades of red and purple, a move away from the Tuscan colors that have been in the forefront over the past few years," Fortuna said.
Mix and mingle them for a Morrocan effect, or use one color in a variety of hues to bring new life to your patio, porch or garden.
Until next month, remember to look at, live with and love great design!
 | | Red is one of the big colors this spring. |
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 | | Recycled materials bring indoor syle furniture to the outdoors. |
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