'Living Large Outdoors' ; Enjoy Leisure Time in Weather-Resistant, Comfortable Patio Furniture

Living comfortably in the backyard is something New Mexicans have always done with gusto. But with a range of comfortable and cutting- edge outdoor furniture and accessories, local retailers are offering homeowners new levels of spice for their outdoors. Weather- resistant wicker, deep-cushioned cast aluminum chairs, water- resistant lamps and outdoor kitchens are just a few of the amenities being snapped up at local patio showrooms. "People are carrying their indoors out," says Target spokesman Joshua Thomas. "People want to make the most of their leisure time, and they want to do it outdoors." According to industry trend spotters, white plastic patio sets, thin cushions and cumbersome umbrellas are old news. So are plastic garden pots, glass tabletops and dilapidated picnic tables. Innovative outdoor furniture with a premium on comfort is the wave of the future because more homeowners are looking to make their backyards comfy extensions of the indoor home. "It's all about being more comfortable outdoors," says Thomas. "That's why you're seeing more pieces and sets that look more like standard living room furniture. Very comfortable. Very cushy."

Cool, new stuff

Cool, new stuff Innovation in fabrics, style, design and material has given rise to a number of highquality patio designs ranging from waterproof lamps and fire pits to gazebos and cantilever umbrellas.

"People are realizing that nice furniture can survive the outdoors," says Alan Wilson, a manager at Leishman's of Santa Fe. "It's furniture that's beautiful and durable, and it has a fresh, edgier look."

Deep-seating lounge furniture like cushy outdoor chaise lounge seats, love seats and all-weather resin wicker chairs are taking the place of folding chairs, rockers and hard-to-keep-clean glass tabletops. Copper and ceramic garden pots, fire pits and outdoor kitchens are "in," as are soft fabrics, natural stone and tastefully mounted outdoor speakers.

"People are turning the outside of their homes into another living room," says Cindy Esch, owner of Woodfields Patio & Hearth in Albuquerque. "People know now that it's safe to invest their money into outdoor furniture the same way they would invest money into good interior furniture."

Living in style

According to national trend spotters like Susan McCoy, president of the national Garden Media Group, outdoor living is hot. "Today's consumers in all tax brackets are creating their own outdoor living style, whether it's adorning their patio with floor lamps from a discount retailer or installing full-blown entertainment areas complete with fireplaces, plush seating and sound systems," McCoy says. "Living large outdoors is a luxury everyone is embracing."

Here are some of this year's hottest trends in casual outdoor living.

Umbrellas: Fiberglass umbrellas with flexible poles are an improvement over aluminum poles, however, nothing compares to the cantilever umbrella -- the crme de la crme of backyard shading. These multi-position umbrellas rotate 360 degrees, compress easily and can shade multiple areas. Models at Woodfields retail for around $1,300.

Tables: Today's cast aluminum and wrought-iron tables will hold up for generations. Resin inlayed tables and tables that mimic wood and sandstone are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Jackalope Pottery on San Mateo NE offers concrete patio table and bench sets complete with vibrant tile mosaic tops and umbrella holes. They retail at $400 to $900.

Deep seating: Elementresistant love seats, sofas and lounge chairs are being snapped up from showrooms while sling furniture -- suspended, free swinging chairs and beds -- are yesterday's news, says Esch. "It's just your normal living room furniture but it's durable for the outside," says Esch. Wicker: Wicker, which refers to the weaving of materials together, can be made from traditional rattan palmwood or highly durable synthetics and resin. "Unlike wood that dries out and cracks, wicker made from

resin is resistant to the outdoors and won't fade," says Wilson. Metal: Metal makes up the majority of the outdoor patio furniture market, and innovations in finishes and designs will sustain its popularity. Cast aluminum tables are desirable for their strength, longevity and light weight.

Wood: Advancements in composite and lacquer are making wood more durable. All-season teak and other treated hardwoods can last generations. "They're gonna have this stuff until they're sick of it and give it to family members," says Esch.

Soft but durable

Fabric: Fabrics are softer, tougher and more daring than ever. Furniture lines can offer up to hundreds of fabrics, making coordination and creativity untroublesome affairs.

Fireplaces: Making excellent centerpieces, fireplaces can be built into the ground or purchased ready-toburn in the form of a small fire bowl. Fountains: Offering peace and tranquility, fountains are available at a number of local

home retailers. Fountains come in a range of prices and sizes and are a hot item at stores.

Kitchens: "The big thing right now is outdoor kitchens," says Esch. Complete with grills, refrigerators, pullout doors, side burners and endless accessories, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating outdoor cantinas.

Color: Neutrals have long been the convention for outdoor furniture but more people are taking risks with color. "Red, in all shades, is a key color ..." writes Homecrest director of product design Ann Sundet. She also says black and white as well as colors that gel with "nature's hues will be strong." Minimize: "We're seeing a movement towards minimalism," says Thomas. Customers are being more selective and picking items that have a strong impact.

(c) 2007 Albuquerque Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.