As wicker continues to rise in demand, some questions arise as to whether it might be better to invest in old pieces as opposed to new furnishings. The variances in production quality were just as prevalent in wicker made many decades ago as they are today, and understanding those differences is sometimes best left to experts. While collectors are skilled… read more….

The home, including its outdoor spaces, should be an escape, but it often becomes a center of chaos with an onslaught of activities that take away from the aspects of a retreat. Incorporating the Zen spirit with furnishings and their arrangement can help create a stress-reducing environment, even amidst the comings and goings of active families.
Some confusion lies in… read more….

Purchasing table and chair dining sets for dining spaces is the easy way to decorate. However, options to choose pieces individually allow for more flexibility in meeting specific needs in room size and decor. Such things as ceiling height and whether the space is rectangular or square come into play, which will impact what style of chairs look best. While… read more….

Rattan and bamboo furnishings in natural finishes are mainstays of a tropical or casual setting. Indoors or outside, the range of light to dark hues showcases characteristics in framework and variations in weaves. Many companies are now offering color choices in a wider range that makes decorating more exciting and sometimes more challenging. Which colors work best with interior and… read more….

Conversation, or chat, furniture groupings first arose from a desire to enjoy more intimate gatherings. Veering away from pieces that spread across a patio or a porch, these cozier arrangements allow everyone to engage in conversation comfortably seated across from each other. While chat sets generally will fit in smaller areas, they can also fill out larger spaces without losing… read more….

Storing wicker as winter approaches is an expected seasonal event for many, especially for rattan furniture that has been sitting on a covered porch all summer. For some, it may be time to close up a cottage while others simply want to clear a patio area before extreme weather arrives. Natural materials and all-weather resin fibers require various approaches to… read more….

Making a patio or deck area even more appealing includes adding the right furniture and finishing off with a rug. Area rugs for outdoor spaces and sunrooms have an added burden of needing some resistance to fading from harsh UV rays and damage from moisture. While rugs designed for outdoors can always come inside, those labeled for interior use will… read more….

The terms sunroom and conservatory often seem interchangeable, but they can hold very diverse meanings. Depending on the country or even the region, distinctive interpretations and differences exist. Other words such as solarium and California or Florida rooms add some further confusion. In any form, the concept of an add-on or separate space for use in summer or throughout the… read more….

Along with impending summer temperatures, the call to stay outdoors becomes stronger. That means time to take a look at how to add more creature comforts on the patio, a deck or in a gazebo. Whether the surrounding vista is green landscaping, a concrete apron or a privacy fence, with the right furnishings, any spot can become a winning retreat.… read more….

The excitement of updating or creating new outdoor spaces with wicker furniture can sometimes overpower the right selection and arrangement process. Patios, decks, porches, pool areas and garden spots are all potential candidates for creating a relaxing atmosphere that will elicit the wow factor from first-time visitors. Revitalizing can include keeping some older pieces while adding in some new furniture.… read more….