By Paula McCooey, Ottawa Citizen
The days of small picnic tables and folding aluminum chairs seem to have gone the way of the ice cream truck. It’s no secret outdoor furniture trends have been on the rise. Now there are more options than ever. And because of this, people are willing to spend a little more money for bigger pieces, which translates into bigger gatherings and outdoor dinner and cocktail parties. Case in point is a beautiful outdoor dining display at Ottawa’s The Fireplace Center & Patio Shop. The large (60-inch) square chocolate faux wicker table by ActiWin is elegantly set for a party of eight, with a Lazy Susan in the middle to make reaching for that savory dish of grilled vegetables or sirloin a breeze. "Outdoor wicker is really powerful right now," says owner Andy Cotnam, who says the set, including dining chairs and cushions, retails for around $4,000. "I think it’s a drastic departure from what we are used to looking at in a backyard. Here you’ve got a completely wicker- wrapped framework. A lot of cubist designs, nice wide arms, modular sectionals that you can custom make to suit your living space. And all of these enjoying thick deep cushions." The Sunbrella fabric is a durable foam that drains and dries quickly. Originally used in the marine industry, and later for awnings and umbrellas, it has evolved into a fashionable and comfortable option for garden furniture. "No longer does it feel like an outdoor fabric," says Cotnam, who says most cushions come with a five-year warranty. It’s so comfortable and supple. You are bringing the comfort level that you are used to indoors to the backyard." For those who enjoy the modular look, but are looking for a lower price tag, check out IKEA’s Ammero lounge collection. Sold separately, the plastic rattan lounger, $199, and one-section chair, $150, come in dark brown with beige cushions. These pieces are not only stylish and sturdy, they are versatile and can be configured to suit each backyard, deck and balcony. They can be personalized with accent pillows and throws to create a nautical or Moroccan theme. Tamara Robbins Griffith of IKEA Canada says as much as Canadians love their winters, when the tulips bloom, they come to really appreciate the warm air, longer days of summer, which has driven the trend toward decorating outdoor spaces. Not to mention staycationers can justify investing in sleek outdoor pieces if they opt to scratch a summer trip to Cape Cod. "Canadians have always enjoyed spending a lot of time outdoors in the summer, but we have seen a shift in the attention paid to decorating," says Robbins Griffith. "The consumer is reading decorating magazines and watching shows on television that feature beautifully decorated outdoor rooms. "The average person also has a much better understanding of how a carefully planned home translates in the real estate market. People want good value for their money, but they also want to reflect their own personal style." Good value can be found almost everywhere. Loblaws’ PC Estate Conversation set includes a two-seater faux rattan love seat, two matching lounge chairs with stylish mildew-resistant cushions, plus four flowered accent pillow and a coffee table with glass for $599.99. And if that deal isn’t good enough, a shopper can check out the PC Towne Chat Set, with a love seat, two lounge chairs, cushions, a table with a glass top and umbrella for $399.99. Martha Stewart has introduced an outdoor living line at Home Depot. The Logan four-piece faux wicker set is $599; a chic cardinal red umbrella is $99 and vibrant throw pillows are $14.99. For a more organic route, Ottawa’s Delusions of Grandeur supply all things teak. Owner Ross Hamilton says he goes straight to the source in Indonesia to get the best quality outdoor sets. Like Cotnam, he has noticed a shift to larger outdoor tables, which include extension tables, and tables with hideaway drop leaves in the middle to gain space to squeeze in an extra guest. "Historically, most of our tables were (for) four to six people. Now I would say half of our sales, when it comes to table and chairs, it’s six to eight, eight to 10 people, says Hamilton who says a longer teak table will sell for around $1,295. And if you’re craving that chic L.A. vibe, look no further than The Bay. Their new Sung Outdoor Capri set is sure to wow friends and family. The four-piece conversation set, which sells for $1,099, is crisp white with metal legs, with deep seating that will make your guests want to hang out for hours. "As we invest in our backyards and improve in their functionality, we want to share that with our friends and neighbours," says Cotnam.
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