Kinsley Bate Teak furniture is a high quality brand that I often select. This 4' bench is $630, the chair is $531 and the table $396.

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This gorgeous sun-soaked weather is great for grilling, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. So I bet some of you have patio furniture on your mind.  Here’s a rundown on why teak is one of my favorites. 

Teak is one of the most popular woods for outdoor furniture because of it’s beauty and durability.  But you will often hear companies offering cedar as a comparable quality but lower cost alternative.  To this, my friends, I say, ” You get what you pay for.”  They look very similar so it can be confusing.  But assessing the source, maintenance and cost you can quickly figure out which the best investment is for you.

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A 4' Cedar Bench for $189.

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Style

Cedar is lighter in weight so it’s easier to move around on your deck or to storage.  The best quality cedar which will have a light clear grain.  The most common cedar furniture styles are Adirondack chairs, gliders and simple styles for dining sets and benches.  Picnic benches are often made of cedar because they take decent abuse but the cost is good if they need to be replaced every few years.

Teak is a beautiful wood and does well in tropical or dry climates.  it is heavy and durable.  For years, ship builders used teak for it’s strength and the fact that the teak oil natural conditions the wood.  The styles are plentiful and range from very simple to ornate with carved details.  Also, there are more modern options that incorporate aluminum for a sleeker look.

Source

Cedar is grown predominately in British Columbia, Canada and the Pacific Northwest in sustainably managed forests so it definitely gets eco-friendly points. Plus its carbon footprint is less than teak which comes from overseas.   It’s more abundant here in the US.

Most new teak is grown in Indonesia in sustainably managed forests. Even though it has to be shipped to the US, these businesses support their local economy and provide employment for many people in their country.

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This teak bench is more than 20 years old and solid and beautiful.

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Maintenance

Both woods are durable enough to leave outside year round if you like.  Storing the furniture during cold and rainy seasons will help it last even longer. 

Cedar Oil gives the wood it’s distinctive smell which also nourishes the wood and keeps pests away.  But cedar has a light appearance and therefore takes more work to maintain the look.   Either type of wood could use a light sanding every couple of years to brush away any fuzzy grain or splinters.  Sand lightly if you want to maintain the grey appearance.  Heavy sanding will bring you back down to the warmer colored layers and then you will need to sand the whole piece. 

Cedar can be treated with a sealer or stain if you choose to get a specific color.  Both options require that you reapply the finish every 2-3 years to keep the appearance.  The process is fairly tedious and messy because you want to cover every nook and cranny.

Teak has a richer look and naturally weathers better .  Teak oil not only nourishes the wood but helps it keep it beautiful color for some time. The wood is so naturally resilient that sealing it is unnecessary.  If you want to maintain the warm look of the wood, you can apply teak oil as necessary but that can be a tough job just like the staining and sealing.  I like the warm brown teak as well as the weathered grey.  It’s really a personal preference.

Price

When looking for either type of furniture, here are some things to look for:

• Rust resistant hardware
• No shellacs or varnishes when it’s new.
• Does the price include assembly? Most furniture ordered online requires assembly.
• Quote on shipping costs because they can be significant.
• Check the whole piece for any unusual graining the wood or imperfections you cannot live with.

In terms of price, teak can be 2-4x the price of cedar so it’s tempting to go the cedar route.  I saved price as the last topic because I wanted you to consider all the other factors first.  Cedar is fairly durable, well priced and good looking  but teak has a longer list of attributes.  It’s harder, available in many styles, longer lasting, requires less maintenance and frankly, it’s more beautiful.  That’s why I choose it for my clients. 

When considering the cost of any home furnishing you should spread the cost over the number of useful years to assess the true cost.  I’ve had a teak table and bench for years.   I hardly do anything to it and it still looks great.  To me, that’s priceless!

It’s time to start sprucing up your outdoor spaces! 

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Join My Secret Database for all the best sources!

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Are you tired of the cold, snowy winter?  Looking for a little sunshine in your life? 

Well, I have a nice little treat that you can enjoy cuddled up in you favorite chair.  My good friends at Rizzoli, who publish some of the most beautifully photographed books you can get your hands on, have given us a copy of  “Cottages in the Sun: Bungalows of Venice, California” and I have decided to pass it on to you.  So this copy is going to sit on my desk until Friday night when I pick one lucky member of My Secret Database as the winner of this book. 

Venice is a beautiful little town in Southern California, and yes, it was named after Venice, Italy!  It was built more than a century ago by a millionaire with great affection for the city of romantic canals, quaint cottages and beautiful streetscapes.  After going through a period of disrepair in the 50′s and 60′s the city then emerged into the eclectic, charming town it is now.  The imaginative interiors and abundant gardens are infused with the bright light of the California sun.

*Just to be clear, this is not like some of our other contests in the past where we ask you to share your comments in order to enter. To automatically be entered, this one requires that you are/become a member of My Secret Database.  And at the low price of $9.95 a year, it’s really a no-brainer. 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget!
3. A chance to win a beautiful book worth $45 that you will thoroughly enjoy reading.  Plus, it makes a great accessory for your coffee table.

We will continue to offer several more “Members Only” giveaways in the future!

You have until Thursday night, February 18th, at 11:59PM to sign up and be entered into this giveaway.  

For a chance to Win this Beautiful Book and some other great prizes down the line…

Click Here to Become a Member Today!

* Congratulations to Shari D. from Ontario for winning the Flowers For The Home book giveaway!

Handy’s floral designs draw on the cultures and traditions of China, Japan, India, and Morocco; the enchanting French and English countrysides; the diverse terrain of Mexico; the lush tropical rain forest; and the always charming American South. 

Handy discusses the basic floral design principles from each of the nine featured locales – ranging from color palettes to indigenous materials – and provides step-by-step instructions and tips for assembling many of the eye-popping displays.  The specially commissioned photography will encourage the reader to create many of these delightful bouquets, now and for years to come.

* Courtesy of Rizzoli International Publications (With a special thanks to Jessica!) 

About the Authors/PhotographerGrayson Handy is the creative director of New York’s Prudence Designs and Events. Handy and Arturo Quintero’s renowned flower shop, specializing in event planning, caters to top magazines and celebrity clients. Paulette Cole is the CEO and creative director of ABC Home, a New York–based store that carries sustainable-designed furnishings. Ellen Silverman’s photographs have appeared in many cookbooks, including Neiman Marcus Taste, as well as in numerous magazines. Tracey Zabar is the author of Charmed Bracelets.

Would you like to win a copy of Flowers For The Home? 

To Enter Simply…

1. Tell me about your favorite flower.
2. If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 
3. One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, December 16th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.   

SHED CHIC

Outdoor Buildings for Work, Rest, and Play

By Sally Coulthard 

The whimsical.  Like a treehouse, everyone is enchanted by the idea of having a garden shed-one’s very own private retreat.  Whether a room of one’s own for quiet, much needed “personal” time away from the family, a hobbyist’s den, or an extra play space for the children, these picturesque structures can accommodate any purpose.

The shed-that charming cottage-like outbuilding-is coming into its own, and this detailed and wonderfully illustrated guide will inspire anyone interested in adding a shed to their home or redecorating an existing one with its vast array of design ideas.  Whether you want a personal getaway, a studio for creative endeavors, a home office, or a traditional potting shed, this book is sure to inspire with details about planning, building, and decorating sheds.

Included are a series of sample cases highlighting the multiple uses possible along with wonderful interior and exterior photographs.

Would you like to win a copy of Shed Chic?  Simply follow the directions…

1. Visit My Secret Database and surf around. 
2. How can the database be improved?  (In our efforts to improve the site, could you please take 5 minutes to look around the database?  Please provide a thoughtful answer.  We value your input and appreciate your time. Thank you!!)
3. To enter, type your answer in the comments section below.  If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, May 20th to enter.  We will pick a winner soon after.

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

Avignon has the elegance of indoor furniture, yet is crafted to withstand year-round use outside. The Avignon Chair and Armchair feature closely aligned slats and rounded fin edges that recall the lines of formal upholstered pieces. They meet their match in the elegant new Dining Table, which seats up to six diners comfortably, and the Avignon Extending Dining Table. Leaves stored under this table's surface unfold to expand its capacity from eight diners to twelve.

From the grandest garden to the coziest balcony, Smith & Hawken is dedicated to helping their customers unlock the potential of their favorite outdoor spaces.  Founded in 1979 as a garden tool company, Smith & Hawken has grown to become the premier authority in outdoor living.  I respect their dedication to providing products distinguished by authenticity, style, and above all, fine craftsmanship.  With beautiful outdoor weather fast approaching, I thought it would be timely to take a look at some of the fabulous outdoor dining collections from Smith & Hawken.  And right now, Smith & Hawken is  currently offering 30% OFF ALL FURNITURE!!

Designed for compact spaces, comfort and easy entertaining. Crafted of kiln dried Premium Teak® for durability and superior weather resistance.

The Fairmont collection features intricate details commonly associated with fine indoor furniture, but is suitable for year-round use outdoors. These artfully crafted pieces are made from ecologically harvested Premium Teak®.

Pull up a chair and stay awhile. Crafted from Premium Teak™, the Ainsley dining tables pair perfectly with Nantucket Island seating, and are designed to resist inclement weather for years on end.

A handsome combination of heavy-duty materials, Sienna tables and chairs are built to accommodate meals for years to come.

With a streamlined design that suggests a modern edge, our new Gibson collection also manages to exude a timeless quality that transcends trends.

Authentic, classic styling is combined with the convenience of modern cast aluminum construction. Hand-cast cabriole legs and lattice surfaces express casual elegance.

Today’s giveaway sponsor, Julie Moir Messervy, is a visionary when it comes to composing landscapes of beauty and meaning.  With over three decades of experience, five books, and numerous high-profile lectures, Julie has emerged as an innovative leader in landscape and garden design theory and practice. 

Julie was kind enough to answer a few questions about her book,  Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love.  And I am happy to report we will be giving away a copy to one of our lucky readers.  Very timely since summer will be knocking on our down soon. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m originally from the suburbs of Chicago, growing up there in a large family until we moved to Connecticut when I was 11.  I always loved playing in the out of doors and found that making forts, climbing trees, and playing alongside streambeds to be what I loved the most–partly because I loved to make little places in the landscape and partly to find a refuge from the busyness of our big family!  

I also loved music and played various instruments, which turned out to be helpful later on when I designed the Toronto Music Garden.  When I went to college, I fell in love with the world of art and later, in graduate school, architecture and city planning.  But in the middle of my studies, I opened up a book of photographs of Japanese gardens and fell madly in love.  I felt like I already had experienced these beautiful landscapes in my own childhood–mossy clearings and ferny glades.  I decided that somehow I would find a way to travel to Japan to learn the secrets of Japanese garden design–which I was able to do by working with Professor Kinsaku Nakane in Kyoto.  It was a life-changing experience and I’ve been building gardens, parks, and landscapes ever since (over thirty years ago now).

What was the inspiration for Home Outside?  

Home Outside was written to bring the process and principles of landscape design (as I see them) to every homeowner possible.  I want to help people get away from their computer and television screens once more, to get outside into nature in their own backyards, by creating a place that brings them pleasure there.  I wanted to show that good design is affordable, approachable, and attainable.  I love that we show modest and doable homes from all over the country, Canada, and even Europe in the book.  What I tried to do was to organize the way I think about design in the simplest language possible and give it back to the everyday homeowner so that they can either try it themselves or learn a language that will help them express what they long for to other design professionals in their area.

Can you describe the concept of “Finding Your Comfort Zone?”

The landscape around your house–your “home outside,” should feel like a zone of comfort in your life.  Your front yard should feel welcoming; your side yard neighborly, your backyard comfortable for gathering, play, and as a getaway from the stresses of daily life.  Especially in this difficult economy, your property should feel like a sanctuary from the everyday world–a place where you can be outside in nature to regain your sense of self.  One of the great things about working on our properties for the average homeowner is that we can do much of the work ourselves–we can plant a tree, shrubs, perennials, or bulbs; we can build a small brick patio, or place a focal point like a birdbath or bird feeder ourselves.  With the downturn, since many of us can’t move or renovate our houses right now, what we can do are things like putting out some comfortable chairs around a portable fire pit and enjoying being with friends and family roasting marshmallows out under the stars, in the comfort of our home outside.

How could our readers create better flow between the inside and outside of their homes?

Probably the most useful design principle in the whole book is the idea of “repeating elements.”  For instance, if you echo the yellow color of your living room walls by planting yellow flowers in containers on the adjacent deck or in your planting beds right outside your French doors, you are bringing inside and outside into harmony and drawing the eye from one place to the other.  You can also do this with a form–like using a circular rug inside your house and putting a semicircular bench out in the garden, connecting inside to outside through that one shape.  

Another idea, if you’re building from scratch, is to place a window at the end of your front hall that opens out onto the landscape–in other words, leading people toward the view (outside) and towards the light.  We’ve done this at our house (see page 197) with an opening cut out of the wall at the end of our front hall.

Would you like to win a copy of this Fantastic Book?

Simply Enter Here…

1. Visit Julie’s Website and have a look around.
2.  Leave me one comment below telling me about your ideal Home Outside.

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, May 6th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

The Ice Chair by Kasper Salto is stackable. Made of light aluminum, it is available in chairs or stools with separate seat and back, with or without arms. The backrest and seat are made of synthetic material; the aluminum frame and armrest have a satin matte surface. Seat frame and arms are powder-coated in a silver grey or black grey color. Available in a variety of colors!

SUITE New York is Manhattan’s foremost contemporary furniture and design store. Since the company’s founding less than three years ago, SUITE New York products and projects have appeared in over sixty high-profile magazines and newspapers. Kris Fuchs (Principal and Public Relations and Marketing Director) and Maria Isabel Sepulveda (Co-Principal and Chief Executive Officer) prioritize quality products and superior customer service, and have traveled the world sourcing pieces for their showroom. Creative Director Chris Kraig brings his wealth of knowledge in architecture, art history, and contemporary design when selecting manufacturers and designers for the company. For more information on SUITE New York’s products, please visit their website or visit the showroom at 625 Madison Avenue, Suite 218.

The following outdoor items from SUITE New York will help you usher in the summer months in style! 

Have a great weekend! 

~ Lorrie

The Havana Collection by designer Joseph Forakis is an outdoor lighting collection with polyethylene shades which come in white or yellow. This sleek design can be either suspended with lacquered metal supports, used as a floor model, with an underground box or repositionable base.

The Ice Table is available in stackable circular, square or rectangular shapes. Top in sliver grey or dark grey compact laminate. Base offered in satin matte or mirror polished aluminum.

The Uto Light by Legranja Design is a pliable lamp made of a silicone rubber. It comes in white, yellow, or orange, and may be used both inside and outside.

The Silver Chair by Vico Magistretti stacks up to 6. Magistretti was a master of simple and elegant solutions to domestic needs. The seat and back is made of polypropylene material in black, white, grey, orange or cobalt blue. The frame has a satin polished anodized aluminum. Available options include a 5 star swivel base on coasters, tablet arms, seat cushions, or configuring to a tandem system.

The eco-friendly Plateau Quadrant bench from designer David Scott would be a great addition to any backyard!

…

Win a $200 JCPenney Gift Card!

A deck is a wonderful addition to any home.  Barbecuing, sunbathing, and kids playing;  it’s the ultimate outdoor room to enjoy during the temperate months.  And after all that wear and tear it keeps coming back for more.  But this year, before you roll out the barbecue, why not give your deck the TLC it deserves by cleaning and protecting it first with Thompson WaterSeal Products!

Before

Thompson has been in business since 1929 so they know quite a bit about protecting buildings and wood.  Wood is beautiful and strong but it certainly needs maintenance and protection to keep it looking great and help maintain its strength.   Rain, wind, snow and the sun can be harsh on wood.  So it’s important to clean and seal it periodically.  And while you’re at it, you can add a little design flair by using the Tinted Wood Protector to coordinate with your home and garden.  If you have any questions or would like to see some product videos and tips, check out their extensive Advice Department.  You can even get advice from their resident expert and host of DIY Networks  ”Build a Deck“, Jeff Wilson.

After!

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Step 1:  Thompson’s Water Seal Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner

 Step 2:  Thompson’s Water Seal Advanced Tinted Wood Protector

Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofer Plus Tinted Wood Protector adds subtle shades of color in Sheer Honey Gold, Sheer Natural Cedar, Sheer Rustic Red, Sheer Nutmeg Brown or Sheer Coastal Gray. This attractive finish protects against water damage and provides a mildew and UV resistant coating. 

Step 3:  Enjoy the View!

Ready to Get Your Deck in Tip-Top Shape?

Thompson’s is giving our winner a case of Thompson’s Water Seal Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner (4 gallons) and a case of Thompson’s Water Seal Advanced Tinted Wood Protector in the color of their choice (Honey Gold, Natural Cedar or Nutmeg Brown.)  

Step 1:  Take a look at your deck (or your mom’s or your neighbor’s) and honestly assess its condition.  What color would look best?

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me why that deck needs some TLC and what color you would choose.  If you win, we would love to see a photo of your deck!   If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

Step 3:  You must follow directions accordingly to win the giveaway!

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Monday, March 2nd to enter.  Two random winners will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

Win this Gorgeous $32o Lamp!

A welcoming porch should include live plants and some furniture.

Great home design starts with great architecture!  Today I am happy to introduce our first guest architect, Bruce Wentworth, AIA.  Bruce has an extensive portfolio that shows his love of historic restoration through a broad array of projects; from bungalows (my favorite) on up to large scale luxury residences.  Recently he has also started his website, “Ask the Architect“  which helps homeowners identify their own home’s period and style as well as answering questions about remodeling.  His blog has great tidbits as well.  Today, Bruce is sharing an exterior project that shows us the importance of curb appeal.  I just love the transformation and the autumn decor is a bonus!

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

The original front door didn't really look like a front door.

Now it's bold and visitors know exactly where to go.

Curb Appeal

Our clients, whose property is gorgeous and has a wonderful interior, lacked curb appeal. The existing covered porch was uninviting, narrow and felt like a back door. Exposed brick walls at the porch looked rough and unrefined, old stone paving was cracked and loose, and a pair of glass patio doors served as the front entry but lacked ‘front-door’ status.  

The color and the "flatness" of the house lacked interest before.

The new walkway reflects the style of the new entry.

This project was all about the details; the details of the architecture and the details of the arrival experience. Starting your journey at the driveway we constructed low stone square piers to announce the new flagstone sidewalk; each pier capped with thick flagstone for a substantial feeling, and built-in lighting illuminates the step. The sidewalk’s flagstone was laid in a diagonal pattern to create a rhythm as you progress parallel to the front of the house. Arriving at a turning point, the walk widens to a square and the paving pattern changes, designating its time to turn and face the porch. To make the porch feel more inviting the flagstone paving was extended beyond the porch roof line. This extra floor space allows visitors to gather and accommodates porch accessories such as benches or decorative pots.   

I love the details on this porch: the round window, column and beautiful light.

The porch offers a new experience by covering the existing brick walls of the porch with flat recessed wood paneling with panel molding. The fake shutters were removed from at the porch windows and door to let the paneling do its work. New trim at the door and windows further enhances the details. The old glass patio doors were replaced with an elegant custom door flanked by sidelights that gives the house a new status.

The home’s new curb appeal puts it in sync with the quality of the overall residence and enhances its market value.

 ”Architect, Contractor, and Author, Bruce Wentworth, AIA, has worked in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for over twenty years as the principal architect on over 100 historic and classic home re-modelings. Passionate about historic architecture, he recently put his survey of residential architectural styles in the D.C. metro area online at http://askthearchitect.org/.  His work has been featured in many local and national publications.”

To learn more about Bruce Wentworth and to see additional projects, visit his website.

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Design Question!

Many people work tirelessly on their interior decorating projects only to lose momentum when it comes to the front door.  This is an important place to focus your attention for many reasons.  It allows you to show off your taste and style before guests enter your home.  Plus, you deserve to come home to a welcoming front door!  The good news is that giving your front door a face lift is easily achieved in 3 simple steps.

1. The Door – Choose a front door that reflects the style and personality of your home and paint it or stain it in a contrasting color to make it a focal point.  My favorite colors?  Red, Black & stained finishes.
2. The Accessories- Just like any other room in the house, the accessories are the finishing touch and there are quite a few to consider:  door hardware, house numbers, door knockers, door bells, mailboxes, doormats, lighting and plants.  Since it’s a small space, try to keep finishes and styles similar.
3. A Commitment – Keep the area neat and clean.  A simple sweeping up and wiping down will usually do.  Flowers & plants are a bonus.  It brightens up the area and shows others that you take pride in your nest.

Modern Accessories

1. Stone Door Knocker from Chiasso- $98
2. Midnight Wall Sconce from Lightology – $43.20
3. Grey Fiberstone Planterfrom Smtih & Hawken – $58.99
4. Solaris mailbox  from Chiasso - $198
5. Sausalito house number 3 from Chiasso – $18 each
6. hi there doormat from Chiasso -$38

Mountain Retreat Accessories

1. 5″ Twig & Vine House Numbers from Atlas Homewares- $12.60 each
2. Post Wood Vented Mailbox from Rustic Connection- $194.95
3. Faux Brambleberry Wreath from Smith and Hawken - $99.00
4. Summer Striped Doormatfrom Smith and Hawken – $31.00
5. Panel Doorbell Button with Pinecone from Rustic Connection – $55.95
6. Sunset Ranch Outdoor Wall Light from Bellacor – $156.33

I hope you are inspired to dig in and makeover your front door.  Remember, it only takes a few details to create a warm and welcoming entrance!  You can always find what you need in My Secret Database!

~Lorrie

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