Has the fabric on your outdoor furniture cushions seen better days?  I bet most of you wind up looking at that worn-out floral pattern a little longer than you’d like; and it’s no surprise why.  Outdoor fabrics endure the elements and are indeed durable, but they can also be costly to replace.  Often you keep the same cushions until the day you replace the furniture, but that’s really not necessary.  Change it up with fabulous new fabrics from OutsideFabric.com.

I receive loads of emails each day introducing new companies that carry a multitude of products.  As I review them, I find some that not only cater to interior designers but also to the general public.  These are the “finds” that I share with you on My Design Secrets.  Today I found OutsideFabric.com, and now you too can have the luxury of choosing from a vast array of outdoor fabrics just like designers do.  These fabrics can be used for cushions, draperies, umbrellas, awnings, marine use or any other water or stain prone area of your home.  They carry the very popular and durable Sunbrella line as well as outdoor fabrics from Robert Allen (which usually only sells to designers).  So whether you are going for a Beach House, Modern or Mountain Retreat, with so many different styles selecting your favorite might be a challenge!

They stock over 300 fabrics that are mold and fade resistant and no matter the size of your order, shipping is only $8.00.  You can request a custom quote if you would like them to make the cushions.  Or if you would like to make your own, they even direct you to an article on About.com that gives you step-by-step instructions.  So whether you do it yourself, bring it to your local upholsterer or order cushions from the site, you will be sitting pretty (on your lovely outdoor cushions) in no time.

Visit OutsideFabric.com on My Design Secrets!

Memorial Day Weekend! -  Break out the shorts and sunglasses; it’s time to dine on summer specialties.  When I was a kid, there was much excitement surrounding the simple, dome-top, charcoal BBQ grill.  The smell of lighter fluid meant hamburgers in 30 minutes and s’mores in 60 if you were lucky!  Now we have high-tech grills and custom outdoor kitchens that will blow your mind and your budget.  With chef-quality appliances, these outdoor cookeries sport wine coolers, marble counter-tops and more BTU’s than you will know what to do with.  So in honor of all you Grillers (you who suffer for charbroiled perfection) and Chillers (we who kick back with a frozen cocktail), I will share some outdoor cooking quarters from the simple to the sublime.

Come Explore the Great Outdoors on My Design Secrets!

Summer is quickly approaching.  Haul out the patio furniture, tune up the grill and sweep off the deck.  The warm weather gives us an opportunity to expand our living space and get back in touch with nature.   So rather than living with the same decor year after year, let’s spruce it up with some color and accessories.  Like any room in your house, your outdoor space deserves some attention with a mini face-lift now and then.  Here are some fabulous finds to make your outdoor space feel like a special destination any day of the week.

•  Fire Pits Add Warmth - Whether you are enjoying their ambience with a glass of wine or toasting marshmallows, you cannot miss.
• Fun and Games - Why not roll out the Bocce ball, horseshoes or badminton?  They might moan and groan but soon enough everyone will be laughing and cheering.
• Color Infusion - Some colorful throw pillows make the space come to life.
• Aromatic Container Garden - Decks can look barren, so start a container garden with beautiful jars & urns.  Herbs such as Rosemary are easy keepers and give off a wonderful aroma.
• Cozy Converstation - Defining a conversation or dining area with a Pergola transforms a so-so space into a warm and inviting haven.
• Memorable Meals - Colorful utensils and attractive serve-ware make a meal special.

Kick back, relax and enjoy your newly rejuvenated space!

Check out Great Outdoor and Patio Sources in My Secret Database!

Did you know that last Thursday was the first day of spring? I know some of you may still have snow on your window sill, but it takes some time to plan a charming outdoor retreat so I want you to be well prepared. So let’s peek at some fashionable patio umbrellas.   The exotic waterproof, cotton umbrella above is from Eastern Serenity.  It has hand applied artwork and the frame is made of Thai bamboo.  The more modern version below is from The Conran Shop and features a plastic canopy that is stencil-cut to allow dappled sunshine to stream through.  Either one will flatter your patio furniture and motivate you to fire up the grill, kick back and enjoy the great outdoors!

I thought it was a great innovation when they started making the synthetic “sisal look” rugs that you could use outdoors. It adds friendly warmth to your patio. In the past I have recommended that clients also use these rugs indoors for pet and children friendly areas. They give you the sisal look without the worry. Real sisal is a nightmare to clean and it does not feel good on bare feet and knees (for the crawlers). But now there are all-weather rugs that look just like the tufted rugs that you would use in your living room. Here are a couple of fabulous ones from Grandin Road.