by Rick Campos
Entertaining has officially moved out of doors and the key to sophisticated outdoor style is a seamless blend of form and function which flows from the inside to the out. Every aspect of interior living and entertaining has been reinterpreted for the exterior, including stylish seating options, designer fabrics, chef’s kitchens in all their stainless steel splendor, and even flat screen televisions that are virtually impervious to moisture. From retro-chic to modern contemporary, the options are endless. Here are a few of our favorite “must-have” items for luxury living and entertaining this summer.
01 Add drama to your outdoor entertaining area with the MINI T modern fire feature by ECOSMART FIRE. Fueled by renewable denatured ethanol, the clean-burning, weather-resistant fire element requires no installation or utility connection, providing “out-of- the-box” instant gratification. www.ecosmartfire.com
02 The warm teak accents of the Breeze Lounger juxtapose beautifully against the cool metal frame and airy mesh sling resulting in an ergonomic poolside lounge that is as easy on your back as it is on the eyes. Fully extended, the lounge also doubles as bench-style seating when the pool party reaches maximum capacity. www.harbouroutdoor.com
03 The outdoor kitchen is a must-have for serious summer entertaining and Viking has outdone itself with a full arsenal of outdoor necessities, including a long-awaited replacement for the age old plastic cooler. They call it a “refreshment station”. We call it a bar cart on steroids. The stainless steel workhorse incorporates a bar sink, speed rail, and ample storage for mixers. Paired with dual refrigeration drawers and an icemaker, this chic suite is the life of any party. www.vikingrange.com
04 The search for the perfect outdoor surface is finally over. The folks at Hart Concrete Design have rein- vented the everyday material into durable and eco-friendly counter and table tops. The custom mix and hand-poured approach allows for an endless combination of colors and exposed aggregates, as well as integrated sinks and ice trowels. www.hartconcretedesign.com
05 The sculptural form of the Croissant Sofa from JANUS et Cie creates an intriguing focal point or can anchor a poolside seating area with an unexpected airy quality. Stylish hand- woven synthetic fiber over a sturdy powder-coated steel structure echoes a refined yet casual postmodern vibe. www.janusetcie.com
06 The evolution of audio/video for the home continues to accelerate and Pantel is on the cutting edge of outdoor weatherproof televisions. The hottest days and coldest nights are no match for this ultra bright, non-glare high definition LCD. The sleek 65” model is currently the largest on the market and will transform your backyard into
a virtual drive-in movie theatre. www.panteltv.com
07 Textile industry mainstay F. SCHUMACHER has partnered with fashion firecracker Trina Turk to create a collection of zesty, color-rich outdoor fabrics. Inspired by the old school luxury lifestyle of Palm Springs, which elevated poolside entertaining to an art form, Turk’s bold pattern and color combinations translate seamlessly from runway to cabana. www.fschumacher.com
We asked a few of our favorite interior designers: “How do you keep your outdoor space luxurious?”
“A stylish outdoor space is not complete without a few ceramic garden stools in bold, bright colors. Durable and functional, they serve double-duty as side tables and extra seating. I use them outdoors all the time in both coastal and desert environments.”
– Natalie Umbert
“An outdoor fireplace is a must for summer entertaining, creating a warm and inviting conversation area. I’m a firm believer in breaking the rules: don’t be afraid to mix styles, like contemporary and colonial, for a truly unique designer space.”
– Barclay Butera
“I like my outdoor furniture pieces to resemble real furniture that you would find inside the home. Classic pieces covered in outdoor fabrics and lots of lanterns make for an elegant outdoor entertaining area.”
– Martyn Lawrence Bullard