Outdoor Dining Tables as Functional Sculpture

By Caluco

Allowing dining tables to perform as sculptural pieces while retaining their overall function adds a dynamic quality to outdoor spaces without adding non-functional pieces that clutter the space.  A distinctive dining table is also a great way to announce which art and design movements resonate with the homeowner.  Pairing a unique dining table with similarly styled teak chairs allows the dining chairs to subtly fade into the background, maintaining continuity and allowing the table to be the focal point.  The fade-away chair look is also popularly achieved by using the Ghost Chair by Kartell ($410).

The 44" Round Red Alfresco Table is by Loll ($889).  Made with recycled materials, it is eco-friendly or eco-chic.  The simple contemporary red table is paired with the clean lined Rolland Teak Stacking Chair by Caluco.  

The 48" Round Florence Iron Dining Table ($509) and the classic Teak Niza Folding Dining Side Chairs by Caluco ($66) allow a more contemporary interpretation of a classically styled table.

The Emu Outdoor Furniture Collection has exquiste tables with sculptural qualities, particularly the Vera and Heaven Collections. 

Caluco product photos courtesty of http://www.caluco.com/

Loll product photos courtesy of http://www.lolldesigns.com/

Eclectic Holiday Lighting Display

Using a red berry wreath (a gift from my sister, possibly from Frontgate), a Buddha bust (another gift), faux garland from K-mart (possibly a Martha Stewart brand when she was still there), existing planters and plants, an opera table, LED berry shaped white lights, zip ties and seven eye screws; I designed this unique Holiday entrance.  The lights will probably be taken a little bit further, lining some of the architecture of the home.  The doorway, for me, is perfect. 

Trust yourself when you design, be creative, allow what you create to resonate with others.  It doesn’t have to be exactly the same kinds of things used by the neighbors, however using some of the more common mediums (lights & garland) is way to connect with them and be understood by them (you and your lights).

The entrance is attractive during the day as well, which for me, is a must.

Contemporary Modular Sofas

Although the double chaise's dimensions were too great for the existing porch, a similar, more suitable option is available from the same Caluco Mirabella Collection.  Utilizing two corner sectional pieces and two ottomans, a daybed is created when pushed together.  When entertaining groups, the pieces may be pulled apart for a seating group or for perimeter seating.  When entertaining one guest, the pieces may be set out in pairs with two groupings of one corner piece and one ottoman separated by an end table.

                                                 

Sometimes when we settle on a concept and realize it is not going to work out, pushing through the concept, the result becomes more refined and in the case higher functioning.

From the first option, the dual functioning, sculptural bar table is retained.

Now that the furnishings have been selected, it is a good time to start looking for accessories to soften the space as well as to enclose it further, perhaps with sunbrella curtains and to diminish the somewhat unsightly view of the hot tub.

Photographs courtesy of http://www.caluco.com/