Where Pros Go to Discover Outdoor Furniture Ideas
Outdoor living spaces have begun to look a lot like their indoor counterparts, with comfy sectional sofas, colorful accent rugs and outdoor media systems. And the line between indoors and out is beginning to blur even more. Now, many outdoor furnishings are serving double duty, because they’re durable enough to withstand the elements of the great outdoors, yet stylish and versatile enough to be featured indoors come months with harsher weather.
This indoor-outdoor trend for furniture will be at the center of this year’s Casual Market Chicago, which, for over 35 years, has been the go-to place for home design professionals to exhibit outdoor furniture and accessories. Although the event is exclusively for home design professionals, the products and ideas that flourish there eventually end up in the backyards and outdoor spaces of homeowners all across the U.S. and around the world.
We got a sneak peek at what you’ll likely see at the market if you’re a design pro, or, if you’re a homeowner, what could be coming to an outdoor — and indoor — living room near you in the months to come.
Event at a Glance
Location: The Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago
Dates: Wednesday, September 16 through Saturday, September 19
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More info: Casual Market Chicago
“We are seeing designs becoming more fluid between spaces — large windows, living walls and water features in indoor spaces, while outdoor spaces are becoming living rooms with cozy, comfortable furniture and intimate private areas,” says Rebecca Fischer, marketing specialist at Janus et Cie. Because of the indoor-outdoor transitional trend, home decor and furniture designers are creating new collections with both interior and exterior spaces in mind.
The Tiempo collection, pictured here, incorporates the use of mixed materials, something that’s become increasingly popular. The legs of the furniture pieces are made from finished stainless steel, while the body of each piece is crafted from solid teak. Each of these materials is sturdy enough to withstand the outdoor elements but sleek enough for a living room as well.
Seen here is one piece of the Strada collection by Janus et Cie designer Paola Navone. This lounge chair and ottoman make a great place for putting up your feet and reclining with a good book. They can be combined with other pieces in the collection or mixed in with other decor. Remove the cushion from the ottoman and you have a coffee table for ready to hold drinks or hors d’oeuvres.
Interested in a less formal setup for eating than a traditional dining table? Manufacturers are designing outdoor furniture collections reminiscent of bar, lounge and cafe seating areas and with a luxury-at-home feeling.
The Barcelona collection by Summer Classics, shown here, was inspired by the modern elegance of transitional wingback seating. It combines an indoor aesthetic with weather-resistant outdoor materials in pieces that are upscale yet easily maintained.
The Club Teak collection, pictured here, comes in neutral tones and with cushions that will match any decor inside and a rainbow of garden colors outside.
And that seems to be the main takeaway of this year’s Casual Market Chicago: designs for versatility.
For more information about the event and exhibitors, visit the Casual Market Chicago website.
