Outdoor eclectic

Homeowners are stepping outside the box when it comes to outdoor furniture. They are mixing pieces from different manufacturers, lines and textures to create one-of-a-kind looks. Those looks often include pieces they already have.

This eclecticism is driven more by a desire to refresh and renew as surroundings are in bloom and less by a sluggish economy, say local furniture dealers. It's a trend that holds true whether a homeowner is furnishing an outdoor room, a large screened porch or a tiny patio.

"Now we are using teak tables and wicker chairs, mixing things up," says Chris Fulp a design consultant with Morris Sokol on King Street. "People are looking at things in different ways. I am not sure what gets them to be more daring. They are fixing up what they have."

Small improvements to outdoors spaces can have a big impact, says Jackie Hirschhaut, public relations vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance. The outdoor furniture introduced for 2010 is designed so that even small changes can be rewarding.

Manufacturers are focusing on dazzling color, Hirschhaut says, resulting in outdoor settings that should help brighten people's moods.

Some of the colors inspired by nature include shades of leaf green and sunny yellow. Most manufacturers have added red pieces red to their collections.

Mary Sanders, owner of Firehouse Casuals, says homeowners who previously would have purchased cushions in neutral colors are going for eye-catching hues.

One example is a popular furniture line made of recycled milk jugs that has new pieces in "citrus," an orange shade, and "pool," a Bahama blue.

"It's not inexpensive, but there is a lot of value there because it holds up better in the salty air we have down here," she says. The Adirondack chair runs about $325 and is heavy, weighting about 50 pounds. The furniture carries a 20-year warranty.

Right now, most of the colors for this season are bright, says Sanders. She expects to see more reds, however, and has begun purchasing pieces that mix reds and earth tones.

Fulp agrees that red is big but says that softer brights, such as robin's egg blue, are still very popular with his customers.

Caring for outdoor furniture

The American Home Furnishings Alliance offers the following care and maintenance tips:

Aluminum frames: Clean with mild soap and water. For nontextured surfaces, apply an automotive wax every few months. On textured finishes, periodically apply baby or mineral oil. Occasionally spray oil lubricant on chair swivels or glides.

Tempered glass tabletops: Clean regularly with a soft cloth, a mild detergent and warm water. Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Commercial glass cleaners also may be used.

Outdoor wicker: Vacuum gently or brush with a soft bristle brush. Hose off every few weeks and clean periodically with mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Vinyl straps: Wash with mild detergent and warm water, using a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly. To remove scuff marks, apply toothpaste or gentle abrasive and rub gently with a dry cloth. To remove mildew, use a solution of warm water, mild detergent and bleach (no more than one-quarter cup to 3 gallons of water). Apply vinyl protectant to the straps after cleaning.

Sling furniture: Wash with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Cushions: Vacuum as needed to remove organic material and prevent decay. Clean by sponging with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry. If mildew occurs, use a solution of 1 cup bleach and a squirt of detergent per gallon of water. Scrub with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry. Always test an inconspicuous spot first to make sure the color won't fade. Bleach may not be suitable for some fabrics.

Wrought iron and steel: Clean with warm, soapy water. To maintain the gloss on nontextured surfaces, apply automotive wax. On textured finishes, periodically apply mineral or baby oil. If rust develops, clean area by sanding lightly, then wipe thoroughly and apply touch-up paint (usually provided by the manufacturer).

Hardwoods: Clean with mild detergent and water. Rinse well. Some manufacturers recommend an occasional application of oil. Teak and Jarrah can stay outdoors year-round. Pine, oak and cedar should be stored for the winter. Painted woods will require painting every year or so.

Umbrellas: Wash covers with mild soap and water, using a long-handled brush. Spray silicone on the joints of wire frames. Use wax or furniture polish on wooden umbrellas.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.