SUNsational style

Have you noticed the weather the past several weeks -- all the sunshine, light breezes, cool mornings, mild afternoons and extremely pleasant evenings? It makes living in Southern Nevada worth the Hades-like summer that will soon be upon us.

That's why it's imperative that we spend our free time in the backyard, and why Ellie Stanisci, design director at Robb & Stucky at Town Square Las Vegas, is inviting customers to visit her outdoor living display.

"Robb & Stucky Interiors has brought its outdoor furnishings inside," said Stanisci. "We have an entire wing devoted to showcasing outdoor furnishings which is unusual because most traditional home-furnishings stores relegate outdoor furniture to the back wall, an annexed trailer, the basement or even a separate building."

According to Stanisci, the lines between outdoor and indoor living have become blurred and have spawned a new way of approaching outdoor furnishings.

"As outdoor living spaces become more important, especially here in Las Vegas, outdoor furniture has changed dramatically," she explained. "Materials that are used to build outdoor furniture now include sunproof fabrics that don't bleach or fade, and furniture is heavier to avoid being pushed around by wind. Designs are more similar to indoor furniture and this helps maintain a consistent look as many outdoor courtyards are visible from inside the house."

According to Stanisci, newer homes have large walls and windows that open out to the backyard or patio so it becomes a seamless outside in and inside out making the backyard a secondary, if not primary, family room. And with the selection that's available, it's not that difficult to complement the home's indoor architectural style to the outdoors.

At the same time, improvements in weatherproofing and the art of design are converging to create more beautiful and practical outdoor furnishings. Products destined for Las Vegas are made of cast aluminum as steel tends to break down and rust. Fabrics are solution-dyed, which means the color runs completely through the material to slow the fading process. On top of all that, outdoor furniture manufacturers warranty their products from five to seven years.

Terry Eastlake, casual living expert at Paddock Pools and Spas, said her customers want to be comfortable outdoors just like they are indoors.

"Right now," she said, "I'm selling deep-cushioned pieces such as sofas, love seats, rocking chairs with ottoman, even sectionals. They want to walk outside with the newspaper and a cup of coffee at 6:30 in the morning when it's crisp and cool and relax before beginning the day. Or vice versa. They want to spend some quiet time at the end of the day with a cocktail and just relax and unwind. Whatever the reason, they want to be comfortable doing it."

Eastlake said that if the backyard is small, several chairs and a table is all anyone really needs. Further purchases can be made if the area is going to be used for entertaining or dining.

"People have to really ask themselves what kind of outdoor lifestyle they lead," she said. "I engage them in this type of conversation so I'll know what to suggest. We live in a climate where the backyard space can be utilized throughout the year, but how much time is actually spent outside? Is the furniture for actual use or just for looks? Is there a color scheme? Do you have a portable barbecue or built-in? All of this is taken into consideration to make sure the customer purchases what he or she really needs."

Stanisci said contemporary is the most popular outdoor furniture style rather than any one look such as Tuscan or French country. Also, more colors are being introduced to complement the décor, along with accessories such as throw pillows, clocks, dishes, outdoor area rugs, low cocktail tables, artificial flowers, heaters and umbrellas that can cover not just the table and chairs, but an entire area.

According to industry research, the popularity of outdoor living has become more pronounced as homeowners face a slow housing market, and a well-designed outdoor space, added to the home, can return more than 100 percent of the cost upon resale.