By Design

From all-weather wicker, modern mesh and other open weaves, to teak in all shades from honey to warm grays, to metal in sleek stainless steel, to rustic wrought-iron looks to a range of painted hues, the selection has never been greater or more stylish for outdoor furniture.

It reaffirms a desire for a seamless transition from well-appointed interiors to al fresco spaces. And it's a transformation that's become a little less rigid, following a more eclectic approach to mixing up materials rather than buying everything to match -- which also makes it a bit easier to add single pieces such as a chair, ottoman or small table to freshen existing outdoor decor.

In the last year, particularly, there has been a fairly significant move to modern in outdoor furnishings, with a spike in contemporary accessories. Even melamine dinnerware is sporting bold geometric patterns.

In addition, gray, especially weathered looks, is making a strong statement in frames. Some bright colors and patterns beautifully complement this new neutral. White also is gaining traction, both in matte and slick high-gloss finishes. One favorite teaming is with cobalt or navy blue.

In fabrics, retro patterns are emerging as well as more engaging geometrics and vivid, stylized florals. And, of course, there's been an infusion of color, from brights like lime and turquoise to mustard, saffron, oranges, corals and bright purples.

But there are so many ways to spruce up what you have, as well as to accessorize a new outdoor room.

You might start with a rug. As in interiors, a rug can anchor a seating group, and one with a kicky pattern, such as a striking black and white chevron, can bring solids to life. Classic geometrics, such as motifs characteristic of wool kilims, go a long way to add character to the outdoor space. Some of the rugs are hand-tufted and soft, dense and plush enough to surprise that they are synthetic. They all can be hosed down for easy maintenance.

You might consider reviving tired cushions with new covers. Sunbrella fabrics are widely available for purchase by the yard on websites including Frontgate, Ballard Designs and Grandinroad. Calico Corners features a considerable selection of outdoor fabrics, and a trend noted for at least a couple of years now, points to many buyers considering fade-proof, stain-resistant, mildew-proof performance fabrics for use in a high-traffic area like a family room.

So many designer brands have branched into outdoor (Donghia, Robert Allen and Dwell Studio, Waverly) that the level of sophistication has soared. High-end companies such as Janus et Cie have their own fashion-forward textiles in unexpected palettes, including hot pink, orchid, orange and olive, some in arresting stripes, from awning to skinny -- and even in teamings of the two.

Besides cushions (and slipcovers for worn or dated-looking dining chairs), curtains are another option for fabric, especially because of the ambiance they add. Hanging from a pergola or framing it, as the backdrop to a seating area, curtains lend a softness, perhaps billowing in the wind. If you're handy, you can stitch them up yourself (with tabbed or a shirred top), or purchase them ready-made.

Among the easiest difference-makers are pillows. Popping prints with strong graphics are making the most noise. Both solid-color and patterned pillows in square or elongated lumber forms also may sport dressmaker details such as contrast piping, buttons and fringe.

Another oft-overlooked source for color is the ottoman, pouf or small table that doubles as a place to put a drink or snack or to put up your feet. This is a category that really has taken off, and the range of styles is full. First, there was a spate of porcelain garden stools in fresh colors like orange, lime and turquoise. Now, some of those stools are embellished, such as one at Pottery Barn that adds a nautical note with oversized "netting" detail.

Also at Pottery Barn are drum tables made of cast aluminum that produces a look of wrought iron or bronze. They feature a relief pattern detailed with frogs and come in three sizes, ranging from 12 inches to 24 1/2 inches in diameter.

Glass mosaic-topped tables at West Elm lend another handcrafted look -- one that also features color and pattern.

These small-scale tables are a must-have accessory, and not necessarily an expensive one. Mix several different styles and materials for the most impact.

In addition, planters have evolved from simple terra-cotta or not-so-attractive plastic, to better synthetics and stone lookalikes. They come in a variety of shapes, which can also add interest to a grouping, especially when used in tandem or in multiples.

Some of the taller pieces lend an architectural structure. Modern, tapered metal planters, for example, can frame the entry to a garden or to a door on a deck. Curvier shapes also can be embellished, like one plaster lookalike from Janus et Cie, which adds texture. Ornamented Anduze-style pots, which echo European or classic styles (at Ballard Designs in attractive green, gold or cream shades), offer authenticity with easy maintenance and wearability because of the synthetic material.

Finally, lighting offers another opportunity to add a warm touch. Candles, of course, do this romantically, and there are any number of lanterns and decorative containers, including porcelain, some with pierced surfaces like that of metal, which allow the light to dance through.

Some sculptural floor lamps feature LED lights that can be set to change colors, offering still another engaging element to the landscape.

All of the new offerings are furthering the ability to carve out vacation-like resorts in your own backyard. West Coast-based designer Richard Frinier believes that doing that actually is good for your well-being.

"Be mindful in the moment," says Frinier. "Be aware of your surroundings so you can make better choices." Frinier says that the kinds of "wellness" packages and mindful getaways being promoted at hotels and spa resorts are contributing to the way we think about our own outdoor spaces.

"This mindful lifestyle movement is driving the desire for people to rethink how we live inside and outside our homes, and how style and trends translate into more thoughtful products to help us live more holistic and naturally rich lives."

SIDEBAR A

LIGHT THE WAY

Lighting for the outdoors includes lanterns, pendants and chandeliers, and table and floor lamps fitted for candles and soft, romantic illumination or designed for outdoor electrification.

SIDEBAR B

DEPTH BY DESIGN

Planters and decorated sculptures for the outdoors also can provide architecture, shape and color.

Sources

-- Ballard Designs, 800-536-7551, www.ballarddesigns.com

-- Calico Corners, 800-213-6366, www.calicocorners.com

-- CB2, 800-606-6252, www.cb2.com

-- Crate and Barrel, 800-967-6696, www.crateandbarrel.com

-- Dwell Studio/Robert Allen, 877-993-9355, www.dwellstudio.com

-- Elaine Smith, 561-863-3333, www.elainesmith.com

-- Experienced Materials, 503-380-0289, www.experiencedmaterials.com

-- Frontgate, 888-263-9850, www.frontgate.com

-- Grandinroad, 866-668-5962, www.grandinroad.com

-- Janus et Cie, 800-245-2687, www.janusetcie.com

-- Laurie Bell, 336-362-4133, www.lauriebell.com

-- Liora Manne, 212-989-2732, www.lioramanne.com

-- Patio Living Concepts, 866-736-0796, www.patiolivingconcepts.com

-- Pottery Barn, 888-779-5176, www.potterybarn.com

-- West Elm, 888-922-4119, www.westelm.com

A well-designed garden, like an interior, reflects the balancing of color, texture, scale and use of materials. And whether a garden, terrace, deck or the house itself is the backdrop for an outdoor room, keeping it simple is key to furnishing.

Which is why when the media are mixed, the message, more and more, is modern. Not modern just for the sake of being edgy, or even minimal. It has more to do with clean lines -- straight, curved, sometimes tailored.

Wovens, some with the desired look of something hand crafted, show an exciting range, stretching in new directions beyond wicker and rattan clones. There's also a bit of retro styling, in some instances actually revisiting a previously introduced design and tweaking it for today.

Even slipcovered looks, which have really gained traction in recent years, feature updated upholstered silhouettes with squarish or curvy shapes.

Increasingly, consumers are finding that it's kind of cool to mix materials and even styles -- and manufacturers are beginning to get the message. In other words, the idea of totally matched sets can be as boring outdoors as it is indoors. So even those whose vocabulary is more traditional might be attracted to something more contemporary, and a single piece can really pop if it's deftly integrated.

That commitment to being fresh and relevant and reaching out to younger buyers while keeping its core customers happy is especially apparent when a company that's more than 100 years old is doing it. The newest batch of furnishings introduced by Lloyd Flanders daringly teamed stainless with the woven wicker that is a signature, and it pushed the envelope with other designs that feature mesh looks.

Not coincidentally, some of what's driving the expression of more modern designs is advancing technology -- both in terms of how indoor items have been adapted for outdoor use as well as how the building blocks themselves have evolved with new sophistication.

"Virtually anything that was previously used exclusively indoors has been adapted for the outside," says designer Richard Frinier, who is based in Long Beach, Calif. "Kitchens, TVs, rugs, lighting, sculpture, artwork."

Frinier is particularly excited about textiles, not only because technology now allows such innovations as stretch and tight mesh weaves, but also hybrids like a linen and burlap that he recently designed for Glen Raven. Best of all, for this designer, is a value-added sustainability.

"The Origins collection, which I did for Glen Raven, has Renaissance recycled yarns with a rich, mottled color palette. We are living in a time when people are more interested than ever in reducing our carbon footprint."

Fabrics, of course, can introduce color and texture, in solids or bold or subtle patterns. In addition, dressmaker details such as piping (especially contrast), fringe and buttons (tufted looks) add more of the touches we're accustomed to seeing indoors.

But form, like the architecture of a home or shrub, is especially compelling with some of the newest designs.

The modular collection from the British manufacturer Gloster, for example, has a familiarity, yet is oh so fresh with its overscale weave. Add to that a rich curved shape with deep seating, all on a powder-coated frame, which makes it cocoonlike. Not surprisingly, the concept was imagined by German textile designer Mathias Hoffmann, as its wide straps channel fabric more than synthetic wicker.

Also cradling is the chair from Gloster's new Dansk collection. Designers Povl Eskildsen and Philip Behrens nod to 1950s Danish style for inspiration in frames that are solid teak with tapering legs and upholstered in faux leather.

Outdoor furniture designers also are taking note of interiors trends. In some instances, as with the Marin dining and lounge collection from Brown Jordan, its credenza is handsome and stylish enough to be welcome inside. Designed by Los Angeles-based Michael Berman, who calls his signature style "American Trans-Modern," in natural plantation teak wood, the chairs feature striking details, such as cording through stainless steel eyelets on the sides of the chairs.

"Marin brings to mind elegant precedents like Art Deco furniture," says Stephen F. Elton, chief brand officer for Brown Jordan. "It can work in a California beach house, a garden in Connecticut or an upscale resort in the mountains."

A move to warmer metals, particularly a burnished brass that's less strident in color and finish than in the past, is reflected in a collection that actually is a new iteration of the iconic Kantan, which was designed in 1956 by Tadao Inouye for Brown Jordan. Richard Frinier reimagined the mid-century pieces in brass frames with the company's proprietary Suncloth straps.

"Mid-century designers pushed materials and form to the maximum," says Elton, "but stayed true to the practical needs of people -- who will use the product and where and how? Kantan II is as fresh, stylish and human-friendly as ever."

Many of the modern styles are inviting, perhaps more approachable. One style that embodies the cozy factor is the Nomad seating from Gloster. The armless chairs are wide and serpentine, and they draw style points with horizontal striped fabric cladding.

Skinny horizontal stripes are garnering attention in mesh, as well. Mamagreen, a Belgian manufacturer, introduced a striped collection whose upholstery is quick drying mesh, made from a strong polyester or hemp non-stretch yarn coated with vinyl, all mold and UV-resistant. The design actually was inspired by Navajo textiles.

Mesh as upholstery also is part of the innovative design for the Luna group from Lloyd Flanders. Its taut form is relieved with gentle curves, but even more intriguing is the material's sheerness, with a peekaboo to the frame. Shown in a shade of taupe, the hue signals a strong color shift to grays that's also happening in kitchens and surfaces, for example.

The other potentially seismic shift is to white. In Paris, at the twice-yearly international furniture show, Maison et Objet, white was more than a blip in exterior furnishings. In the United States, it is starting to show up both in frames and in upholstery.

The teaming of marine blue and white is especially crisp. An updated classic strap design called Flex from Brown Jordan features Suncloth straps hand-woven over a sleek white powder-coated aluminum frame -- a design from Richard Frinier.

At Tropitone, white faux leather is a sexy entree into the contemporary category. Even more drop-dead, is a chair that combines white cushions in a supple frame of rich red faux leather on polished stainless-steel legs.

Splashes of color can lift neutral groupings. In showing off two of its slipcover looks, Lane Venture teamed an armless chair with a wide seat in raspberry and a beige sofa, highlighted with a touch of yellow and raspberry accent pillows. It's a simple design concept borrowed from interiors that resonates equally in the al fresco landscape.

Sources

-- Brown Jordan, 800-743-4252, www.brownjordan.com

-- Fermob, in French -- click "EN" for English version, www.fermob.com

-- Gloster, 434-575-1003, www.gloster.com

-- Lane Venture, www.laneventure.com

-- Lloyd Flanders, 800-526-9894, www.lloydflanders.com

-- Mamagreen USA, 415-279-7895, www.mamagreenusa.com

-- Tropitone, 800-654-7000, www.tropitone.com

For most, choosing dinnerware is a necessity for those setting up a first apartment or a nicety associated with getting married. Bridal registries allow the dream of the fancy, as well as aspirational everyday for Food & Wine menus or takeout, with all the coordinating elements for stellar entertaining.

But so much about tabletop has changed, particularly in the last decade. And it's not just that so many choices have made it dizzying to narrow down, but lifestyle shifts are influencing the way we set the table.

"There's a casualization," says DJ Carey, editorial director for Connecticut Cottages and Living (Connecticut, Hamptons and New York editions). "The latest research shows there is great interest in food and health. More people are enjoying preparing food at home. Kitchens, in general, are getting larger in square footage, often taking (space) from the dining room. These large open plans include areas to entertain.

"Table settings are more relaxed -- a mix of everyday china with formal pieces, fun collectibles used as a centerpiece. Glassware follows suit with crystal wine glasses sitting comfortably alongside everyday water glasses. And shapes are being mixed -- square plates stacked on circular. There is more whimsy, more fun -- and it's more comfortable and easy to create. Best yet, color is everywhere on the table."

This is a shift that is pretty consistent with what is happening in home design. Matchy-matchy is not required; in fact, it's pretty much frowned upon. Mixing it up and layering is cool, just as the hip do with their wardrobes. And even though white and off-white remain a safe and popular go-to, introducing a little color, texture and pattern is gaining momentum. These days, that might extend to glassware and flatware as well.

"The days of matching plates are gone," says Carey, "and people are enjoying adding fun pieces to their tables. It's an easy way to change the personality of any table setting."

Like home furnishings, tabletop design is getting serious impetus from couture runways as well as global and textile influences. More fashion (and interior) designers have collections that reflect their style: Isaac Mizrahi (Gibson Overseas Inc.), Kate Spade and Donna Karan (Lenox), Missoni (Richard Ginori), Charlotte Moss and Kelly Wearstler (Pickard), the house of Versace (Rosenthal). Even iconic textile designs, such as the graphic black-and-white zebra on vibrant red that graced wallpaper from Scalamandre since 1930, have been translated to dishes.

What's new in patterns covers a range of motifs that pretty much reflect those in other areas of home fashions. Florals, a mainstay of traditional, also have more modern interpretations that are stylized, more graphic and open. Animal prints and faux-bois patterns are presented in unexpected hues, such as Kelly Wearstler's edgy Marquetry design with a fuchsia or periwinkle ground. Nature is, of course, another perennially popular theme, with birds, butterflies, leaves and other organic motifs a favorite depiction.

Pop-arty polka dots, retro looks or graffiti-like calligraphy, especially intriguing in metallic gold or silver, add to the modern edge.

But even solids are distinguished, not just because of the wide selection of hues afforded by improved glazes, but also because of texture and surface decoration, some of which also echo fabric trends. West Coast designer Laurie Gates, for example, introduced a new collection called Tara at the October tabletop show at 41 Madison Avenue in New York City. Available in a neutral glazed taupe or citron, it's decorated with what looks like asymmetrically placed appliqued white lace.

Mottahedeh's new Jars collection (sold through Barneys, www.barneys.com) excels in celebrating color in fashion-forward corals and limey greens, among others, through an engaging crackled glaze. Jars Ceramistes is a pottery crafted in the south of France.

Embossed plates also raise the decorative bar, especially in monochromatic expressions. Mateus' ceramic ware, handcrafted in Portugal, features relief work such as lacey patterns or butterflies spilling over the edges of plates, which add dimension and appealing color that make the line a standout.

The desire for handmade looks is consistent with what is happening in tile design, as technology ramps up efforts to produce dimensional pieces that look as if they've been crafted and glazed by hand rather than machine. Improvements in ink-jet technology also have affected the production of plates -- and color capabilities.

A shot of color is an easy add-on to the table, especially with wide-bordered chargers in a rainbow of hues from manufacturers including Villeroy & Boch, Mottahedeh and William Yeoward. "They're a great way to add vibrancy and interest," says New York designer Tara Seawright.

But color is not at limited to dinnerware -- flatware and glassware also are providing a lift. From resins in bright hues to wood handles, some of which are shapely as well, sculptural flatware adds still another dimension to the table.

The new diversity in flatware has inspired some to shake up conventions. Seawright loves doing the unorthodox -- like teaming high-end, ornate Christofle silver with Lucite for a kick. This goes along with grabbing fun accessories from Target or Pier I and bringing them to a glam table. It's the art of high-low, which some designers pull off brilliantly.

"It's like the J. Crew equivalent," says Seawright. "Mixing ornate costume jewelry with high heels, a T-shirt, sweater and jeans."

And to dress up the table, there's always a little bling. One manufacturer, Prouna, offers a beautiful selection of dinnerware that's embellished with Swarovski crystals. Best of all, the pieces are dishwasher-safe. To coordinate, there's a line of table linens decorated with crystals.

Flashes of gold and silver also can add a bit of glam, as singular accents or as part of the plate design. Besides banding on dishes, the metallic also can decorate the plate. Michael Wainwright's use of metal materials has become a signature. A sculptor who also has made jewelry, Wainwright's studio is in Barrington, Mass.

"I like the combination of hand made things with the elegance of precious metals," says Wainwright. "Gold and platinum are timeless, not like a color that goes out of fashion. And this is like jewelry for the table."

One of Wainwright's most popular collections, Palio, inspired by the annual ancient horse race in Siena, Italy, combines 24-karat gold, platinum and rose gold in concentric stripes around the plates. Just as in furnishings, designers are no longer sticking to one metal.

"There's a mix of metals and all types of textures," says DJ Carey, "and a big push to mix opposites -- rough with smooth, high with low, shiny with flat and all metals. These combinations add more interest to the table. I love the trend of combining textures and finishes to give your table a sophisticated look -- a great alternative to using color."

Matte and glossy finishes come together to add interest, especially in neutral palettes -- a look that's on trend in Europe. Donna Karan's collections for Lenox feature some of these looks.

Still, as sophisticated as we've become, there's one small issue.

"Many people do not know how to set a proper table -- they have never been taught," says Carey. "Many families don't sit down together, so how can we be surprised? Interior designers, event planners, caterers and tabletop shops are stepping in to educate the consumer."

But Carey feels the push back to entertaining in the home bodes well -- for the next generation. With more style and choices, some colorful and eye-catching tabletops are sure to blossom. Also, as tastes evolve, there's an "aha" moment that you don't have to be married to one style the rest of your life.

"Setting the table is about being creative," says Carey. "It's the ultimate gift you can give your guests."

Even if the placement isn't perfect.

Sources

-- Bloomingdales, 800-777-0000, www.bloomingdales.com -- for Scalamandre by Lenox, Mateus (www.mateus.se) and Versace (www.rosenthalusa.com)

-- Charlotte Moss for Pickard China, 847-395-3800, www.pickardchina.com; also Charlotte Moss, 212-308-7088, www.charlottemoss.com

-- Isaac Mizrahi at Gibson Overseas Inc., 800-281-2810, www.gibsonusa.com

Kelly Wearstler for Pickard China, 847-395-3800, www.pickardchina.com; also Kelly Wearstler, 855-295-3559, www.kellywearstler.com

Lenox, 800-223-4311, www.lenox.com (for Kate Spade, Scalamandre and Donna Karan)

-- Michael Wainwright, 413-717-4211, www.michaelwainwright.com

-- Mottahedeh, 800-443-8225, www.mottahedeh.com

-- Nikko Ceramics Inc., 201-840-5200, www.nikkoceramics.com

-- Portmeirion, 888-778-1471, www.portmeirion.co.uk

-- Vietri Inc., 919-245-4180, www.vietri.com

SIDEBAR A

BARWARE ON A ROLL

It's no longer a matter of which glass to use for white or red wine. Now, besides shape and style, color has been added to the repertoire.

Not only in water glasses, but wine, champagne and all manner of drinks.

"Ah the boom of barware," says DJ Carey, editorial director for Cottages & Homes (Connecticut, Hamptons and New York editions). "This is a big reaction to TV series like 'Mad Men.' In addition, the spirits industry has added lots of excitement with many exotic flavored spirits: flavored vodkas like cotton candy, fruit flavors. So where do we house our new collection of spirits? On a cool bar cart, again, a glance back to the 1950s or 1960s. These carts can be rolled into any seating area versus going to a built-in bar -- and the investment is much less."

SIDEBAR B

SHED SOME LIGHT

Tea lights and even small-scale lamps are trending on the tabletop and sideboard. There's a huge range in styles -- from casual to elegant crystal, and even the latter come in fetching colors. Some of the diminutive lights have stylish shades; some are neither electrified nor use candles, as in a DIY model that provides a fashion-forward shade; you provide the wine glasses and LED candles to set it up.