Thursday, April 29, 2010

You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby!

(Advertisement from Waverly)

Outdoor fabrics have come a long way from khaki, hunter green, and awning stripes.  It used to be you didn’t have much to choose from at all.  Then again, most of the time you were only choosing cushions for chairs and chaises. 

waverly.2 (Waverly)

Over the past decade, more and more people are spending time in their own back yards.  I believe that this has caused fabric companies to really get a little more creative with the fabrics they offer for outdoor use.  I thought we’d look at a small sampling of what is being offered.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the different colors and patterns that are available today.

robertallen.1 (Duralee)

Many of these fabric selections can coordinate with what you have going on inside your house, making for a seamless transition to your outdoor spaces.

robertallen.3 (Robert Allen)

It’s not just cushions anymore either.  People are inventing new ways to shield the sun with awnings, tents, fabric panels on gazebos or pergolas, and, of course, the standard and traditional outdoor umbrella.

kravet.1 (Kravet)

Outdoor fabric even translates well indoors.  If you have a very active family, have a beach house or ski lodge, or even just rent a summer cottage out, outdoor fabrics are sturdy and really stand up to wear and tear.

kravet.2 (Kravet)

robertallen.2

(Robert Allen)

sunbrella.1

(Sunbrella)

sunbrella.2

(Sunbrella)

sunbrella.3

(Sunbrella)

sunbrella.4

(Sunbrella)

As you can see, you are certainly not limited in your selection of outdoor fabrics anymore!  I think I’ll be recovering my wicker chair cushions in the gazebo with something that has a little more personality.

26 comments:

CosmoGirl Carla said...

Mmm, that was all so yummy, Kathy! I love fabric - I mean really LOVE it. I'm afraid I collect more than I sew with it, though. And I do love the versatility of toady's "outdoor" fabrics. I did in fact use an outdoor print for a valance in one of my son's rooms. Mainly because it just worked so much better than anything else I could find.

Thanks for sharing some great inspiration.

Designs on 47th Street said...

I had no idea there were so many outdoor fabric choices. You have shown us some really unique ones that I could certainly love.

Thanks for the eye opening post!

Donna

One Cheap B*tch said...

You always find the most fabulous things to share! Those outdoor huts (?) are gorgeous! Makes me wish I lived in the Hamptons on the beach. On second thought with all that traffic...

Debra from Bungalow said...

There are some wonderful outdoor fabrics available now. For my vintage patio table makeover I used some from the Better Homes and Gardens collection at Joanne's.

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Fabulous fabric! I'd love to get cushions covered in turquoise with pink flamingos, but it'll have to wait as our set is new from last year . . .
xxoo

Heather Henderson said...

those cabanas are to die for!

Anonymous said...

OH, I Love all the outdoor fabric choices. Beautiful and functional. Can you just imagine a row of those mailboxes?

Red Door Home said...

What a great way to spruce up an outdoor space.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Kathy...

Ohhh my...I guess "we have come along way, Baby"! Hehe! Those are some really beautiful outdoor fabric samples! I just love, love, LOVE the mailboxes covered in all the pretty Waverly fabrics!!! I will be shopping for some pretty outdoor fabric soon...needing to recover cushions on a porch swing! Thank you for the inspiration!!!

Well my friend, I really must apologize at being so late to come by for a visit...but it's just been crazy busy at my place! I wanted to stop in to say thank you for coming by my Sunday Favorites "One Year" birthday celebration! I really enjoyed your sweet notes and well wishes! I have really had fun touring your delightful blog, Kathy! You are such a creative and talented lady! Just wanted to let you know that I'm adding you to my list of blog follows and look forward to your upcoming posts! It's so very nice to meet you, my friend!!!

Have a fabulous day and best wishes with the gift card giveaway!

Chari @Happy To Design

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

I am LOVING the Duralee and Robert Allen!! LOVE IT!! I am begging my husband to screen in our deck, which would be a project for sure, but I would SO enjoy the deck more!!

Lou Cinda :)

Anita Diaz said...

These are so gorgeous! I love the fabric awnings, and panels, etc., just haven't figured out how to add some yet. I also have seen some cabanas made from draped fabric panels, and I love that too. Pretty post!!

Angie said...

Outdoor fabric is on my list of things to get so I can make some pillows for 2 chairs outside. Love the red floral one you showed!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy,such great outdoor fabrics!!I love waverly they have such beautiful fabrics...Kathy

Ms. Bake-it said...

Love those cabanas! Great fabrics! I will be shopping around for some soon for my patio. I want to make some panels that will for the most part be tied back but I am sure that there will be times one or two of the panels will be closed for additional shading. Will also make some coordinating pillows for the seating.

~Tracy

Kimmy said...

There really are so many great choices!! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! :)

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

Ooo, those are all so pretty!

Dena Pickle said...

They are all beautiful! I'll be glad when the price comes down a little though. Even buying the fabric and making your own seems a little pricey to me.
Thanks for pulling all of these awesome fabrics together and sharing with us!
Dena
sweet pickles and chocolate

Debbiedoos said...

Waverly has some great prints and colors. Those mailboxes where way too cute, I had to stare at them for awhile!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I adore the bright colors.

I so want a waverly mailbox. :)

Sonny G said...

Love the fabric with the lady bug...
I too need one of those mailboxes..:)

Sonny

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Those fabrics have come a long way! I can't believe they make outdoor fringe now!

Manuela

Absolutely Ladylike said...

Your fabric selection is pretty amazing dear Kathy! Thanks for sharing.

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend my dear friend.

Cheers: Evi

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Ooh Kathy, you are so right! There are so many wonderful fabrics to choose from now days.
You have shown us several lovely patterns and colors.
It's always good to get decorating advice from a pro like you with such excellent taste.

hugs
Sissie

Shaunna said...

Those are all so beautiful! It almost makes me want to recover our patio set. Almost. :) -shaunna

Jodi Smith said...

I want a Waverly fabric mailbox, and a garbage can too, why not? Can someone design these? My garbage cans sit in front of my house (the only place they don't get blown away) and a pattern, or color, would be so neat compared to their tan, green and black colors. Help? Suggestions?

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Hi Jodi ~ Actually, two suggestions to do something like that. First, you could get or use fabric you have that works with the background color of your cans. A large pattern would probably be best, cut it out and apply to the cans with Mod Podge, making sure to apply a coat on top once dry. You could also find some vinyl designs - a lot of the etsy sellers who do vinyl will do custom - and apply that to your cans. Good luck!

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