Patios are so ugly first thing in spring. Wet winter leaves are still caked in the corners, and everything is totally devoid of color until the plants turn green. So it feels really good to finally get your deck or patio to where it's usable and enjoyable. 

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I long for the days when we can eat outside on a deck, a patio or simply just in the yard. Sadly, apartment living (no balcony) limits my dream. Nothing tastes better than a glass of crisp white wine on a sunny day outside. Some day! In the meantime, I'll just add to my dream with perfect outdoor seating in all natural wood — perfect for sun bathing. Check out a few of my favorites, below.

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Last week I rounded up a selection of porch swings perfect for lazy summer days. Porch swings aren't always practical - you need a very secure spot to suspend one. That's where outdoor gliders come in!

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Earlier this week I looked at online sources for gardening supplies which, if you don't have a car or you're pressed for time, are great for getting your garden gear. But if your idea of a relaxing Spring Sunday is strolling through a garden center, breathing in the scent of wet soil and planning your own little outdoor space, this list is for you.  

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If you're lucky enough to have some outdoor space, now's the time to start putting it to use. Or at least lay the groundwork. Once Memorial Day rolls around, you'll want that little outdoor escape, even if it's just a fire escape or front stoop. These five stores have great online catalogs to help you get started ... and you never even have to leave your living room.

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One of my favorite memories of the summers of my youth was sitting on my best friend's porch swing, lazing away the day while gently rocking back and forth. As an adult, I don't have a front porch but if I did, I would definitely be swinging in one of these. 

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Last week I visited the mammoth Merchandise Mart in Chicago for a taste of the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market. An outdoor-themed market in September may seem like odd timing but this show is actually geared to the trade industry. I went with the everyday home in mind and came away with a few tips and trends to keep in mind for next year. Of course, there are those lucky folks who live in warm climates year round but as I sit here in a sweater and socks, I'm trying to not to think about that. More

Fashion and furniture have more in common than you may think. Color trends, available materials and aesthetics affect artistic people of all fields, and the result is a thread echoed throughout design culture. While checking out New York fashion week, it occurred to me just how much some outfits and accessories remind me of classic pieces of furniture. More

Wicker furniture might seem like an invention of the Victorian era, but that's just when it hit the English and American markets. In fact, wicker is one of the oldest methods of making furniture, common all over the world for thousands of years. But wait, I'll bet you're wondering what wicker is exactly, am I right? So let's define our terms, and take a quick look at the history of wicker. More

With our summer vacations behind us, it's the perfect time to start planning for a fall getaway and Wes Anderson's latest flick has me jonesing for a sleeping bag adventure! Whether it's the Appalachian Trail or Big Sur (or heck, even a staycation in your backyard!), I've compiled a few camping necessities to motivate you to spend a weekend styling under the stars. Hopefully Suzy and Sam will approve! More