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Home Décor HOME DÉCOR 1 8 KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW n APRIL 2014 n www.kitchenwarenews.com and garden products. "Consumers look for these products to be versatile enough to use for an outdoor gathering and also to bring inside for other occasions. "Our new Folding Iron Garden Chair and our Red Iron Hanging Lantern were both very popular at NY NOW because of their unique look and the fact that they are multifunctional—they can be utilized in both an outdoor setting or brought indoors," Voelker adds. "Our Butler's Tray and our new Chinese Octagonal Tole Table have been popular due to the fact that they can be used in different settings—everything from an entr yway table to a temporary bar at a cocktail party." Some new furniture and home décor products actually incorporate living greenery as an integral part of the design. Yale-trained Sculptor/Architect Robert Cannon founded Opiar y in 2012 as a manufacturing studio dedicated to producing modern containers, furniture, and environments for gardens, roof terraces and interiors. "All of Opiary's lines include real growing plant material as an integral and harmonious presence to our designs," he explains. " W hether it 's our Ursuline tablescapes, green updates of classic furniture and fixtures, or abstract green sculptures we see lots of positive reaction to what we offer." The Opiar y handmade creations use durable, weather-resistant materials including ferro cement and aircraft grade riveted aluminum. "We are at a moment in history when people are more interested in connecting with nature than ever," Cannon says. "As our lives get more technological and our reality becomes more artificial and altered, and as urban living becomes more and more popular, our need to experience nature grows. This is creating a whole new market segment for products that promote the indoor/outdoor lifestyle, were we can be in touch with nature." D urability is an important element for outdoor entertaining products, and Golden Rabbit is offering a range of enamelware designs designed in whimsical motifs and bright colors. "People are looking for something fun, casual and durable for outdoor entertaining; our enamelware is decorative, lightweight and brings a lively atmosphere to any occasion," comments Peggy Hedgpeth, President. "For instance, our best selling designs are our seafood motifs—lobster, shrimp and blue crab; new to our line are the orange swirl and taupe swirl spattered designs which infuse fresh contemporary colors into an old- fashioned medium. To bring convenience to outdoor entertaining, our collapsible nickel- plated table base incorporates our large 20" trays. It's the perfect accessory whether it's used as a grilling table or a decorative occasional table." OGGI Corporation has added fun- shaped Avanti thermal carafes and color-coordinated non-skid Rubbergrip trays to its assortment. "I believe retailers and consumers are embracing more outdoor entertaining due to the economy," points out Richard Murphy, Director, Sales and Marketing. "Dining out can be expensive, whereas home entertaining can be much more cost effective and creates a more intimate social setting where family and friends can sit back, relax, converse and not go broke in the process. Also, guests can bring other dining components to the function, such as beverages/refreshments, side dishes, desserts and the like." Italian producer Fratelli Guzzini is highlighting its colorful Belle Epoque line of outdoor drink ware and ser veware. "Outdoor living products for around the pool or barbecue and for entertaining friends are more practical, safe, colorful and especially fun for kids," states Danny Fabro, Resident Manager USA. "O ur colorful salad bowls, pitchers, glasses and chip-and-dip sets are functional and easy to clean, making them a natural for that outdoor season." Bright colors and outdoor entertaining seem to be a natural fit, and Seattle tabletop supplier Rosanna is getting a great reaction to its new Calypso collection, inspired by the vibrant fabrics of the south of France. "Calypso is doing well because consumers and retailers are attracted to the bright colors; it's fashion-oriented and user-friendly for outdoors," remarks Rosanna Bowles, President, Art Director and Designer. "Calypso features intriguing new forms, sandblasted glass, and the perfect color palette for al fresco dining. "People are into healthy living and that means spending time outdoors, connecting with nature," she continues. "More people are striving to create outdoor oases for al fresco dining and entertaining." Nature lovers also can look forward to stylish and colorful products for their feathered friends: J. Schatz, a producer of handcrafted stoneware accessories, is offering a contemporary collection of bird feeders and bird houses in an array of vibrant hues, including Goldenrod, Sumac Red, Bittersweet Orange, Moss Green and Bright White. "People are investing more in outdoor products, and they want their exterior spaces to be as beautiful as their home interiors," states Jim Schatz, President and Designer. "O ur Bistro Bird Feeder is designed for those who want a modern, colorful, and gorgeous bird feeder that will attract birds and looks beautiful in the backyard, on the terrace or patio. O ur Hummingbird Feeders feature brilliant colors that hummingbirds love, including a stamen in a complementary color—they are a modern, colorful and gorgeous accent to any backyard." Call Of The Wild (Cont. from Page 1) For More Information www.abigails.net www.fratelliguzzini.com www.goldenrabbit.com www.grillight.com www.jschatz.com www.oggi.co www.opiary.com www.rosannainc.com www.talismandesigns.com