My Urban Garden Deco Guide

Re-Leaf, rain collectors by Teracrea http://www.teracrea.com/it/index.html
With water being such an issue, this clever device really brings home the message that every drop matters!
Inspiring and useful ...

If you are a movie lover, perhaps you have seen Hamlet, directed by Kenneth Branagh. The film kicks off with a shot of the old King lounging outside, reading a book in a garden...in the middle of winter with thick snow all around him! Well, that idea of enjoying outdoors way beyond the summer season is coming back really strong. Designers have jumped on the idea and are developing creative solutions that work brilliantly whatever your lifestyle.

Here are a couple of options to explore.

My personal favorite is Qrater, an ultra-cool campfire designed by Dirk Wynants. It was imagined as a tool to promote togetherness which is such a lovely idea (even for non-cowboys)!

It works brilliantly as an alternative to a DVD evening and offers a real escape from daily urban life.

For those on almost the other end of the lifestyle spectrum, the more high-tech minds and party animals, this revolutionary patio heater by Grand Hall is for you.

It has been buzzing round the web not so much for its look than for its innovative functionality. The top model in the range includes atmospheric LED lighting, a concealed speaker system, and an MP3 connection!

For those who like spontaneity or want to invest in solutions working both inside and outdoors, designers have come up with a variety of very mobile designs.

The Travelmate by Conmoto designed by Studio Vertijet for example is a mobile fireplace without a flue (and it won the Red Dot award 2008). I love the design as a stylized suitcase which unmistakeably conveying the notion that this is an item not bound to any fixed location.

And finally, to imitate the old Hamlet, you can also stay warm with shawls and throws. This is a rising trend over in Paris. In the past month, I have seen them pop up on the backs of restaurants terrace chairs.

Love the cheerfulness of those by fashion brand Missoni.

Dear regular Readers,

I am currently away... So may I invite you to browse through the 700 articles and

13 categories already on this blog?

Happy finds!

Anne

As promised, first a quick update on www.OutdoorzGallery.com, run by Beth Boutry and Deborah Sommers which opened earlier this fall  > It has now become an actual company, which is good news  ...though their terms and conditions really need to be read if you shop their cool pieces .

I would certainly not be satisfied  with them given the high ticket value of the products sold, the international nature of the orders and the fact they have no real control it seems over the stock amongst other things.
I hope that these  terms of business will indeed evolve as the company grows.

This inspires me to encourage checking your transactions are really safe and your guarantees are meaningful.

As the holiday season approaches, I am concerned over the issue of security of transactions in online shopping. I was defrauded recently so I learnt to be a little more cautious.The police told me fraud was up 60 % in the past quarter...

A few tips from someone who did not follow them:

> Really check terms and conditions in full- however dull and boring that is ! Ask yourself if these seem to be designed to protect you first or the seller only?
> Though the recession seems to be behind us, many online stores are going bust: check what would happen if your provider went out of business?
> Are they in control of stocks they sell etc...? If they do not you are at increased risk something goes wrong as more people in the process can drop the ball.
> Does the 'store' comply with general online standards and are they a member or an affiliates of regulatory bodies? Remember this is key if a dispute happens > you will have some kind of possible leverage ensuring things are put right.
> Do they have the 'safe to trade' icons such as ?

> Remember that guarantees are only as good as are your ability to enforce them:
If you shop a piece from the comfort of your Nantucket home ...and the company is based in Europe : how will you enforce your rights?

A great example of a well managed online store  is http://www.madeindesign.com/