My Urban Garden Deco Guide

Just read this and have to share it : I just love the combination of colors, the slate firepit and the aquarium type lane pool used in a hotel presented in detail in the NY Times online. It goes to prove you can stay in an understated chic style without giving into the 'Beige' all teck and aluminium attitude!

'At first glance, La Purificadora, a new hotel in Puebla, 90 miles southeast of Mexico City, doesn’t look like it was designed by Ricardo Legorreta. For one thing, the colors are neutral (there’s some purple, but only in the furniture). “Imagine, we’re this young hotel company, putting conditions on the most important living architect in Mexico,” said Rafael Micha, managing partner of Grupo Habita, the company that operates the hotel and insisted that the architect tone down his color palette. “At first he was a bit hesitant.” But Mr. Legorreta, near right, now in partnership with his son, Victor, far right, finally agreed to turn the 1884 water purification factory into a 26-room hotel. “When you work around a historical building you do a lot of things you would never accept in a new structure,” said the younger Legorreta. The architects couldn’t touch the facade, and preserved the original walls in the lobby. The result: spaces like the firepit and pool that nod to modernism but remain true to the 19th century. Information: www.lapurificadora.com. RIMA SUQI'

As summer approaches, the hunt for shade is on. So when you think shade, you may want to look for shade providing furniture not only  awnings/parasols / sun sails or shade sails.

This week's pick is Ego Paris's design by Thomas Sauvage:

' A concept piece defining the French art of outdoor living and conviviality. Reclinable back in “ batyline mesh”, oiled teak or Corian® deck on a powder-coated aluminium frame, for enjoying the sun with book, towel, cocktail... and above all to share space and time with those you love.The duo has variable combinations. Can be used singularly, side by side or in opposite directions,with independent reclining mechanisms according to the  individual’s desire of the moment. '

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Read on for previous picks....

...the pergola by Gandia Blasco. For those new to the category: GB is the clear category leader for innovative/modernist shapes and for the perfect use of the white/ aluminum combination.LINK here

I kicked off this collection with Manutti's bench.By the way, for those who missed the news: Manutti is For-Seasons new name.

LINK here

I had not really put Manutti on my style radar but I can encourage you to review their of offer which is upping itself : they have the modular sofa sets very a la mode .

For a traditional- contemporary chic style I like their Malibu line and their high chairs and slate tables.

In terms of finish as well they are certainly a player.

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Sleek lined architecture is still often let down by the accessories available for outdoors.Shade sails have brought interesting new design options and a breath of fresh air to the category ...making parasols seem clumsy and outdated.That may change. It seems the gloves are on at swiss based parasol specialist Glatz .They have successfully developed this high spec square parasol. The photo says all that needs to be said about its compatibility with sleek chic houses.

LINK here

I guess this design can be considered 'The' BBQ that best complements current architectural trends.Electrolux Jeppe Utzon barbeque was created by Jeppe Utzon, the grandson of the legendary Jorn Utzon. 

Summer is coming and the hunt for inspiration is on.Both these books are deco focused.The Times book shows greats general examples . Brookes manual is the gold mine: how to use color cues to eliminate the outdoor/in divide, ideas how to make a real outdoor entertaining space. Great reads.

A campfire with extreme design and quality for urban safety designed by D.Wynants: Qrater for Extremis.be( http://www.extremis.be/eng/Products/Qrater/index.htm)

As they say: quite an alternative to gathering to watch a dvd.

A bit classical for my taste but a brilliant example of using outdoor space as a true new room. I specially love the sense appeal of the fireplace.

Seen in the USA. By  Grossmueller’s Design Consultants.

Danny Venlet Extremis' IceCube is a cooler for  in- or outdoors. Its integrated lighting unit gives it a 'feature'quality'.That's what I like about it most.

www.bonaluxat.com

Toiles du Soleil produce beautiful place mats, fabrics etc.. often to be found at Conran.

I like the idea of the awnings echoing the way the table is set... and I guess Dickson's are mind readers...

I am checking availability in the UK but otherwise its well worth getting them direct from France: Les Toiles du Soleil have developed three models exclusively for Dickson's - the famous awnings producers-  Lubéron, Mistral and Bastide. As fall sets in... take a day dreaming trip:

http://www.les-toiles-du-soleil.com/

I love the city. Even when the temperature drops, I like to enjoy being out on the terrace. Many of us think that way. I have sourced ways to make outdoors a 24/7- 365 place to enjoy.

Of course you have the patio heater ( I 'll be tracking down innovative designs for them) ...but I have also researched much more permanent solutions: for example outdoor floor heating systems. Will post my findings when site opens in September.

That is the rational brain working, now it's time for the romantic to have a say:

I also want to find really beautiful outdoor fire places...

Have spotted two I love and photos are coming soon...