It’s hard to imagine that there once was a time when all outdoor fabric had the thick, scratchy feel of cheap car upholstery. Worse, the only colours it was available in was forest green and the three primary colours. Now, the colour world is your oyster when it comes to finding spectacular outdoor fabrics. As everyone continues to nest at home, they are taking their living rooms and moving them outdoors. I’ve been doing a ton of research into outdoor fabrics for Canadian Gardening magazine’s 2010 season (I also edit Canadian Gardening) and have come up with some fantastic new names in the world of outdoor fabrics. If you’re thinking about doing a little outdoor decorating, there are some great inspirational websites to look at. One of my new favourites is a British designer (who is soon to be repped by Y&Co in Toronto) named Christopher Farr. His outdoor fabrics are elegant with a touch of whimsy. My absolute favourite fabric is called 36 24 36 (guess why?) and shows the silhouettes of curvy stair spindles. Very cool! I love it in orange - very fresh and fun.
36 24 36 in orange from Christopher Farr
Another site that I think is fantastic for graphic patterns for the outdoors is called Hable Constuction - neat products for indoors and out! And they are now retailing their great patterns as outdoor fabrics (also repped by Y & Co). Finally, Sunbrella is doing some really beautiful products in gorgeous shades. There’s even a dark charcoal that is incredibly chic. Sunbrella is a terrific brand, and the fabric feels terrific to the touch.
If you’re looking for inspiration about pulling together a palette, we did a story in Canadian Gardening’s May 2010 issue that was produced by Style at Home design editor Ann Marie Favot. Her focus was on two trendy looks: nautical and tropical. It’s worth taking a look at her story - in fact, here’s a sneak peek! 
A quick update for all of you who have written and asked what the fantastic team from Canadian Home & Country magazine are up to these days. I’m happy to say that everyone from the magazine have moved on to other creative ventures at Transcontinental Media, the parent company that published the print edition of CH&C.
Executive Editor Suzanne Moutis continues to bring her inspired vision and talent to Canadian Gardening magazine.
Art Director Jose Woertman has also joined me at Canadian Gardening and has brought her trademark refined and elegant look (which a touch of whimsy) to Canadian Gardening’s design
Design Editor Ann Marie Favot has moved over to our sister publication Style at Home where she continues to create fantastic style with her immaculate taste.
Assistant Editor Karina Leimanis is now writing up a storm on all things botanical at Canadian Gardening.
Assistant Art Director Florence Kwok (Florence is such an appropriate name for someone who works on a gardening magazine, don’t you think?) is bringing her creative talents to Canadian Gardening magazine as well.
I absolutely encourage all you Home & Country readers to check out the new Canadian Gardening - you will find the same energy, accessible information and style that you found at Canadian Home & Country!
best, Erin
** you may wonder where this post is coming from - we had a “goodbye” lunch for Canadian Home & Country yesterday with Vice President Jacqueline Howe and Publisher Deborah Trepanier and were reminiscing about the 8 years at CH&C. Needless to say, I got a bit nostalgic, and waxed on a bit about memorable CH&C moments. Stay tuned to this blog for my top ten CH&C memories (one of them even includes a brush with the law!) best, Errin
How long does it take to decorate a house? One month? One year? Try one day! I’m sitting in the show office at the Style at Home show, set to open on Friday October 17th at the Direct Energy Centre in downtown Toronto. Outside the office, there’s a flurry of activity as people are madly trying to get their booths together.
The Canadian Home & Country booth, which we’ve christened “Make it Country,” is under construction. At 11 a.m. the walls went up; two hours later and we’re starting to decorate. Over the next 24 hours, the design team of Canadian Home & Country will be creating an “instant” room.
The design team is mobilized and ready to go. Our deadline is 7 p.m. Thursday October 16th, when one of our favourite photographers, Donna Griffith, will be coming to shoot the booth. I promise to take behind-the-scenes photos to share! Until next time…
