Look for vibrant accent colors in both cushions and patio furniture

Brown is the undisputed color champion of casual furniture. Beige, tan, chocolate, mocha, walnut, caramel, sand, bronze, saddle, sepia, russet, umber, sienna, mahogany, earth, cordovan, camel, cinnamon, teak, brown, brown, brown, brown. But it makes sense; brown is a great neutral, especially in outdoor furniture applications.

However there is a new kid on the block; a fresh-faced up and comer – gray. Or grey, whichever you prefer. The casual furniture world is embracing gray and all of its cousins in everything from fabric to frame finishes; gray is figuring prominently in outdoor cushions, fabrics, rugs and umbrellas. The Hilton Lounge Set is pictured above right as an example of patio furniture featuring gray cushions; view the Hilton Lounge Set by Leisure Select here.

Tropitone has a Titanium finish; Woodard has Mojave, Graphite and Hammered Pewter. Windward Design Group premiered Textured Sterling in 2012; Telescope Casual is featuring Textured Graphite. Synthetic and natural wicker casual furniture also has gray offerings: Chicago Wicker has introduced Willow; Lane Venture is showcasing Summer Garden, and Silverwood; Ebel is featuring Driftwood and Summer Classics, Weathered.

Sunbrella, the god of all outdoor fabrics has 63 fabrics in the gray family, including Blox Slate, Canvas Charcoal, and Heritage Graphite, all brand new offerings.

All has not been reduced entirely to uninspiring browns and shades of gray (we won’t even go there). There is also a push towards vibrant accent colors, honeysuckle pink, buttercup yellow and Aruba blue, to name a few. HGTV says that “With global and economic troubles, everyone is trying to bring much color into their lives to lighten up the mood.”

This coming season red, blue and the hugely popular tangerine will inspire us. Sunbrella is introducing energetic and exciting colors and patterns such as “El Greco Calypso”, “Steeplechase Malibu” and “Canvas Hot Pink” to keep our attitudes optimistic and our patio furniture fun.