Outdoor

Elizabeth Wine -- Interior Design, 2/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

The Eighth Wonder

If they were good enough for a pharaoh, they must be good enough for a backyard. Studio 11 has updated an ancient pillar form—with a nod to 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Obelisk's modular stack disassembles into two small lounge chairs, two medium ones, and a table. Just like the Egyptian prototype, all five components can stand up to whatever the elements dish out, thanks to frames of powder-coated aluminum and surfaces wrapped in Dedon's handwoven synthetic Hularo fiber, which is resistant to ultraviolet light, chlorinated water, extreme temperatures, microorganisms, soil, salt, and body lotion. Who knows? This design may even outlast the pyramids. Janus et Cie, 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310-652-7090; janusetcie.com. circle 382

Santa Barbara Designs

The Giraffe Print umbrella turns even the stuffiest outdoor affair into a safari adventure. The octagonal shade, available only in COM, measures 9 feet across, while the support, in oak, maple, teak, or mahogany, stands 8 feet 9 inches tall. With a 2-foot-square stand of powder-coated bronze, it would take a herd of stampeding wildebeests to knock this sunshade down. P.O. Box 6884, Santa Barbara, CA 93160; 800-919-9464; sbumbrella.com. circle 383

Louis Poulsen Lighting

For those who prefer their outdoor lighting discreet, there's the AH family of recessed luminaires, including AH Wall. Alfred Homann designed the fixtures in two sizes, Maxi and Mini. Maxi, 6.9 inches in diameter, takes a halogen source of up to 35 watts; Mini, 4.8 inches, takes up to 20 watts. Both models come in a range of element-defying finishes. 3260 Meridian Parkway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33331; 954-349-2525; louispoulsen.com. circle 384

Gloster Furniture

When the grill-meister needs more prep space, Nexus comes to the rescue. Slim yet sturdy leaves enable the teak table to extend from 581/2 to 99 inches in length. When dinner's ready, six to eight hungry guests can pull up chairs and sit down. P.O. Box 738, South Boston, VA 24592; 434-575-1003; gloster.com. circle 385

Evolutif

The Somero line's lounge chairs and straight-backed versions beckon with such comfort-oriented inducements as closely positioned teak slats and generous cushions. Concerned about practicality? Frames and cushions are weather-resistant and easy to clean. 340 Minorca Avenue, Suite 5, Coral Gables, FL 33134; 786-552-9002; kettalgroup.com/commercial/evolutif. circle 386

Kingsley-Bate

Asian-inspired teak furniture in the Mandalay group has proved such a hit that the ensemble now includes a backless bench, 17 inches deep and either 5 or 6 feet long. The design whispers of calming Japanese gardens—yet is also sophisticated enough for indoors. 7200 Gateway Court, Manassas, VA 20109; 703-361-7000; kingsleybate.com. circle 387

Serralunga

Spend a lazy hour—or two—with Rodolfo Dordoni's Time Out. Offered in zesty orange as well as tobacco brown, light-blue Provence, neutral Sandy, and serene white, the polyethylene seat has a reclining back. The steel frame measures 69 inches long by 23 wide. 9 Via Serralunga, 13900 Biella, Italy; 39-015-24-35-711; serralunga.com. circle 388

Triconfort

Reminiscent of perambulators pushed by prim British nannies of yore, Riviera lounge chairs sport big rubber wheels for the smoothest possible ride. The striped acrylic canopies, also available in white, are ample enough to baby the delicate sunbather. 340 Minorca Avenue, Suite 5, Coral Gables, FL 33134; 786-552-9002; kettalgroup.com/commercial/triconfort. circle 389

Gandia Blasco

Who says that enjoying the great outdoors is hard on the feet? Plastic Magic offers a better way. Made of 87 percent PVC, the woven rugs are a lot nicer underfoot than burning sand is. They measure 59 by 79 inches or 67 by 95 inches—in blue, white, orange, or green. 217 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022; 212-421-6701; gandiablasco.com. circle 390

Richard Schultz Designs

Designed in 1966 to withstand the salt air at the Miami home of Florence Knoll, the silhouette of the Contour chaise has also withstood the test of time. The 58-inch-long aluminum frame is powder-coated in weather-resistant white polyester. The mesh seat comes in white, camel, gray, and onyx. P.O. Box 96, Palm, PA 18070; 215-679-2222; richardschultz.com. circle 391