http://www.sunbrella.com/blog Official Sunbrella Blog Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:00:54 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Ocean Isle Beach visitors and residents have a new option for traveling around the North Carolina island this summer! Coastal Bike Cabs, a new pedicab service, began operation in early June that offers tourists and locals alike an environmentally friendly alternative to short-distance travel. Right now the fleet consists of two pedicabs ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/2049/new-pedicab-business-brightens-up-with-sunbrella/ Here are a couple of links to Bob Vila web sites that share some great information about the beauty and energy efficiency of awnings. Check out this site for consumer information and this site for contractors. Bob Vila is one of the best known home remodeling authorities in the U.S. He ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/2028/bob-vila-understands-awnings/ Since we've had several questions about painting on Sunbrella, thought I'd put the question out there and see what we got back. Our painter/expert responded with the following thoughts on painting on Sunbrella, particularly if using the art outside: - wash the fabric with ammonia, dry and iron (I know we ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/2013/painting-on-sunbrella-2/ We get a kick out of the varied uses of Sunbrella and also the varied places you'll find it. Check out how Sunbrella is used at the Summer Palace Hotel, located steps away from one of the most iconic historical sites in China, the Summer Palace in Beijing. And if ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1982/sunbrella-a-hot-item-in-china-hospitality/ There are probably as many types of lounge chairs as there are stars in the sky (well maybe not that many) - but if you're looking for a man chair that delivers the goods, check out this article in THE PRESS DEMOCRAT. They have some great ideas for satisfying the ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1978/the-man-chair/ I didn't even know there was a market for staging a home but a San Francisco interior designer has great ideas about preparing a home for market - depersonalizing and staging with furnishings with mass appeal. This article in the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE has great tips for anyone wanting to sell - and ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1967/staging-a-home-to-sell/ On his recent jaunt to visit designers in Grand Rapids, MI, Joe Ruggiero was introduced to DWELLINGS. Laura Davidson and her husband purchased this cottage in Grand Rapids, Michigan and turned it into a charming  furniture/design boutique. It is a fresh approach to  marketing home design with a very creative staff with loads ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1934/great-idea-shop-in-grand-rapids-mi/ This is a common theme among lovers of their backyard these days but accomplishing the task is often easier said than done. In this HOUSTON CHRONICLE article about a local designer who has transformed his backyard living space, there are some great ideas like 1) not buying all of your furniture and accessories ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1919/taking-the-indoors-outside/ Showtime in High Point, held twice a year, is the time when fabric makers show their latest lines in hopes that furniture manufacturers will pick them up at the next market. Joe Ruggiero is showing his newest Sunbrella fabric collection with inspiration coming from his travels abroad as well as input from ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1893/casual-living-reports-on-joe-ruggieros-snazzy-new-fabric-line-up/ Vera Bradley hosts the Vera Bradley Classic, a golf and tennis extravaganza, each year in support of breast cancer research and awareness. This year, Glen Raven (parent company of Sunbrella) got in on the action. We provided silent auction items made of Sunbrella and enjoyed a weekend for a worthy cause. To learn ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1862/sunbrella-supports-vera-bradley-breast-cancer-event/ Our cleaning instructions usually start off by saying something like this:  "To keep your Sunbrella looking good and to delay the need for deep and vigorous cleaning, brush off loose dirt and rinse with clean water on a regular basis." Well I know the cushions I have on my front porch ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1827/sunbrella-cushions-defy-neglect/ Have you ever wondered if you put your mind to it and got a smidgeon of instruction, that you might save a buck or two by reupholstering your boat's seat cushions yourself? Let's face it, do-it-yourselfing is not for everyone. But for anyone willing to give it a try, we've got ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1794/ship-shape-tv-to-feature-sunbrella-in-seat-cushion-recovering-episode/ We received a question from Robert on whether or not a primer needs to be applied to Sunbrella prior to painting on it. He specifically asked about applying acrylic gesso. At some shows, I have seen crafters and specialty products manufacturers custom paint on the fabric but I don't know what ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1790/painting-on-sunbrella/ More design trends and insights on what Joe Ruggiero likes in Sunbrella this season.......   "I like the Country look of this wide repeat stripe, called Brockton/Taupe. There is a charm in the simple way the stripe configures to the upholstery frame. The stripe is woven on a textured ground giving the pattern ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1774/what-joe-likes/ Here are a couple of Sunbrella events to put on your calendar if you're in these areas and eager to learn more about creating beautiful and inspiring environments with Sunbrella: Our designers will spend Saturday at Furnitureland South in High Point, NC giving seminars, answering questions, and showing off the new Sunbrella Retail Fabric Kiosk.  Come by ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1755/upcoming-sunbrella-events/ Joe Ruggiero knows design and when he advises, people take note. "Geometrics are big this season and here in black and white, the pattern Brazil/Classic creates a dramatic entryway," Joe says.  He adds, "When using black and white it is always good to use an accent color for punch. I have used Trax/Buttercup ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1735/geometrics-are-a-hot-ticket/ Unveiled at the Miami Boat Show a few months back,  Boston Whaler has introduced one of its most innovative options for the new 370 Outrage – an automated sunshade featuring Sunbrella marine fabric that seamlessly integrates within the hardtop of the center console, manufactured by SureShade®. “The 370 Outrage recognizes a growing trend ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/600/boston-whalers-new-sureshade-technology-uses-sunbrella/ It's that time of year when your mind starts wandering towards backyard barbecues, treks to the beach and spending time outside with your family and friends - or for a moment of solitude all by yourself. Memorial Day typically marks the beginning of the Summer season so lots of folks are ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1698/gearing-up-for-fun-in-the-sun/ Summertime... the livin' is easy, and thoughts turn to vacation in the U.S. At last week's Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas, the latest in hospitality trends was on display. And I'm hoping that any hotel I stay in this summer will have attended the show because there were rows and ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1646/hospitality-design-expo-brings-visions-of-vacation-getaways/ The economy's down and summer is approaching. What should we do about vacation? According to the LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL, a lot of folks are staying home. But that doesn't mean they can't have the luxury of a five star resort right in their own backyard. Dressing the outdoors with ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1624/vacation-in-the-backyard/ They say that attention in any form is flattery so I guess it's safe to say we are flattered to have won four ADEX awards this year for both furniture and awning fabric designs. This is the first time we have submitted awning fabrics so we're particularly thrilled with this distinction.      ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1589/sunbrella-wins-adex-awards/ Anyone who has shopped for outdoor furniture in the past five years knows that casual furniture can go from plastic folding chairs right on up to what could be used inside the finest apartments on Park Avenue. Personally, I prefer the Park Avenue scenario but really, casual furniture has taken ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1571/bringing-luxury-to-the-outdoors/ I love getting new ideas from show homes! This one in Greensboro, NC is a knock out with some really beautiful touches... and they used Sunbrella in lots of applications too.      Designer, Bradshaw Orrell of Bradshaw Interiors, has spread his talent over a wide range of projects including The Proximity Hotel ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1520/pool-house-is-a-show-place/ If Sunbrella could only come up with something as effective to help people retain their youthful appearance! Actually Sunbrella has you covered with that but I'll get to that later......first, take a look at this 20-year-old awning. The owners removed it recently but it's hard to believe this awning had been out in the heat and searing ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1489/20-year-old-awning-still-a-looker/ Our friends at OW Lee have introduced a new transitional furniture line that like Sunbrella, works well inside or outside your home. The styling is so fabulous that Furniture World tells us they have won two platinum level Adex awards for their efforts. The Luxe 30 Collection has an Art Deco ... http://www.sunbrella.com/blog/index.php/1347/ow-lees-luxe-30-collection-wins-two-adex-awards/