GANNETT NEWS

In the name of comfort, class and — thankfully — warmer weather, even against the backdrop of a shaky economy, the American Home Furnishings Alliance has predicted this summer’s outdoor furniture collections will feature “dazzling color to brighten our moods, plush comfort to ease our tension and increased value to minimize the impact on our wallets.”

That breaks down a few ways:

n As for color, standout red is the hue of choice for cushions and embellishments as homeowners bounce back from a drab winter in a fun, practical way.

Accented with contrasting pillows or other accessories, red “exudes cheerfulness and warmth” and will narrowly win out in the color popularity contest over “calming shades of nature, including leaf green, sunshine yellow and watery blue,” which also are pegged as the hot hues on porches and patios in 2010.

Also, use fiberglass pottery and planters that look like real stone. Add a new dimension to the backyard and create a dramatic effect for less with LED path lights. A standard-size fire pit or free standing fireplace is another decorative way to warm up your space.

n Create a cohesive look by coordinating indoor elements, such as color and theme, with outdoor accessories and landscaping for consistent appearance and flow. Decide which parts of your interior will be connected to your outdoor living spaces and incorporate those colors to create an easy transition from inside to out. For example, coordinate the color of your throw pillows, cushions and patio umbrella for a look that will feel as stylish and organized as your indoor space.

n Outdoor furniture is beefing up from the frame outward, offering deeper cushions, roomier frames and various positioning and motion options.

“From deep club chairs to generously scaled chaise lounges to sumptuous daybeds, homeowners seeking sanctuary in their outdoor spaces will find the furnishings they need this year,” AHFA promises.

Thanks to recliners that offer multiple positions to rockers to massage features, “sitting down” has taken on a whole new meaning.

n And let’s not forget value, AHFA notes. “Manufacturers know they need to offer something extraordinary to lure consumers back into stores,” which means artfully embellished and crafted metal, wood furniture with standout colors and finishes, and woven pieces that utilize synthetic materials to give the appearance of “natural materials, including willow, banana leaf and even birch twigs.”

The bottom line? Think value, uniqueness, durability and — at long last — some quality down time in the Great Outdoors.

n Top it off with flowers to make the periphery of your outdoor space pop by incorporating complementary colors schemes in your flower beds and along garden pathways. Match your color scheme with your florals to create a finished and fluid look.

Source: American Home Furnishings Alliance and Home Depot.

This summer's furnishings bring indoor comfort outside

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I have to find the right foam to use for makeing cushions for a seating area in the flybridge of my boat. I have read a little about Qualux Foam. Also I need a foam for inside couch cushions ..perhaps the same foam, but perhaps not neccessarrily quite as resilliant. THANKS!

What is the best type of foam to use for outdoor cushions(on a boat)? And where can I find it affordably?

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“Ugh, just GET AWAY FROM ME!” Laurel shouted, slamming the door. Laurel could hear her boyfriend Freddy protest outside her room. Freddy opened the door a crack and Laurel threw a pillow at the door. Freddy immediately closed it. She didn’t give a damn to whatever he said. “GO AWAY!” Laurel shrieked. “I NEVER WANNA SEE YOU AGAIN!” She heard a sigh and heard Freddy’s footsteps as he retreated down the stairs. Her eyes were brimming with tears. She cried on her bed, tears streaming down her cheeks, some falling onto her bed. Just last night, they had gone on a date together at a local bistro for dinner. He told her how he loved her, how there was no one else for her. She was so happy last night. But just this morning, her friend Summer told her that she had spotted Freddy dating someone else. She believed her, of course, because she was her friend, her best, most understanding friend she had ever had. When Summer said that…Laurel felt lost. She felt like she was slapped awake. For two months, she and Freddy had dated. Now she knew that Freddy put her in another world, another realm where he knew that he finally “owned” her…that he– Her phone suddenly rang. Her favorite rock song emitted from the cell phone. She saw that it was Summer. “Hey, Sum,” Laurel said in a low monotone. “You’re interrupting my moment of silent pain.” Summer sounded sad when she spoke. “I’m so sorry, girl. So sorry. Laurie, please forgive me.” she sounded like she was whispering. “I’ve–I’m afraid I made a mistake. A very ‘big’ mistake. Please forgi–” “Quit the goddamned apologizes. You know better,” Laurel snapped. She hated apologizes. “What do you want? Cut to the chase.” Her best friend sounded wistful, her voice filled with regret. “I’m sorry. I made a mistake. Freddy really wasn’t cheating on you. Please forgive me. The person I saw, well, he was MY boyfriend cheating on ME.” “Well,” Laurel sounded bitter. “No matter who that guy was, it’s your fault, Summer. You broke me and Freddy apart. I don’t know what…” her voice cracked. “That’s why I apologized,” Summer said in a flat voice. And her best friend hung up.”Where you going, darling?” her mother asked. “Freddy’s house,” Laurel said quickly. “I’m just going to take the shortcut through the alleyway and walk two blocks and I’m there. Just a few minutes.” “The shortcut’s not safe,” her mother said, frowning. “I’ll let you go as long as you do not go through the shortcut.” “Okay, okay,” Laurel grabbed a sweater and ran out the door. “Bye!” She stopped at the front porch to put her sweater on. “Don’t talk to strangers!” her mother called. “No shortcuts! Come home immediately after business is done!” Laurel was already running. “Mothers,” she muttered as she ran.The alleyway — or the shortcut — was dark and drippy. Dumpsters were lined up on one side, two trash cans on the other side. “Ugh,” she muttered as she saw some dogs’ droppings “Disgusting.” She suddenly heard footsteps. It looked like she wasn’t alone. It’s just a bunch of homeless men, she said to herself. Just homeless men. But she couldn’t quite lie to herself. She started running down the maze-like alleyway, running in the direction to Freddy’s house. The footsteps were becoming faster and louder. They were getting closer and closer. Laurel cursed herself for bringing a heavy bag along. They were so close now… Something pushed her down. She screamed and shrieked and kicked but the only response she got was a terrible laugh and arms pinning her arms and legs down. I disobeyed my mom and this is what I get, she thought. I love you, Freddy. Love you, Mom and Dad. And those were her last thoughts as her breath was cut off and darkness shrouded around her.Please give me some constructive criticism. Thanks!

What do you think about my short story?

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