Outdoor Chic

Since I live in New York City and don't have a terrace, looking at outdoor furniture can be depressing but visiting the Lane Venture showroom in High Point Market was actually inspiring.  I can't wait to own a pool and patio someday so I can own some of theit cool European inspired chairs and lounges.  I also learned a lot about the flow through fabrics that allow you to leave your outdoor pillows and cushions out in the rain.  They even make fully upholstered outdoor furniture now.  I think we're going to have to fast track our pool plan now! 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Get Your Game On

We're expecting rain and high winds here in New York all weekend so that has me thinking about what I can do that doesn't involve leaving my apartment. Other than reading and watching television, board games are a another good rainy day activity. I grew up playing backgammon but haven't played in years so I think I may have to buy myself a board. Some of them would actually look just as nice sitting out as they would being played and it looks like a few other designers appreciated that fact as well!

Geoffrey Parker makes some of the best backgammon boards including this pretty blue leather attache option.

Looks like Ivanka Trump is also a fan of backgammon.

This backgammon board by Geoffrey Parker features William Morris paper and is my absolute favorite!

This old House Beautiful cover from 1935 illustrates the long popularity of backgammon!

Bamford and Sons also offers an elegant backgammon board.

In case you're bored or it rains while you're staying at the Parker Palm Springs Hotel designed by Jonathan Adler.

Artist Ara Peterson also makes beautiful and colorful backgammon boards.

Interior designer David Hicks featured an needlepoint backgammon board in one of his projects many years ago.

I wonder if Jonathan Adler was inspired by David Hicks when he created his own needlepoint backgammon set.

Seems Jonathan Adler is a big fan of backgammon because this green acrylic board is featured in another one of his design projects.

The elegant Swinford Backgammon set from Ralph Lauren Home is part of their spring line but is not yet available online. That gives you a little extra time to save up for it!

Emmanuel David wasn't content to just create a backgammon board instead he made it into a table.

The best part about backgammon is that if you buy a travel board like this one from Aspinal of London, you can play anywhere.

I would love to be playing backgammon in an Acapulco pool like these two in this Slim Aarons photo from 1978. That would definitely beat playing at home on a rainy day!