Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Outfitting the Outdoors: Timeless Iron

Iron furniture has a long history, dating back to Roman times.* The durable metal lends a look of luxury, and comes in designs ranging from contemporary to traditional. Iron furniture comes in two forms: wrought and cast.

Wrought iron is constructed from solid half-inch round bars formed into timeless designs – simple or ornate. Cast iron is produced by pouring molten iron into molds and then allowing it to cool. Cast iron weighs three times more than an identical piece in cast aluminum, making it a popular choice for public areas to prevent pilfering.

Continue reading »

Outfitting the Outdoors: Amazing Aluminum

Aluminum was discovered in 1825 and is the third most abundant element of the earth’s crust, behind that of oxygen and silicon.* This highly versatile and durable metal has many amazing qualities, including the fact it does not rust, making it an ideal material for outdoor furniture.

Aluminum is also a green material, making the metal especially appealing in today’s marketplace. Its use has a low impact on the environment, and it is both recyclable and sustainable. Those seeking a green product can even purchase patio sets made from recycled aluminum.

Continue reading »

Outfitting the Outdoors: Versatile Wicker

Versatile wicker has been documented as far back as ancient Egypt and is the first known natural material to be used for furniture. Archaeologists discovered dozens of wicker furniture items made from reed and swamp grasses while working to uncover the civilizations of the Pharaohs.* The use of wicker furniture soon spread from Egypt to Rome and throughout Europe as sea traders carried the materials throughout the ancient world.

Today, there are two types of wicker furniture available, natural and synthetic, and the furniture can be used indoors and out. The term “wicker” does not refer to the material itself, but rather the method of weaving a variety of materials. 

Continue reading »

Outfitting the Outdoors: Natural Wood

It happens every year. Summer approaches and excited homeowners, eager to enjoy sunny days and outdoor celebrations, go shopping for new patio furniture, only to be stopped in their tracks two feet inside the store by the sea of furniture before them. Options are great! But the questions and decisions they require? Not so much.

Shopping for outdoor furniture can be just as daunting as buying indoor furniture. That’s why I’ve decided to do a blog series on the most popular options in outdoor furniture. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option, and help you decide which option is best for you. Of course, if you’re still unsure, I’m always just a phone call away to offer further assistance! First up is traditional wood.

Continue reading »

Choosing the Right Fountain for Your Home

From time to time, I’m approached by fellow bloggers requesting a guest spot on our site. I’m always excited to share ideas, but this site is almost like another child to me. So, like any protective mom, I’m very cautious about these requests. I only want to bring my readers the very best content.

That’s why I’m so pleased to introduce Jessica Thompson, a writer with www.OutdoorLiving.com and a guest blogger to our site. Like me, Jessica has a passion for design. She’s also a skilled writer who is knowledgeable in all things outdoors, and a great periodic addition to our site.  Welcome Jessica!

Of all the outdoor accessories you can put around your home, fountains have become some of the most popular. A great fountain can serve as a decorative accent, a centerpiece, or to create a tranquil atmosphere with its soothing sounds. And the selection for consumers today is truly impressive, with thousands of different fountains on the market. Of course, that can make it a little hard to find the right one for your home. But we’re here to help. Today, we’re going to look at 3 of the most popular fountain styles for different outdoor spaces.

Everybody’s trying to go green these days, and for the environmentally conscious consumer a solar fountain is the way to do it. And these aren’t like your parents solar fountains – they look good and work well too! Since they’re pretty light, they’re ideal when mobility is important. Plus they don’t have any wires, so you can place them anywhere you want around the yard and easily move them when you want to rearrange things. And there are no electricity costs, which means you’re not wasting energy and you’re saving money on your electric bill. Whether you want a solar birdbath to attract some animals or a tiered model for peaceful water flow, they’re a win-win situation for your home and the environment!

Continue reading »