Neutral patio no more

Indoor-outdoor fabrics from Robert Allen set an elegant alfresco setting. A mix of patterns such as the toile and stripe seen here is best for traditional schemes.

Designers are forever espousing the merits of the neutral palette. We're forever reminding you that the incentives to go neutral are increased longevity; neutrals are less likely to become tiresome; and enormous flexibility; neutrals are chameleons, graciously accepting influences from a vast range of accent colours. To test this theory of neutrality outdoors, I created two dramatically different alfresco dining scenes featuring elements in sensible, stylish, basic black. A pair of custom made, 4-foot square, wrought iron tables with slate tops are used together here, but can also be separated for more casual dining. Wrought iron chairs, also custom made from Five O Seven Home and Garden Antiques in Toronto are substantial in size (meaning comfortable) but appear less bulky thanks to open backs with graceful curves. A generous market umbrella shades diners and huge urns anchor the setting. Now, let's see what a little color can do.

French Country

Reversible toile placements from Pier One kick lead the way, providing an ideal foil to elegant butter cream dishware. Cut glass drinking glasses stand ready for iced tea or lemonade and keep the look comfortable rather than formal. The centerpieces are created without benefit of vases using a 6 by 3-inch Oasiss Brick wrapped in a wide, green leaf, and secured with florists' pins. After soaking the oasis, peonies are inserted, three per brick, and aligned around the tall hurricane candlesticks from Pottery Barn. Indoor-outdoor cushions are upholstered in jaunty Robert Allen stripes. The change of atmosphere and mood are due entirely to the addition of accessories and accent colours.

Zen

In the past eight years the word Zen has entrenched itself in the designer's lexicon, referring loosely to anything that appears Asian, streamlined, peaceful and spare. Realized here, the look is comfortable, contemporary, and dashingly exotic. Bamboo placements (which by the way will look great anywhere) form a textured backdrop to sleek geometric dishes in leafy greens. The napkin, again in monochromatic green, is laid perpendicularly to the placemat, creating a linear emphasis well suited to Asian design. The simple centerpiece alternates glass vases with white mums and layered candles down the center of the table in a strict line. The fact that all these elements are available at Pottery Barn means they easily accessible and quite affordable. An assortment of pillows from GH Interiors softens the hard lines of the single bench and contributes to the overall style.

Although I could not easily pull off a Zen look inside my more European-style, traditional home, I can certainly enjoy it outdoors for an evening of entertaining. Hence another pleasure of neutrals is, their ability to accept and accommodate a variety of styles or fashions without complaint.