Truly flexible design is a beautiful thing, and nothing embodies flexibility more than custom made furnishings with versatile style appeal combined with upholstery that’s engineered to withstand the test of time, traffic, and even weather. The partnership between Rowe and Sunbrella fabrics is a perfect match that exemplifies the combination of classic design sensibility with beautiful, high-performance fabrics. Our wide assortment of Rowe custom furnishings combined with Sunbrella’s many indoor/outdoor fabric offerings presents seemingly endless possibilities for worry-free design that reimagines the way we live indoors. We challenged Florida-based designer Erika Powell (Urban Grace Interiors) to create a space that showcases our best-selling Robin Bruce Laney Sofa and Mally Chair in an organic-meets-elegant style.
Erika describes her style as timeless and layered, embodying a classic feel that isn’t marked by trends or overdecorating.
“I naturally gravitate towards richer neutrals and earth tones and love layering textures to build a space that feels livable and warm,” explains the designer, who is often inspired by the beauty of her coastal Florida surroundings. Maximizing use of natural light goes hand in hand with this philosophy. “Light is so important to consider when designing, especially down here in Florida as the sunlight can sometimes be very strong and overwhelming,” says Erika, whose living room features abundant sunlight from a wall of large windows that is tempered by the addition of vertical shades that allow more control over the level of light and add a rich, warm glow to the space. “Window treatments add another layer of texture and interest to the rooms they are in which is an added bonus,” she adds. Crisp white upholstery provided an ideal starting place for this design, says Erika, adding that “it’s not often I go for a white sofa and chairs, but they will really help to brighten up the living room they will sit in.” The designer was drawn to the beautiful lines and comfortable bench seat cushion of our Laney Sofa, which gives this seating area a casual, welcoming feel. She drew inspiration from the classic wooden legs of the pair of Mally Chairs, combining them with warm wood details and woven accents that help to bring the outdoors in. Anchored by a subtly patterned rug with a light yet traditional feel, the eye is drawn directly upwards to the stylish grouping of sofa and chairs, a welcoming arrangement that envelopes guests in comfort and grace.
Our Sunbrella partnership with Erika is an ideal pairing, showcasing the perfect fit we discovered while teaming with the creator of the most renowned performance fabric options available on the market.
Sunbrella’s durability is engineered into every strand, enabling worry-free, gorgeous design that’s long-lasting. Erika designs spaces that are used as everything from high-traffic rentals to cozy family homes with children and pets, making stain resistance and easy cleaning high priorities. “The fact that these pieces could be made with Sunbrella fabrics is a game changer,” enthuses Erika, adding, “I will definitely be ordering them for clients in the future!”
Pro-Tip: How Erika Brings the Outdoors In
- Gardening is a passion of mine, so my porches and home are full of plants all year round! I also think using earth tones and neutrals really helps bring a more earthy feel to homes.
What She Loves about Working with Sunbrella Fabrics
Performance fabrics are such a game changer and have come such a long way. They are so helpful when designing rentals, homes with young children and/or pets, and indoor/outdoors spaces because you just don’t have to worry about ruining them. I would use Sunbrella on just about any sofa or chair that is used on a daily basis because they will just last longer!
Why Erika Loves Working with Rowe
Rowe’s line is approachable, timeless and comfortable and offers so many great fabric choices for their pieces, making it hard not to find the perfect piece for any space!
