Shopping: Modern Summer

It is practically here. Let's get equipped.

First off, I love this line of outdoor furniture from Sprout Home. Made of steel and ipe wood, a sustainable tropical hardwood, they aren't dirt cheap but are built to last.

The bench is nothing short of stunning:

And I really like the chaise:

For the tighter budget, Crate and Barrel has this set of outdoor furniture at closeout price right now. A great amount of bang for the buck at 799.00 for the entire set up, including 6 chairs:

And this barware, from CB2, Crate and Barrel's answer to West Elm, is in a knockout color.

Love. It.

These are probably the hottest outdoor planters I've seen in forever.

From Design Within Reach, they come in nickel, bronze or black finishes and are built to withstand outdoor use and abuse. The price tag reflects the quality, but heck, consider them an investment in good solid modern design.

I seriously might have to make that investment when we find our permanent modern home.

These little terracotta birdhouses from The Well Dressed Home have a nice natural modern look to them, and at only $15 a pop, buy a handful! I definitely prefer the white glazed one. It would also be more reflective, keeping the birdies from getting too hot during the summer months.

One would make a nice inexpensive housewarming gift.

Also from Sprout Home is this new Pebble planter, boasting a lovely organic shape that would look beautiful planted with a mass of trailing sedums.

Everyone needs a beach towel or two, but unless you're Donatella Versace, you really don't want to spend much on something that's going to get chlorine, sand and/or greasy sunscreen all over it regularly.

These Marimekko beach towels from Crate and Barrel are bright, fun, modern and very well priced at $21 each:

And as a bonus, here is an online listing of Garden Design Magazine's "Way Hot 100" plants for 2006.

Hip plants. Hmmmm. Do they come with little tattoos and a MySpace profile?