La-Z-Boy Inc. has launched its first collection of outdoor furniture — and it’s good-looking stuff. The Michigan-based company partnered with Brown Jordan International (a veteran in the outdoor furniture business) to produce a 20-piece collection that includes the outdoor industry’s first recliner that actually looks like a real (indoors) recliner. The collection (dining sets, conversation groups and snappy individual pieces such as the recliner and an oval chaise) is being marketed in three groups — one modern and streamlined, another all soft and rounded and traditional looking, and the third being somewhere in between and featuring fabulous flared legs. The frames on all the furniture are made from a woven resin material that looks like wicker and can withstand the elements. Cushions are likewise weather-resistant. Some prices: the Whitley recliner, $599; a six-piece conversation set from the modern-looking Graham Collection, $1,131; the Graham chaise lounge, $324.
Sam’s Club is the exclusive seller of the collection this year. Items are starting to trickle into the Chicago-area stores. For those who want it now, most of the collection is available online (www.samsclub.com); the recliner, however, won’t arrive in stores or online until mid-February. Note the shipping charges on all the pieces if you go the online route.
You have to be a member to shop at Sam’s Club — either in store or online. Annual membership costs $40. 888-746-7726
HAVE IT YOUR WAY: Not brand new, but not widely known, is the Made-to-Order program available at Waterworks, the luxury brand boutique for the bath. This customization program spans Waterworks’ entire product offering. Options include custom finishes, engraving and sinks that can be shaped to your taste. Made-to-order textiles include high-quality Egyptian cotton towels and robes that incorporate piping in one of more than 100 colors, plus bathmats and shower curtains.
The Merchandise Mart, Kinzie and Wells Streets, Suite 136, 312-527-4668; 907 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 847-784-1662. www.waterworks.com.
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kklages@tribune.com, mdaniels@tribune.com
