I just finished a little backyard makeover at my house and in the process spent a lot of time looking for furniture that could withstand the volatile Houston climate and still achieve the relaxed style I was going for. In the process I came across quite a few chairs that are way out of my price range but really cool and worthy of sharing.

Its amazing to see what people are doing with outdoor furniture these days. I’ve been especially taken with many of the modern wood chair designs that have made their way on the furniture scene lately. My top picks fuse quality craftsmanship, modern styling and true functionality into sculpted seating worthy of the title “sculpture.”

Each of these sleek and stylish chairs has its own unique appeal; from an award winning design to green materials this inventive seating is what we love now.

Sleek and curvaceous in stainless steel and palisander finished hardwood,  the Imperial Halley Modern  Lounger lives up to its Italian design roots. (Credit)

Teak and stainless steel come together in the Spirit Song Teak Chair and Ottoman. The outdoor furniture’s designers, Robert Tiffany and Barbara Tiffany, won the Design Excellence Award from the International Casual Furniture Exhibition– the highest honor in wooden furniture design.

Beautiful. Spirit Song Teak Ottoman (Credit)

Fun and green, this ergonomic design is made of rapid-growing renewable bamboo. The Bamboo Spring Chair is so strong and flexible it allows for a gentle rocking motion. (Credit)

The Tandem Sunlounger by Thomas Sauvage for EGO PARIS sports a teak deck fixed on a lacquered aluminum frame. (Credit)

The elegant ExTempore deck chair is so versatile it doubles as a table.  Made of hardwood decking on an aluminum frame. (Credit)

Joel Escalona’s Caracool line works well in the garden or a play area. This prototype won the 2nd National Competition of Furniture Design in American Hardwood, by American Hardwood Export Council.

Although it was quite entertaining to envision owning one of the incredible designs above; I finally found a line of outdoor furniture that would suit our needs and look great while doing. Here is what I chose:

Folding Chair in solid acacia designed by K Hagberg/M Hagberg for Applaro at IKEA. (Credit)

Reclining chair in solid acacia designed by K Hagberg/M Hagberg for Applaro at IKEA. (Credit)

Bench in solid acacia designed by K Hagberg/M Hagberg for Applaro at IKEA. (Credit)

Drop-leaf table in solid acacia designed by K Hagberg/M Hagberg for Applaro at IKEA. (Credit)

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Jeremy Wells