Who inspires me?

I love a good success story, especially when it's Canadian based. Case in point, the guys over at Andrew Richard Designs. Beginning with the 2005 season, they've worked their asses off to create an awesome line of outdoor furniture and accessories. If designing a line of furniture and operating a 12,000 sqft space in Toronto wasn't enough, they've also worked with one of my faves, prominent Canadian designer Sarah Richardson to bring her furniture collection to life. As well, they've worked with a number of prestigious resorts including the Fairmont, Four Seasons & the Sandals chain of resorts.

Not only is their collection unique, it's VAST. We're talking design after design. I remember checking out the Andrew Richard Designs website after the first time I read about them in Style At Home being blown away by the in-your-face styling of their products. I dig their story and their products; they're not just about selling you a bistro set or chaise, anyone can do that - they're selling you a lifestyle...they're changing the way that you look the cement pad or deck or whatever's outside your dining room window.

Here are a couple of my favourite Andrew Richard Designs looks -

The Sumatra Sofa (there are a gazillion ways that you can make it "your own" just by changing up the toss cushions!)

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

The Greenwich bar in teak and stainless steel

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

The Sro Flared Daybed (part of the Sarah Richardson for Andrew Richard Designs collection)

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

The Harrison Chaise Lounge

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

Their take on the classic Muskoka chair - in teak of course (is it blasphemy that all I can think of is taking this piece and painting it a shockingly bright and fun colour?)