With the popularity of outdoor living still on the rise, designers are taking note, adding accessories once thought primarily for the indoors to the back yard, including throw pillows, blankets, tablecloths and more.

During last year's Casual Show, it was hard to miss Elaine Smith's colorful pillows, both classic and fun.

Elaine Smith returns to the Casual Show this month with new designs for her line of pillows, throws and tablecloths. From whimsical umbrellas and flamingos to classical designs, Smith's outdoor-friendly pillows are sure to catch the attention of consumers.

Soft goods that are Mother Nature-friendly are making their way into retail stores, generating talk among customers and salespeople because of the wow factor, and developing into sales.

"The outdoors are moving forward, you can have a chandelier and bring your crystal outdoors," Smith said. "Everything is expanding and we have to adapt. We are on the forefront in a growing industry."

For those retailers who jumped on board with Smith one year ago, all have reported success, she said.

With a background in interior design, Smith worked frequently with fabrics and furniture, but had difficulty finding pillows to suit her tastes. Often making her own pillows, it was at a fabric show when she stumbled upon outdoor fabrics, and her idea to move outdoors was born. Her company, Elaine Smith Pillows, or ESP, originated from there while she visited mills and started developing the line that she debuted in Chicago in 2004.

"There was a huge gap in the market," Smith said. "But reception was great. Not only were the fabrics new, the way I had put them together was new."

Decorative fringes dolled up the pillows and added an upscale twist, while her fabric lines catered to both clean-cut and contemporary looks and whimsical and novelty designs. Throws and tablecloths round out Smith's line.

"You are able now to take an entire room and bring it outside," she said. "I'm not a barbecue girl, but I will sit down to a nicely dressed table and have a dinner party."

Smith's most recent introduction is the Azure Collection, featuring softer pastels in paisley designs.