Creating Great Outdoor Spaces The line between indoors and outdoors continues to blur as many of us take our indoor comforts and solitude outdoors… This process is becoming more realistic as many manufacturers of home products, develop more and more appliances, furniture, lighting, fabrics and accessories that can be used indoors or out. People are driven to find peaceful sanctuaries as a prescription for our stressful lives. Outdoor patios and porches are becoming a more sophisticated and refined living extension of the indoor spaces. Outdoor furniture has evolved a long way from the folding, vinyl strap versions we grew up with, to beautiful pieces made of teak, steel, rattan, and wicker. Many pieces look just like indoor furniture but are constructed and designed to take the outdoor elements. Fabrics like Sunbrella offer beautiful patterns and colors, but resist fading and mildew. Consider how you will use your outdoor space. For entertaining? Dining outdoors? How many people do you want to seat? Do you have pets? Children? Lighting is also a very important in creating an inviting outdoor space, adding ambiance and increasing functionality. When creating a lighting plan, incorporate landscape lighting, overhead lighting, ceiling fans and portable lamps, just as you would indoors. Remember to create a space that is “perfect” for you and your needs and then sit back and enjoy it! |
