Savvy homeowners don’t end their decorating at the door, they keep going to include the decks, porches, sunrooms, and patios that surround their homes. They treat these spaces as outdoor “rooms” that deserve the attention the other rooms in their homes receive. They choose the best furnishings, colors, textures and lighting for the space. The result is additional living area that is often the favorite “room” in the house.
There are two types of outdoor spaces: those totally or partially protected from the elements, such as sunrooms, porches, or gazebos, and those areas open to the elements, such as decks, patios, or garden hideaways.
Coordinate your outdoor spaces with the exterior of your house, especially if it is located in front or on the side of the house in full view of passersby. Look at the space from the outside toward the house. Consider the scale of furnishings. Indoor or outdoor furniture comes in a variety of sizes and styles: some sleek and space-saving, some designed to visually fill up an area. Think about the difference between a folding metal bistro chair and a chair with hefty, oversized wicker arms and back, for example. The bistro chairs may look skimpy on a large deck, while a grouping of oversized wicker furniture can crowd a small porch.
Look at your outdoor space through windows and doors, and consider extending the interior style to the outside space. Bright colors will stop your eyes at the porch, while muted ones will allow you to focus first on garden focal points, such as a magnificent bush, tree, or flower bed. Plan outside furnishings so that they augment a good view instead of blocking it.
Once you have a furniture style in mind, develop a plan that defines the function of the space and determines the furniture pieces you’ll need. Consider, for instance, what’s needed for conversational sitting, entertaining, dining, cooking, playing (for children), sleeping and sunbathing.
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This summer, Seasonal Concepts (the indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories retailer) compiled the Top Ten Tips to Budget on a Vacation Backyard —- very useful for those who are unable to leave town this year!
Below are the Tips:
1. For a small investment add some new colors with replacement cushions. New cushions can bring your old furniture back to life and not hurt your wallet.
2. Brighten your outdoors w/ a new umbrella. Brings a new look to your entire set of patio furniture.
3. Keep your chairs, but change out your dining table. Go from glass top to the durable cast aluminum. Get a great new look with one new piece.
4. Bring the element of sound to your outdoor living space with beautiful wind chimes. The calming sounds will bring the spa to your backyard.
5. Add a chaise lounge to bring new dimension to your outdoor living area.
6. Love your sling chairs? Seasonal Concepts can replace your slings, creating a new ambiance without buying all new furniture!
7. Add some colorful throw pillows to spruce-up your outdoor furniture. Mix and matching with pillows can bring your furniture back to life.
8. Create a new centerpiece by adding a firepit that also serves as a beverage cooler. It’s an economical way to have a multi-season accessory.
9. Extend the life of your current furniture by taking advantage of Seasonal Concepts’ “Worry Free Winter” program. Seasonal Concepts will clean, wrap and store your furniture during the winter months.
10. Preserve the finish on your deck and accessorize your living space with a Seasonal Concepts’ outdoor rugs. Rugs create a completed touch to your outdoor retreat.