Hello, summer! Summertime is here and is in full swing. With warmer days and kids out on summer vacation, I want to share tips on reimagining and recreating your outdoor area to get the most out of the space this summer and on into the fall. It’s time to turn that unused patio into an outdoor oasis!
What is the goal of your outdoor space? Consider the desired function of your outdoor space and how it can be used year-round. Is it for entertaining? Or is it simply to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air and possibly watch tv or huddle around a fireplace? Once you determine how your family plans to use the space, you may create a flow of traffic, furniture layout and make a list of what needs to happen to achieve the desired end goal.
PERFORMANCE FABRICS: Believe it or not there are fabrics that can be outside 365 days of the year. Gone are the days of having to bring cushions inside when a storm rolls in. Cushions and pillows made in performance fabrics can be hosed down for quick and easy cleanup. Additionally, the frames of outdoor furniture pieces have really come a long way – beautiful finishes that are meant to be outside all the time and hold up so that your investment will last a long time outside.
INDOOR / OUTDOOR LIVING: Your outdoor porch is an extension of your interior. If you want to use this outdoor space 365 days of the year, think about enclosing it with a screened porch. Or, you can enclose the space with a window system that can be opened and closed so that in the wintertime it’s nice and cozy and in the summertime, it can be open for the breeze. Special touches such as nice big fans and a fireplace will turn the space into a room so it really does become an extension of your home.
GET CREATIVE: These changes don’t have to be expensive! Grab colorful and patterned throw pillows for the chairs and decorative accents to spice up your coffee table. Even plants and flowers are a great way to add interest and color to the space. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a whole room makeover and you can create a fabulous space through small changes.