| Author: Morris Collins |
Once upon a time, decorating your outdoor living space meant putting a few folding lawn chairs and a grill on your deck. But Americans are moving outdoors in a big way this spring and summer.
'We don't talk about decks or patios any more, we see these spaces as outdoor rooms,' says Ken Locicero, a Divisional Merchandise Manager for ShopNBC. These outdoor rooms add livable space by erasing the traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor.
Depending on the size of your outdoor space and your family's lifestyle, you may want to add a dining table, grill or even a complete outdoor kitchen, and comfortable seating where you can relax. Your d'cor can also include plants and flowers, as well as a fountain water feature, and outdoor lighting.
'When decorating outdoor spaces, take your cues from the same design principles you'd use inside your house,' advises Locicero. Here are some tips from the lifestyle gurus at ShopNBC to help you put together the perfect outdoor room for your home.
* Choose colors that complement your indoor rooms, especially the one that opens to the outdoors.
* Keep your furniture and accessories in scale with your outdoor space. If you have a two-level deck, you can go all out with large pieces such as gliders and oversize dining tables. If your outdoor room consists of an 8-foot-square patio, you can still have a lovely, inviting space, but you'll need to use furniture like bistro sets and a glider chair to set the tone.
* Whether your taste is contemporary or traditional, you can find outdoor furniture that matches your style, from beautiful wood sets to whimsical wicker to more modern metal construction. Again, choose colors that carry out the theme from your indoor living space in the cushions.
* Look for fabrics meant for use outdoors that resist fading from the sun and other weather damage and require minimal upkeep. ShopNBC's summer furniture collection is available in a wide range of fabrics to suit any design sensibility that can stand up to the great outdoors. Choose from stripes, solids and floral prints. Add another layer of texture with outdoor rugs.
* 'Water features can add a relaxing element, with their hypnotic trickling,' says Locicero. Water features can be large or small, depending on your space. If floor space is limited, consider a wall-mounted fountain.
* Lighting is another important way to set the mood in your outdoor room. The options range from candles to lanterns to fun strings of novelty lights. For a romantic look, nothing beats the soft glow of lanterns placed strategically throughout the space. ShopNBC's Starlight Lanterns feature urn-shaped globes that sit on wrought iron stands and seem to glow from within.
* Some homeowners are able to install outdoor kitchens complete with grills, ovens, sinks and even refrigerators. Create your own outdoor kitchen with a new charcoal or gas grill with side shelves that give you extra work space. In lieu of a refrigerator, a decorative, inexpensive ice tub can keep your drinks chilled and available.
* Play with fire. There's nothing like the glow of a fire to provide atmosphere and take the chill off a cool summer night. Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes. You can find outdoor tables with firepits built into the middle, or choose a stand alone portable fire pit. There are even smaller, sterno-fueled table-top versions.
This summer, take full advantage of your outdoor space. Although, you may never want to go back inside. |
Author Bio:
To learn more about California wines and the California Wine Club, call (800) 777-4443 or visit www.cawineclub.com. - ARA |
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