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However, you just don’t feel inspired
to spend time out there. Winter is a perfectly
good excuse to ignore your patio, unless you
have an outdoor fireplace, but patios were
created for the warm months. Maybe the reason
that you do not utilize your patio, as you might
like, is that you have not included it as an
extension of your home décor. The patio and
garden are meant to be lived in just as the
interior rooms of your home. But to feel like it
is a part of your home, you have to design like
it is. There are several things you can do to
create an outdoor room, and once you have, you
will feel as if your living space has grown
while enjoying an important part of home.
When you start to design an outdoor room it
is recommended that you begin with the layout of
your patio furniture. Much of this discussion
depends upon what stage of completion that your
patio is in when you begin to design. If you are
the construction phase, there are no real
restrictions on your design. You may incorporate
any elements that you believe would entice you
to use the space. But, if you have an existing
patio, furniture is a great way to start. Decide
on placement first. Then shop for patio
furniture with comfort in mind. Guests with sore
backsides will not stay long. Iron and wood are
the perfect outdoor furniture materials;
however, cushions are what keep people in their
seats.
Once you have selected your patio
furniture, decide on its orientation. You will
want the furniture to face the most attractive
view as this is the area we will be decorating
as an additional room. You may want to create a
couple of groupings. The first would be a living
room type grouping where guests could sit and
talk, much like they would in your home. A couch
and two chairs would work well. Try and maximize
your seating capacity. The other grouping would
consist of a dining table and chairs. Already
you have added two additional living spaces to
your home, and we have just begun.
Some new homes have outdoor fireplaces, and
people are also adding them by the droves to add
warmth and create focal point in the garden.
Either the living room grouping or the dining
set would be perfect right by the fireplace. If
you are inclined to add one to your backyard, a
good stone brick and stone mason or landscape
company can help you design the perfect outdoor
fireplace to compliment your architecture.
Your new furniture is in place, and now it
is time to accessorize and put the finishing
touches on your outdoor room. Think of this
process in the same way you would as working on
the interior. Here is a list of some suggestions
for accessorizing an outdoor room.
•Large
Pottery
will tall plants used just as you would a tree
in your living room, except in the garden, in
their natural environment, you will have much
more selection
•Small
pottery
with flowers placed on outdoor dining tables and
coffee tables.
•Garden statuary
will add art and interest.
Placed within the landscape, classical statuary
adds visual texture and drama.
•A
water fountain or more elaborate feature not
only adds visual beauty, but also delights
another sense with the tranquil sound of water.
•An
outdoor
cooking center.
These may range from built-ins, to a portable
island to just a basic grill. Any of the three
will make your new outdoor room functional and
inviting.
When you begin
to place these new additions to your garden,
remember that the same rules follow here as in the
interior. Vary your heights, make nice groupings
and keep your additions to the yard visible from
the patio furniture you have selected. With just
a few well placed accessories and comfortable
patio furniture, you will find yourself
answering the call to come outside and enjoy the
space. An outdoor room makes for wonderful
family memories and a higher resale value when
marketing your home. |
