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Decorating Essentials By Casual Elegance by Cheryl • July, 2009 |
Do you ever want to get away from it all, but can’t afford to stay at a Five-Star resort? Extending your living space outdoors is a great alternative to a vacation. Imagine stepping outside to your own private oasis with some of the luxuries found at favorite vacation spots. Consider your porch, terrace, courtyard or deck as an extension of your home. Follow these designer’s tips to create an “Outdoor Living Space.” |
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 Create Your Own Outdoor Living Space |
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 Color and Style Selection:Extend your interior colors and style to your outdoor space to create a smooth transition. Your outdoor living space, home and garden should all look as if they were designed and built at the same time. Define Outdoor Spaces: Furniture placement, rugs, pavers, slate and decking define and separate areas. Consider using potted plants, patio trees, shrubbery, trellises and fences to create an intimate feel. Pergolas and awnings are the perfect choice for defining space and creating privacy. Draperies can add additional softness and romance. Create Focal Points: A beautiful fountain, statue, gazebo or fireplace can create a dramatic focal point from which you can build your outdoor space. Another unexpected focal point can be placing iron scrollwork, mirrors or wall hangings on a fence or the outside wall of your house. Furniture and Fabrics: To avoid replacing your outdoor furniture in a few years, invest in weather resistant vinyl wicker, western cedar or teak, cast aluminum, wrought iron or resin. Outdoor fabrics, such as Sunbrella that repel water and resist fading, are now available in various textures such as chenille and damask. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care guide to maximize the usage of your furniture and fabrics. Accessories: Flickering candles, musical wind chimes and bubbling water appeal to the senses and are fabulous to use when accessorizing your outdoor space. Other affordable items to spruce up your outside are plates, glassware, placemats, pillows, market umbrellas and awnings in coordinating colors and fabric patterns. Place large containers of lush plants grouped at varying heights to connect your garden and outdoor space. Lighting: Add a magical touch with lighting. The soft glow of chandeliers and outdoor lamps will replace the glare of ceiling fan lights. Gas lamps and candles create another level of lighting. Landscape lighting brings to life your garden at night.  Fire Pits and Fireplaces: Extend the use of your outdoor space year round by incorporating a fire pit, chiminea or fireplace at least 10 feet from any combustible material. Gas powered heaters are another alternative to provide heat on a cold night. Outdoor Kitchens: While grilling has always been popular, the outdoor kitchen is becoming the centerpiece for outdoor living. Today manufacturers are making grills, refrigerators, rotisseries, sinks, wine coolers and cabinets that can withstand temperature and weather extremes. Long-lasting stone, brick, stucco or porcelain tile should be used when planning your outdoor kitchen. By creating your own private outdoor space, you can unwind from the busy lifestyles so common today and find your own place to grab a moment of relaxation. If you know of a friend or colleague who might enjoy this newsletter, feel free to forward. In addition, I welcome new subscribers. My next newsletter will feature Steps for a Well-Designed Room. |
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| Email us with any questions about these tips to Cheryl@CasualEleganceDesign.com. Want to know more about Casual Elegance by Cheryl? Check out our website at www.CasualEleganceDesign.com or call us at 336.883.8796 or 336-580-0912 to schedule a design consultation. Please visit us out on these social networking websites:   |