It’s Time for Outdoor Living

Create a lovely outdoor room that will not only add to your enjoyment of summer months but also to your home’s value

Long sunny summer days and warm starry nights beckon homeowners to the great outdoors and to consider the possibilities in creating beautiful outdoor living spaces. 

Follow these five tips from a decorating pro at Better Homes and Gardens to achieve a comfortable outdoor “room” that extends your home’s interior style:

·        How do you want to define the space?  Maybe you’d like a cozy lounge area or to set a pretty table for outdoor dining.  If you have enough space for all your purposes, great!  If not, choose one and dedicate your outside room to that best use of your space.

·        Match your interior décor.  “Bring the indoors out” with similar patterns and colors: match outdoor throw pillows to your favorite colors inside.  Look for “materials, colors, or textures that you already have…echo those characteristics for your outside space,” the article suggests.

·        Remember to account for the weather.  Sun, wind, and rain will fade fabrics and wood.  Choose furnishings that will improve with age— “if you don’t like the look of aged copper…don’t incorporate copper elements…” the article notes. You can also buy coverings to protect furniture when it is not in use.

·        Know your style.  Build a “mood board” to help you pick things out over time and keep the feeling and look of your outdoor room consistent.

·        Don’t forget lighting.  Might you enjoy string lights?  Do you need a patio umbrella?  Watch how light and shadows impact your space.

Privacy is also a consideration.  This can be accomplished in a variety of ways; one is to build a lattice screen to separate your space from your neighbor and plant creeping vines along it for a natural look.

Finally, flowers are pretty in scattered containers or hanging baskets; think about where you’d enjoy a pop of color.

With a little forethought, you can create a lovely outdoor room that will not only add to your enjoyment of warm summer months but also to your home’s value.

How would you like to welcome the great outdoors at your house?

Post authored by Lora Bray.

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