Whether you live in a warm climate where the sun shines for most of the year or your enjoyment of the outdoors is seasonal, your backyard can be an important area for entertaining guests or relaxing and spending time with the family. Where spending time outside depends on the season, a few easily stored items are all that are needed to achieve the desired look and purpose, but in those areas that enjoy long summers and mild winters, living space can be extended to include the areas outside your back door.
Home décor for the outside of the home has become increasingly popular and choices range from the standard patio sets, lounges, porch swings, picnic tables, and grills, to couches, televisions, wall hangings, and outdoor kitchens. Fountains, sculptures, plants and flowers placed in just the right spots lend an artistic flair and can reflect almost any theme you might imagine.
Outdoor Flooring
Flooring for outdoor living spaces include wooden decks, stones, cement patios, outdoor carpet, tile flooring, and wood flooring that snaps together and lays on flat surfaces to mimic hardwood floors found inside homes. The “inside flooring” look is especially attractive when put together with furniture and accessories that compliment or draw attention to the floor. Outdoor area rugs made of bamboo or all-weather fabrics add style and flow to outdoor living rooms, kitchens, and recreation areas. If you are happy with the floor on your patio or deck and are simply looking for ways to update with a few accessories, start with one or two area rugs. Place round rugs under round patio tables, rectangular or oval rugs in front of lounge chairs or couches, or use one large outdoor area rug as a base for a dining or living room set.
Lighting
When you consider lighting for your outdoor paradise, consider the function of your space. The occasional picnic or barbecue calls for the natural light of the sun, but if you wish to entertain at night, explore standing floor lamps, hanging lights, wall sconces and table lamps. For a more natural appeal, use torches, candles, and lanterns.
Sun Protections
Trees are natural protection from the sun, but if you do not have many tall trees in your yard or need to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements, you can create shade from the hot sun with a quality awning or solid overhang over your patio, or build your own pavilion a few steps away from your home. A protective roof is particularly important for fabrics and materials that fade in the sun or remain wet for a long period after it rains.
Extend the indoor to the outdoor
The popularity of outdoor living spaces has created a demand for all-weather furniture and appliances and the result is a wider selection from which to choose. Extend your home’s interior décor to the outside, or create a clear distinction between your indoor and outdoor world with durable, attractive pieces that work with your flooring, lighting, shade and functional needs. For example, wood floors work with rustic, modern, or any other “indoor look”, while tile or cement works well with either indoor or traditional backyard patio décor.
Recent Comments