Outdoor Living: Brief Moments of Happiness

outdoor living and diningIt is 7:30 on an early Sunday morning in May and I am pondering the near future of the summer ahead. This is the first of many mornings to come where it is truly warm enough to sit outside and sip that blissfully virgin first cup of coffee. I am not hallucinating; spring is finally here.

Like everyone else, I am taking inventory: The grill is in need of major cleaning – and may have to be replaced; the teak table top needs sanding and a fresh rubbing of oilCushions – can they make it one more year with a little TLC? I will let that pass for a few days before I make a final decision; right now the euphoria of being outside where everything smells fresh and green overshadows the pragmatics of preparing for living outdoors for the rest of the summer. But one thing is clear: Outdoor living has created a plethora of materials, appliances and furnishings that change how we think about luxury and comfort, and one of the key words is maintenance free.

Living in Ossining and maintaining a house is very different from say Miami or Los Angeles where the weather is temperate year round, but during the summer we share a few things: humidity, mold and sun. All parts of the outdoor living space have to live up to those harsh conditions. And every year I say this is the best yet. I am repeating myself again: This year is the best of them all.

“The covered Porch is still the heart of summer living. Bug free and protected from the sun it should flow gracefully and be an extension of the house.”

outdoor living room

If you already have a nice porch, with creature comforts, think of creating that special additional place for your breakfast coffee or the evening pre-dinner drink. The 360 degree view of your garden will help you find those special places. Your morning spot can be in full sun and is best if facing east, since the early day usually is cooler and the sun hasn’t got its bite yet. A small table and a few chairs suffice. I prefer white river rock to pavers for the Zen of the morning with a few potted plants that can be sub-tropical to create the feel of a beach or a vacation spot.

bench facing West or south-west is just what the end of the day needs. I used to enjoy sitting on the stoop of my First street apartment in the summer when I still lived in New York City, and share a chat and a beer with neighbors; now I sit on the stoop or in the rocking chair of my house and enjoy a gin and tonic with a touch of elder flower for the early summer. Later on I will mix in the deep purple juice of the fruit instead.

The covered Porch is still the heart of summer living. Bug free and protected from the sun it should flow gracefully and be an extension of the house. Depending on the amount of space you have you can create both sitting and dining areas, but don’t crowd your space with too much furniture. Simplicity is what outdoor living is about – and a hammock is an old favored stable.

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