Take it outside!

outdoor living spaces

Outdoor rooms continue to grow in popularity, as more and more American’s discover the appeal of backyard decks or patios as places for quiet relaxation or as additional rooms for entertaining family and friends.

To make the most of your outdoor oasis, consider:

Patios, decks or a seasonally-covered porches: There are choices for every budget and all preferences. If you have the space and your house and property is situated with options for multiple outdoor areas you may want to consider different types of outdoor areas for different times of the day. An open deck or patio facing east is a wonderful place for breakfast and early-day activities, when shade is not as important. The only sun break you really need is a well-placed shade tree. Areas facing south should be covered with a roof structure and deep awnings or overhangs to protect from heat and sun. It is preferable to have open walls for cross ventilation to keep you cooler. For afternoons and evenings, a west-facing enclosed porch is preferable to screen against insects. If you live in a colder climate zone, protect your porch from rain, wind and snow with either a fixed half-wall or a solid glass enclosure against the prevailing winds. If you live in gentler climates, fully screened walls with removable glass panes make your space a year-round room.

Furnishings: Thankfully, the days of uncomfortable, flimsy and ugly lawn chairs are long gone. Many of today’s outdoor furnishings are made of stylish and sturdy materials such as rust-free cast aluminum, PVC-based wicker and teak. The range in price and style is abundant, and what was only available for a select few just years ago is now available in compatible styling and selections for everyone. The style trends set by high-end companies such as Sutherland, Barlow Tyrie and Janus et Cie are reflected in more affordable collections from Room and Board, Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware. Seating groups mirror the look you would see in a traditional indoor living room, with sofas, loveseats and ottomans. Just be sure you keep your winter storage limitations and options in mind when buying outdoor furniture since it will have implications on the kind, size and number of pieces you choose.

Green is no longer just for the passionately eco-conscious, and in the last few years environmentally friendly furniture has become readily available at mega- retailers ranging from Wal-Mart to Pottery Barn. Green outdoor furniture is no longer considered an exclusive for the fortunate few, according to Stacy Brown, forest certification coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation and overseer of a survey looking into the sources of garden furniture uses in the United States. “Sustainable wood garden products are most often competitively priced with conventional garden furniture,” she says.

Fabrics: Today’s spot-, mold- and fade- resistant fabrics are indistinguishable from traditional indoor fabrics and are a far cry from the stiff, vinyl-covered fabrics of days gone by. Sunbrella was there first, and continues to have a stable of solid fabrics and stripes, but if you want something different for both upholstery, drapery and accessories, go to Perennials. The patterns, textures and feel of their fabrics are of such quality and sophistication that you might end up using them inside as well. Now you can have pale colored slipcovers in the family room without fretting over spills or Galbraith & Paul patterns on your outdoor cushions. And by the way, a sunroom or four-season porch with large windows should be treated as an outdoor space when it comes to fabrics. Silk fibers, for instance, will deteriorate very quickly by full exposure to sunlight, and cotton solids will fade where outdoor fabrics don’t. Having said that, however, it is still wise to bring furniture cushions inside when winter comes to extend their life and appearance.

Accessories: Outdoor lighting, rugs, fire pits, barware, tableware, grilling utensils, and pillows are just a few of the items you can use to finish off the look of your outdoor room. Sometimes less is more, however, so be careful not to overload your outdoor space with too much “stuff.” Ultimately, the natural surroundings should serve as the star of the show.

Bars and Grills: For some dedicated backyard grillers, nothing beats the real charcoal-grilled flavor a traditional Weber kettle grill, while others are drawn to the new line of multi- purpose gas grills that feature everything from side burners to rotisserie sets. Whether you choose gas or charcoal, be sure to place your grill far enough away from the seating area and downhill from the prevailing wind direction so guests will not be overcome with smoke, but not so far away that the grill master is not part of the party.

Backyard bars and kitchens are also growing in popularity. If you decide to build a permanently constructed and installed outdoor bar or kitchen, make sure the installations become part of the outdoor landscape. You want the addition to reflect the better features of your garden or yard and not be overpowering.

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