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Outdoor Living
by Shannon McMahon Bruchal
Spring has sprung and summer is on
its way. It's time to get your backyard and patio in shape. If you enjoy
entertaining and spending time with your family and friends, why not create
the ultimate space for family fun? The growing trend in backyard design
is to create an outdoor room, with comfortable seating and a relaxing
atmosphere -- a haven where people can gather to eat, drink, unwind and
enjoy nature.
Furniture
Take stock of your outdoor furniture. If it looks worn or dated, perhaps
it might be time to update. The furniture you choose will depend on what
kind of climate you live in. Teak furniture looks great and withstands
insects and the weather well, aging to a dark grey. Aluminum furniture is
sturdy and in most cases, rustproof, so it will stand up to the
elements. Wicker and rattan furniture is now made with protective coatings,
making it a great choice for your outdoor setting. Today's furniture
cushions are protected against the outdoors as well.
Dining tables and chairs come in all
shapes, sizes and materials. Opt for a rustic lodge look with sturdy pine or
cedar. Create a totally casual and playful look with a picnic table. Choose
a bistro-style mosaic table and chairs for an intimate seating area. The
combination of wicker and black aluminum and a glass-topped table makes an
elegant statement. Complete your entertaining area with an outdoor bar with stools.
An outdoor umbrella provides shade when the sun is too strong.
In addition to dining furniture,
consider an Adirondack chair
or two, a rocker or a porch swing.
Adironack chairs have been used on many lawns and patios across the country
since the early 1900s and are still widely popular today. Spend a summer
evening with your sweetheart on a two-seater rocking
chair, watching
fireflies. Take a journey back to the carefree days of youth and swing on an
outdoor swing, suspended from the rafters of your porch, in an arbor or in
the shade of some backyard trees.
Group the seating like you would a
living room, with conversation areas for friends and family. Add side
tables, end tables and a coffee table to complete your ensemble. There are
even rugs and throw pillows made specifically for outdoor use.
Grills
Don't forget to check your grill.
Make sure your grill is clean and check to see if you have enough gas or
charcoal, so you're not caught without when you have your first grilled meal
of the season. If you're looking to purchase a new grill, decide what
features and size suits you best. There are so many types of grills
available, you may want to do a little research before you buy.
Benches
Benches
are another way to add seating and storage to your backyard or
patio. From whimsical to practical, there are many different kinds to fit
any style or decor. For a colorful and fun mode of seating, try a
handpainted butterfly, peacock, dragonfly or leaf bench made of steel. Cast
aluminum benches in classic and traditional shapes and designs evoke an
antique look. A wood and metal park bench can create a park-like atmosphere
in your own backyard. Dual-purpose benches can be
used for seating as well as a storage unit for garden tools, toys or
anything else you would like to keep out of view.
Fountains
Soothe your senses with the captivating sound and serene beauty of a backyard
fountain. Establish
a focal point in your yard or patio or highlight a space in your garden
where you would like to add emphasis. Fountains are available in a variety
of materials and configurations to suit every style and budget.
Outdoor Fireplaces and Heaters
Think of those summer nights when the air is cool and the sky is full of
stars. Your family and friends are keeping
warm as they gather around the chimenea
or outdoor fireplace, roasting marshmallows and making memories. The
chimenea, from the Spanish word for fireplace, is a round stove with a tall
chimney, and works well for small intimate fires. If you're looking for a
something like a campfire, try an outdoor fireplace, which is cylindrical in
shape, and provides a larger source of heat. For more far-reaching heat, a patio
heater is the answer. Fueled with propane or natural gas, these powerful
heaters can heat up to twenty feet in diameter, which makes them great for
parties.
Accessories
Accent your backyard and patio with unique items that add drama. A
brightly painted pedestal
birdbath with a glass bowl attracts birds and invites compliments. Use plant
stands that display your plants and flowers as well as your personality
and sense of style. Whimsical garden
stakes keep your plants from falling down and add a decorative flair to
your garden. Beautiful wall
sconces add light and color to your patio area.
Now is the time to start creating
your own outdoor space. Summer days will be here before we know it, so
envision your new backyard and patio area, then go for it. You'll be glad
you did.
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