Outdoor Living Spaces...it's almost time...
Caicos Outdoor Furniture Collection
Outdoor Living
Yep, it’s spring, and the warmer weather is fast approaching. What does that mean for your outdoor living space? Do you have a space that you like to spend time in outdoors, or is it something that you would like to have? Here are a few tips and tricks on how to create such a space. Consider the following:
SEATING:
Have enough for the main users of your household and some extra (I use stacking chairs) for when you are entertaining guests. Also, it’s nice to have a solitary spot, whether that’s a hammock, or this cool chair. Everyone needs a place to lounge, with a cool beverage and a great book or magazine.
Homedepot.ca
DINING:
Do you like to eat outdoors? If you do, then you need a place to dine at. Some people go old school and have a picnic table, but others like a more refined, outdoor dining experience and set up a full table and chairs. This of course depends on the amount of space that you have available. It can also be a great place to play games and do crafts outdoors.
HGTV.com
SHADE:
How much shade do you need? Is your outdoor space in direct sunshine, or does it just get a bit of morning sun? Shade can come in many different forms from more costly, permanent fixtures to more inexpensive, portable/convertible items. If you need a minimal amount of shade, and have a sheltered outdoor area, you can get an umbrella. You’ll need to consider the wind (for the need of a heavier base), as well as the types of fabric. Heavier fabrics will last longer, and won’t break down in the sun, unlike thinner fabrics. Some more permanent options are louvered shutters (the most expensive), pergolas (with the options for shades) and of course, good old trees.
abeautifulness.com
RUGS:
There are many kinds of outdoor rugs out there, and they can help define different zones in our outdoor space. The best options are always natural materials, as they will usually last longer. That being said they usually hold onto moisture more, so need to be hung up to dry, when they get wet. Some outdoor rugs are a plastic composite material, that looks bright and is waterproof, but can break down in high heat areas, and can fade.
rugs.ca
LIGHTING:
Again, the options for outdoor lighting are almost unlimited. If you have electrical wired to your outdoor space you can have everything from wall sconces, undermount lights, to chandeliers. If hard wiring isn’t an option, there are all sorts of solar lights that are now available. These range in size, and brightness. Many aren’t as bright as hard-wired lights, but still add great ambiance to an outdoor living space. Some umbrellas are even wired with solar lighting.
agreenfuture.ca
FIRE:
So, are you a fire lover? From fire pits to fire tables, again there are many options. Some of these contemporary styles are so sleek, if you want to do something a bit more modern. This fire table is a great coffee table option, too, that can be used as a table in daylight, then used as a fire feature at night. I always think that a piece that can be used in a couple of ways is a better use of space and budget. If you have a smaller space, candles (real or battery powered) can be a nice option.
architecthonolulu.com
BUG REPELLENT:
If you are in an area where mosquitos are a problem, look into some of the newer technology in bug control. This item is odorless (so much nicer than a citronella candle) and has a large range. Perfect to keep the bugs down, in your deck area…and don’t you just love this colour (BTW, it comes in a variety, so you can coordinate it to your outdoor decor).
thermacell.com
Think of the elements that affect your space.
· Direct or indirect sunshine
· Wind
· Water
· Privacy
· Budget
If you consider all these things, your choices will be the right ones for your space and will make it an oasis during our warmer months. So enjoy the warm weather, in your outdoor spaces, while it lasts.