Accessorize an Outdoor Living Space
Decor Accessories that Bring Interior Design to the Home's Exterior
After reading the article “Creating a Spectacular Outdoor Living Space: Backyard Kitchens & Sitting Areas Are a Hot Home Decorating Trend” you probably have the itch to start planning a new outdoor living space, or maybe you are one step ahead and already have one? In that case, this article can provide inspiration and ideas on how to decorate outdoor rooms.
A trend began to emerge in 2005 that saw homeowners renovating their backyards into dramatic outdoor living spaces. As 2009 draws to a close, this hot trend is expected to expand to include completely fitted outdoor kitchens and living rooms complete with comfy, weather resistant furniture and flat screen televisions.
Here are the best (and most affordable) ways to decorate an outdoor room:
Choosing Outdoor Fabrics
There are a variety of fabrics available for outdoor furniture. Vinyl and plastics are durable and inexpensive but do not emote the feel of a living room. In addition, on really hot days they are sticky and uncomfortable. Consider choosing fabrics that are breathable, (like Sunbrella) treated to resist fading and dry quickly. They do cost a bit more but they will last as much as 4 times longer than the cheaper versions, so in the long run they save money and provide functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Outdoor Heating
Spring and fall seasons can bring unpredictable weather such as rain and even snow. To lengthen the outdoor season, think about investing in outdoor heating. Some of the newest options on the market are propane burning portable heaters that come in a variety of attractive tabletop portable units and lamp post style upright versions.
Floor Coverings
It is hard to imagine but companies exist today that just make rugs for outdoors such as area rugs for the deck, terrace or patio. Made of polypropylene, these attractive outdoor rugs resist mold and mildew and can be washed or hosed down. Generally, they are inexpensive and really go a long way to pull a ‘room’ together outdoors.
Clever & Stylish Storage
When creating an outdoor living space that is completely uncovered and open air style, plan ahead and add a large deck box or a small cabana shed to your budget. When you are not using the outdoor living room, put away the cushions and weather sensitive accessories, to protect them from the elements. Everything will last longer and you don't have to drag them into the house or garage. Positioning a covered deck box close by offers a protected place to stow the cushions until the next time they are needed.
It may seem odd to be featuring an article about outdoor living spaces with winter just around the corner. However, all great projects take planning, and what better way to spend snowbound days stuck in the house than planning and dreaming of outdoor living space.
Looking for an indoor project for the winter months? How about transforming your bathroom into a spa retreat!
Elegant Outdoor Living with Accessories & Fabric
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