The
key to designing a successful outdoor
living space is to create an area that
reflects the architectural character
of the home as well as the personality
of the homeowners who inhabit the space.
With regard to porch, patio, yard and
deck design consider the following aspects
:
- Function:
grilling, eating, relaxing, sunning
and gardening
- Focal
Point: something on the
patio, a fountain, pond, trellis,
etc.
- Lighting:
plantings, natural lighting, evening
accent lights
- Furniture/Furniture
Arranging: height, dimension
and locations need to be appropriate
for activities and that it adds
interest
- Paint
represents a powerful component
that assists the homeowner with
their ultimate goal of creating
an outdoor living space that not
only enhances the home exterior,
but also the ways in which that
unique family lives within their
home's outdoor structure.
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What's
needed to create a perfect outdoor atmosphere?
| Decks
and porches can be fashioned to highlight
the dramatic exterior setting that belongs
to the home itself. A deck that is stained
in a natural colour, or a weathered and
unpretentious hue often represents the
only required ingredient for completion
of the dynamic outdoor ambience. |
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| Decks
may be constructed to add appeal to plain
homes that simply need a 'pick me up'.
Built-in benches, tables and planters
add a note of permanence and visually
tie the deck to the existing landscape. |
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| Families
that enjoy regular quiet time within their
outdoor living area (perhaps reading or
sunbathing) long for a designated relaxation
zone as part of the design. |
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| Entertainment
areas can be sectioned off to include
a grilling station as well as an outdoor
kitchen area for family and guests to
enjoy. Implementing patterns and colours
that are prominent in other areas of the
exterior living space visually connect
the distinctively separate areas in an
attractive manner. |
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| Lattice
walls can help mask a bad view as well
as provide privacy. A trellis or arbor
supports hardy climbers and defines spaces.
Deep porches beckon you and your guests
to linger a little longer. |
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| Today's
outdoor furnishings are so lovely that
most people often use them indoors as
well. Furniture cast-offs are great for
outdoor use too. A few scuffs and dents
add to the charm. Don't be afraid to use
plump pillows and fabrics outdoors. Simply
cover seat cushions with water-resistant
fabrics or take them in at night. |
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Accessorize
with garden statuary and antique gardening
tools
Hang lanterns from fence walls and use
lots of hurricanes for candles. Pot plants,
herbs and flowers and place them on steps,
on tables and in corners. |
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