As our patios and porches are becoming more sophisticated and refined, today’s
homeowners are driven to find peaceful sanctuaries as a prescription for their stressful
lives.
Creating your perfect outdoor space will be the result of the successful combination
of many design elements – landscaping, stonework, carpentry, furnishings, lighting
and accessories. Careful pre-planning will be the key to the creation of your personal
sanctuary, so begin with creating your personal “wish list”. You may be amazed at how
long this list might become!
Think about incorporating your year round needs. Do you frequently entertain
outdoors? Do you spend time outdoors in the evenings simply relaxing? Is an outdoor
grilling season a year round requirement for you? Do you enjoy planning simple family
meals outdoors?
Once you’ve assessed your needs, planning your outdoor space becomes much easier.
Think about incorporating these simple ideas:
1. Comfortable Furniture! This should be most important element in your design.
Today’s outdoor furnishings have been manufactured to withstand all that Mother
Nature can bestow. The age of folding, vinyl strapped furniture is definitely obsolete.
Many furniture pieces of today look identical to indoor furniture, but have been
constructed and designed to stand up to all the outdoor elements.
2. Fabulous Fabrics! The biggest name in outdoor fabrics today is Sunbrella. This
company’s collection of fabrics is colorful, design oriented, and totally durable.
Sunbrella features gorgeous fabrics manufactured to resist fading from ultraviolet rays,
mildewing from damp conditions, and odor absorption. It is just the ultimate outdoor
upholstery or drapery fabric that will be used and enjoyed by your family for years. And
of course, Sunbrella Fabrics are carried by Decorating Den Interiors.
3. Let there be Light! Be sure to consider incorporating various types of lighting in
your outdoor space design, just as you would inside your home. Landscape lighting,
overhead lighting, ceiling fans, sconces and decorative side table lighting are all GREAT
ideas. Develop a creative lighting plan to help you create a space with increased
ambiance and functionality.
Remember to create a space that is perfect for you and your needs. This is a space
where memories will be made – so please consider it an important investment…both
financially and emotionally.
