Outdoor Spaces
The line between indoors and outdoors continues to blur as many of us want to take our indoor comforts and solitude outdoors. This process is becoming more realistic as many manufacturers of home products develop more and more appliances, furniture, lighting and accessories that can be used indoors or out.
People are driven to find peaceful sanctuaries as a prescription for our stressful lives. Today’s patios and porches are more sophisticated and refined and are becoming a living extension of the indoor spaces.
Outdoor furniture has evolved from the folding, vinyl strap versions we grew up with, to beautiful pieces made of teak, steel, rattan, and wicker. Many pieces look just like indoor furniture but are constructed and designed to weather the elements. Fabrics such as Sunbrella are making a name for themselves in the outdoor furniture industry.
Lighting is also a very important aspect to creating an inviting outdoor space. Whether it comes from landscape lighting, overhead lighting, ceiling fans or decorative side lighting, be sure you are incorporating a variety in your outdoor space--just as you would in your indoor spaces. Developing a creative lighting plan can help you design a space with increased ambiance and functionality.
Most importantly, create a space that is “perfect” for you and your needs, and then sit back and enjoy it!
This week’s design tip brought to you by
Carol Donayre Bugg, ASID DDCD
Vice President and Director of Design
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Here at Decorating Den, we hope our free interior design ideas inspire you to create an exciting and beautiful home. If you have decorating tips of your own, we'd love to hear about them. You may also enjoy watching our interior design idea videos or contact one of our interior design consultants to talk about more design ideas.