How about Some Dual Purpose Furniture for Outdoor Living Spaces?

I love home and garden centers and home improvement centers. I could get lost in these places all day. I like Home Depot as much as my husband does. He even shopped for one of my birthday presents there and his friends all told him he was going to be in big trouble when he gave me a pair of sawhorses for a gift. “Nope, she wants them,” he replied, and he was right. Not only do I want to be able to play outside but I also want to be able to work on my hobbies outdoors too. I … Continue reading

Great Ideas for the Great Outdoors

Whether you just like to sit outside in the morning with your coffee, or enjoy indulging in delicious dinners outdoors, or even if you simply like to relax to soothing sounds outside in the evening, you may find your experience interrupted by pests. In another article, I mentioned using marigolds as a good way to keep some insects away, since they don’t care for the scent. Instead of just planting some near the house, however, you might also want to consider picking up some potted marigolds. They are bright and beautiful, and you will be able to move them with … Continue reading

Outdoor Living Spaces: Simple or Extravagant?

Does the area you enjoy outside your home have to look like your living room or appear to have been created by a designer to be considered an outdoor living space? I don’t think so. If it’s an area you use often or “live in” such as a patio, deck, or even just part of your yard or garden, I think it qualifies. I don’t have anything fancy, as our land is still a work in progress, but I prefer to stay outside more often than not when the weather is right. I enjoy barbecuing instead of cooking in the … Continue reading

Outdoor Décor

Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Do you wish you could enjoy your yard or garden more often? Maybe it isn’t exactly the inviting space you’d like it to be, or maybe you just need a little inspiration to get things started. Your garden, yard, patio, or deck can all be transformed into great extra living spaces. Gardening goes way beyond cultivating fruits and vegetables or planting trees and flowers. Today, it means trying your hand at outdoor décor so that all of your available space is useable. You’ll find terrific items and ideas that you can use, … Continue reading

Make Your Deck More Relaxing

Soon autumn will begin spoiling us with cool, comfortable weather and the beauty of changing leaves. I love autumn weather and find it very relaxing to sit outdoors when the temperature is just right. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and it’s the perfect time to get in a few more outdoor meals or an occasional lazy weekend day sitting outside in the fresh air. Milder weather offers a great opportunity to work on your deck without being overcome by heat. Clean your deck thoroughly and apply another coat of sealer, stain, or paint if needed. Once you get … Continue reading

Resources for Improving Outdoor Living Spaces

Have you ever considered enclosing your patio or screening in your porch? Would you love to add a sunroom to your home and truly make your outdoor living area into a useable space year round? Maybe you’d just like an awning to shade the patio area for entertaining, or you’d like to spruce things up a bit. Check out some of these options: Patio Enclosures Visit Patio Enclosures, Inc. This company has many options to choose from, offers free design consultations, and even provides financing. They are currently offering two different payment programs, one of which is six months same … Continue reading

Outdoor Living Spaces

Transforming patios and gardens into outdoor living spaces isn’t exactly a new concept, but this idea has really taken off recently. With all the cool items that are now available, you really can make the outdoors an extension of your indoor spaces. It’s like adding on another room without all the construction. I was surprised the first time I saw outdoor ceiling fans for patios and gazebos, but I was really amazed by the introduction of outdoor televisions. Who would have dreamed that home improvement and decor would eventually include weather resistant electronics for the patio and garden? It shouldn’t … Continue reading

Decorative Touches for Outdoor Living Spaces

If you are looking for ways to dress up your outdoor living spaces and to add little touches to make outdoor decor feel homier, try some of these: Potted Candles Use terra cotta flowerpots as candleholders. These can be large or small or you can use a variety of sizes. Tiny pots make great holders for votive candles, and this is a simple, inexpensive way to dress up your table. Larger flowerpots are just right for pillar candles. You can choose to use them as is, or paint them to add more personality. Live Centerpieces Another great idea is to … Continue reading