Patios and decks are ideal gathering spots for barbecues.
Patios and decks are places where you can host outdoor barbecues, watch your children play or simply relax while enjoying fresh air after a long day at work. Decorating this kind of area is not difficult, as long as you keep in mind how you use your patio or deck and treat the area as an extension of your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pick the patio furniture with your main activities in mind, and coordinate the style with the exterior of your home. For instance, consider light-colored patio furniture if your home is painted white. Dark and wrought-iron furniture goes well with a home that's stone or brick or painted an earth tone. Include a table and coordinating chairs in your scheme. A patio with a nearby pool calls for chaise lounges for sunning. Whenever possible, choose multipurpose furniture. A built-in wall bench provides storage for gardening tools and additional seating.
2. Hang a decorative piece of wrought iron, attractive artwork or a soothing fountain on an exterior wall to create a focal point. This also helps to make the outdoor area look and feel like an extension of your home, instead of an afterthought.
3. Fill the corners of your outdoor area where appropriate. Potted plants and outdoor statuary that don't obstruct traffic or the view help to define the space. If the space is covered, use plants that do well in shady areas, such as ferns, wax begonias, periwinkle and coleus.
4. Pay attention to the area immediately surrounding your deck or patio. If you don't have them already, plant flowerbeds to add visual interest to the area.
5. Install solar lighting in nearby shrubs and trees so that you and your guests can enjoy the cool breezes during the evening hours. Candle lanterns, meanwhile, are a sophisticated and romantic touch.
Tags: your home, extension your, extension your home, outdoor area, patio furniture, Patios decks
