Let's Go Outside!

  

Let’s go outside!....... and design your outdoor spaces.

It’s the quiet time of the year for your interiors because we’re all outdoors enjoying the summer fun, the down time from hectic school schedules and, loving the sun and warmth before the snow shows up! Since we’ve “moved” outdoors try to keep your walkways, patios, decks and, landscaping looking beautiful. Your outdoors is a reflection of what is going on in the inside therefore; make your first impression approaching your property inviting and beautiful. Your walkway to the front door should be easy to find, you would be surprised how many old houses have hard to find pathways. Create direction by outlining and defining your front walkway with shrubbery and/or flowers. Make sure you have a wide enough area to walk in; approximately 4 ft wide is wonderful for two people to walk side by side. Substantial footing is of course a must, there are a wide range of materials running from stained or stamped concrete pavers, flag stone, brick and, so many more choices. It’s nice to have somewhat of a curve to your sidewalk, feels better visually and gives the home a more comfortable approach as opposed to a straight line, except for short spaces straight is good. If you have the space a small water fountain or sun dial will make the trip to the front door a little more enjoyable. Your visitors will be smiling by the time they knock on your front door.

Flowers and plants are like the accessories for your home when it comes to your patios and decks. Try a few flower pots or as many as you can handle watering during the dry days. Potted plants large and small can help define the different spaces of your patio; conversation areas, dining space, grill and cooking designated spots. I have a large geranium (3-4 years old) that I put up on a stand and it does the perfect job “screening” the conversation area making it feel cozy and comfortable. The flowers and patio furniture should somewhat reflect the color palette of the inside of your house so there is a nice flow from indoors to outside. Since the patios and decks are usually in the back of the house they don’t always have to compliment the outside color of your home, the landscaping of shrubs and flowers in the front fulfills that job. If you’ve never had potted plants start out easy with geraniums and petunias for sunny areas and impatiens for shade, these plants are fairly easy to take care of.

Candles are a must have for those warm romantic nights of watching fire flies…..hurricane lanterns are the best for beating the wind blowing out the candles, an inexpensive idea is mason jars with votives . For fun try a string of white holiday lights, these can make your outdoor space magical.

Lastly have ample seating and plenty of side and coffee tables to put drinks on, magazines or, perch your feet upon. Your patio or deck becomes a whole other room for you, your family and friends (who found your front walkway)to gather, so make it comfortable and inviting then everyone will enjoy visiting you during the most wonderful time of the year, summer…….. Let’s Go Outside!



Terri Reilly ASID allied