As a way of expanding living space, many homeowners today incorporate the great outdoors in their home decorating projects. This is especially true here in the South Valley and other parts of California where we enjoy near-temperate weather most of the year. Whether it’s for a porch, patio or sunroom, outdoor decorating can create a beautiful extension of your home. And, as with any other room, it all begins with a plan.
Design: Creating or renovating an outdoor space has many elements. Landscape design, stonework and carpentry are all critical components of designing your outdoor haven. Outdoor furnishings, lighting and accessories are also essential. Your outdoor space should accommodate all of your needs throughout the year. Do you entertain outdoors? Make sure that there will be enough lounge seating for your larger parties. Do you spend time outdoors in the evenings? Make sure that you have adequate lighting and bug control. Do you like to serve meals in the back yard? If so make sure that your dining area comfortably accommodates your family and then some. And with Mother Nature as your backdrop, why not be a bit bolder in your color selections? Creating a bright and dramatic outdoor color scheme is sure to take your new space from dull to dazzling.
Furniture: What should you look for when shopping for outdoor furniture? There are lots of choices in today’s market. Aluminum, plastic and PVC are rustproof, lightweight, relatively inexpensive, require very little weather treating and can be washed easily with a little soap and water. Steel and wrought iron are heavy duty and sturdy but will rust if not weatherproofed or painted periodically. Wicker furniture uses natural materials, such as rattan, that present a great look and is very durable outdoors, especially when treated with a resin finish. Wood also makes very attractive outdoor furnishings and can be as sturdy and comfortable as anything you use indoors. It does, however, require regular treatment with a preservative and may also require UV protection. Choose weather-resistant woods like teak, redwood, cypress and cedar.
Cushions: Above all, remember you want to be comfortable! Steel or wood construction in your patio furniture will provide stability and longevity, but without some homey comforts such as soft cushions, your outdoor furniture will go largely unused. Go for thick cushions with polyester filler. The more lightweight and springy the filler is, the more quickly it will dry out after exposure to moisture. That means it will resist mold and mildew and stay comfortable and sweet smelling longer.
Fabrics: Seek out attractive fabrics that are beautiful and durable. Today’s fabrics that withstand climate are also stylish and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. But you want that fabric to last. So what qualities should you look for? It should be stain and mildew resistant, water repellant and fade resistant. Most indoor/outdoor fabrics are made from acrylic or polyester and are solution dyed. This means the color is put into the material when it is a liquid, which makes the color a part of the fabric, not something added later. Most indoor/outdoor fabrics are UV protected and have a guarantee to not fade for three to 10 years, depending on the pattern. Perhaps the best known brand for these types of fabrics is Sunbrella. It was developed in the early 1960s as an alternative to cotton canvas and was originally used for awnings. In the ’70s, the Sunbrella marine fabrics were used on boats and outdoor cushions, and today the brand is famous for residential fabrics that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Lighting: Lighting is a very important aspect in creating an inviting outdoor space. Be sure you incorporate various types of lighting just as you would in your indoor spaces. Landscape lighting, overhead lighting, ceiling fans or decorative side lighting are good ideas. Torches or tiki lighting can also add charming and functional elements. Developing a good lighting plan will help you create a space with increased ambiance and functionality.
Area rugs: Yes, you read correctly. Area rugs. Nothing helps set off a conversational area better than a well-designed area rug. Today’s all weather styles can add a definite touch of design excitement to your new outdoor space.
Like always, decorating is about you. To make it even easier, take all the guess work out of outdoor decorating and give a professional a call. Is there a new outdoor “dream space” in your future? Our crystal ball can answer this, and other mysteries of the universe.
Janet Cunningham is an interior decorator who lives in Morgan Hill. She is a Decorating Den INTERIORS business owner and enjoys working together with Pamela Ryalls-Boyd. Reach Janet at (408) 478-1095, jg************@gm***.com or visit www.decdens.com/jcunningham.
