Porches, Patios and Picnics!

Summer time is officially here and that means more time spent outdoors!  We all know that design can make our interior spaces be more enjoyable, but sometimes we forget that the same concepts can be brought to our exterior areas as well.  Instead of using upholstery, we use outdoor weather resistant furniture; instead of artwork we use landscaping.  Take the time this summer to create your own personal oasis and make every outdoor gathering like a vacation in your back yard!

First, let’s talk about porches and creating that grand sense of entry from the outside.  There are so many do-it-yourself options to dress up that front door!  The biggest difference you can make is choosing to paint your door a different color; it is important however that the color you choose coordinates with the siding of your house.  This year I took the bold path and painted my door a bright coral and it drastically changed the look of my house.  Next come door accessories such as house numbers, hanging mailboxes (which can be great to plant flowers in), or door knockers.  Luckily, it doesn’t matter if your style is traditional, contemporary or modern; these all come in a style that fits the taste of everyone.  I personally like the hammered copper numbers from Craftsmen Hardware.

Do you have a light above your front door, or perhaps some sconces?  If not, adding one can not only improve the functionality of your porch, it will also make a great aesthetic statement.  Consider outdoor lighting to be just as important as your interior lighting.  If you already have a light, don’t think that you can’t change it!  Try to tie the color of the metal on your light to the rest of your metal accessories around your porch.  Love the idea but not the cost?  Try metal spray paints; they can even come in different finishes such as hammered or crackled!  I like the RustOleum brand myself, I’ve personally learned through trial and error that this brand will hold up to harsh weather.

Don’t forget the accessories for your entry area!  The most important accessory you can have is flowers.  Since I painted my door coral, the flowers that I planted this year are shades of orange, yellow, pink and white; I chose flowers in the same color family as my door.  I even spray painted planters yellow to add even more color around my entry.  Don’t forget to add an outdoor rug or even some furniture, depending on the size of your porch, to tie it all together.  There is no better way to welcome the summer than adding color to your space!

- your entrance should say home sweet home -

Take the some concept of dressing your porch to your patio areas.  For those of you that don’t have a patio but would like to create one, go to your local landscaping supplies store and pick up some flagstone to lay into the ground.  This way you can create the shape you want, and create a very natural look for your very own patio; don’t forget to add pathways!  Adding a fire pit or bowl to your patio is a great investment.  Not only can it make your space look inviting and cozy, it can provide endless hours of entertainment!  There are so many different options for fire sources today; you can sink them into the ground, build them up with stone or brick, make them square, rectangular or circular, etc.  A trend that I have fallen in love with is the wok fire bowl.

Once you have laid the stone into the ground, it’s time to add some furniture!  Lounge seating is great for patios; who wouldn’t want to sit in a comfortable lounge chair, outdoors sipping a cool drink?  When purchasing outdoor furniture, you need to make sure that it is weather resistant and preferably UV resistant to prevent color fading.  When it comes to the cushions, these also need to be UV and mildew resistant; Sunbrella is a company known for making these sorts of fabrics.  Be sure to check out the Ventura line of outdoor furniture at Crate and Barrel; known for its style as well as its durability.  Be sure to remember the throw pillows now that they come in such fun shapes and colors, like the petal pillows from Pier 1.

The greatest accessories that you can use for your patio are large plants in planters to make the space feel lush and some great lighting.  Up-lighting installed around your patio can really bring a wonderful ambient light to your area.  I am also a huge fan of paper lanterns and I love the look for outside, especially all in white; it’s a very classic look.  The problem with paper lanterns is of course, the material; rice paper.  Rice paper is by no means durable or weather resistant.  Fortunately for us, we can achieve the same look with lanterns made from nylon.  These lanterns will create a whimsical look while giving you just enough light to see your surroundings as well as the night sky.

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be summertime without a picnic style meal!  Try to match your outdoor dishes and serving ware to the color scheme you’ve chosen for your flowers and accents.  Trying to tame down the color?  Try choosing metal or acrylic serving pieces; these will go with every color scheme you chose throughout the years and really show off the food you’re placing inside of them!  I highly recommend buying Prodyne pieces that have optional lids to keep the bugs out!

- check out the compartment for ice on the bottom -

With all of these tools and hints you should be able to create the outdoor living area and experience you’ve been looking for!  There’s no greater way to personalize your yard than with a little bit of design.  Splash into this summer with a little bit of color and watch your space become everyone’s new favorite gathering spot!