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There is one spot that is often overlooked when searching for more living space - the outdoors. Backyards aren't just a place for swing sets and barbeques anymore. Today, more people are treating their backyards like another room. Whether you want an inviting, entertainment area, a private retreat or simply a spot for basking in the sun or stargazing, your patio can easily be transformed to perfectly suit your needs and desires.
A porch or patio, surrounded by nature is the perfect setting for sharing with family and friends - or to simply relax quietly. Just like the interior of your home, your exterior decorating and arrangement will be as individual as you are, where you can showcase your own style and preferences. Here are a few simple, ideas that will give your outdoor space a feeling of welcome and beauty all its own.
Inspiration
Choose a theme that reminds you of a favorite setting or vacation destination to create a sense of flow and unity - an island setting, a mountain chalet, an Italian village, botanical gardens - whatever appeals to your senses.
Color
• A variety of colorful plants in the ground, pots, railing and window boxes, hanging baskets or a variety of interesting containers such as wagons, wooden or metal boxes, and old boots. Your only limit is your imagination!
• A painted fence, trellis, gate or shutters will give emphasis to bright flowers when placed behind or near the flower bed.
• Coordinating chair cushions, tablecloths and umbrellas.
• Paint a back or side wall. This will accent your backyard landscape and give you a color break and interest as you look out the windows - it can even camouflage an unsightly view. The color of your plants, garden accessories and yard art will pop against your newly painted wall.
• Are you tired of looking at that old garage or woodpile from the back porch? Put up a wood fence to block the view, paint it a bright color and plant your favorite perennials in front. This can be fun and functional at the same time.
Accessories
Personalize your outdoor living space with either handcrafted or store bought items made from fabric, wood or metal:
• Statuary.
• Yard art such as stakes, sculptures, weather vanes, colorful windsocks and flags. For original accents, search for garage and basement "finds" such as old buckets, stepladders, watering cans and furniture. Paint them or let them weather in the elements. Clay pots, decorated or left natural, add a homey touch.
• Trellises and garden arbors.
• Stepping stones to connect separate areas in the yard or as walkways around the outside of the house.
• Birdhouses and bird feeders. Welcome wild birds by adding hand-painted birdhouses and decorative feeders.
• Table settings and candles to match the color scheme and theme.
Lighting
For added drama in the evenings, use:
• String lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella or trees.
• Add a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary.
• Line a walking path with luminaries or distribute them throughout a flower bed.
• Minnow buckets with pillar candles make unique and fun luminaries.
• Solar lighting for railings, gardens, window boxes and pathways.
Sound
Supplement the sounds of nature by:
• Adding a tiered table or free-standing fountain.
• Hanging wind chimes from the patio ceiling or in nearby trees.
Comfort
• Hammocks
• Benches, chaise lounges, chairs and ottomans
• Swings and gliders
• Gazebo
An added benefit of spicing up your patio design with color, interest and comfort in mind: you bring the outdoors in, by creating an enjoyable view - not to mention a visual extension of the space! And, a burst of color, a birdhouse collection, statuary, the sound of wind chimes and water will brighten your day. When it comes to decorating your outdoor spaces, the possibilities are endless. You can create the feeling of an exotic getaway, a calm and quiet place or a lively, gathering spot right in your own backyard.
Have fun and be creative when decorating your outdoor "room." ENJOY!
Outdoor Space Design Tips - Patio Pizazz and More
Sandy Dixon is an expert trainer, home staging specialist and industry authority on redesign and real estate staging. She teaches step-by-step, business-building process to home stagers and redesigners from across the U.S. and overseas.
Dixon is founder and president of Interior Arrangements Inc., http://www.interiorarrangements.com/, and is the immediate past executive director of Interior Redesign Industry Specialists (IRIS). A published author who has been featured in such media as the NBC and FOX TV, The Denver Post and Denver Business Journal, Dixon is a national speaker and professional member of the National Speakers Association. In addition to teaching the IRIS five-day certification classes, she also offers specialized training in mastering the art of presentations; teaches accredited (CE) courses to real estate agents and offers local decorating courses throughout the year. She is a former real estate agent and worked in the corporate world for 16 years as national sales, marketing and training manager.
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1. Shade. Shade is extremely important in the summer. While the summer is the time that the most time is spent out of doors, there are days and times of day when the intense summer heat make the outdoors too much to bear. However, a patio arbor can help provide some relief from this intense heat, which means that you will be more likely to spend time out of doors, and enjoy your patio, even during the hottest parts of the day.
2. Protect patio materials. Your patio was likely an investment, whether you have a concrete slab, flagstone, redwood, or some other material for your patio, it likely cost you a nice little sum to put it in. Protecting your patio is important. Often times the hot sun can warp or ruin patios. Building a patio arbor above your patio can protect your investment and at the same time keep your patio more comfortable for your family's use.
3. Transform space. A patio arbor can take a boring, seldom used space and make it into a place that you use regularly, that you love to spend time in, and that you are proud of. Not only does it make your patio look nicer, and thus make it more appealing that way, it protects the patio from some weather, whether that weather is the heat from the sun, or rain, etc. Thus, a patio arbor can transform an uncomfortable outdoor space into great place to relax anytime.
4. Increase value of your home. A patio arbor does all of the above things, and in doing so makes your home and outdoor spaces more appealing. This increases the value of your home. If you were trying to sell your home, the curb appeal alone would be increased by a beautiful patio arbor, not to mention the appeal of a place that allows for comfortable relaxation, fun entertaining, and a place to be outdoors to watch the children. So, as you can see, a patio arbor is not just for looks, it is for your wallet as well. The money spent to build a patio arbor will be well worth the increased value and satisfaction you get from having one.
5. Adds personal touch. Your home is just that, YOUR home. If you want to make it more personal to you, a patio arbor is just the way to do that. Not only does it give your home just that little extra bit of personal touch, but it creates a space that you can use and decorate in a way that says YOU. Patio arbors create a place to hang beautiful potted plants, grow vines, or simply leave simple as a statement. Patio arbors do not come in one style or material, and through your choice of style and patio arbor material you personalize your home just that much more.
Patio arbors are a great addition to any home, and are likely to be one of the best investments for your enjoyment and comfort you can make. So go to your local home improvement store and take a look at the different styles and options you have for your very own beautiful patio arbor.
HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information. For free articles delivered daily by email, visit http://www.HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.
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There is one spot that is often overlooked when searching for more living space - the outdoors. Backyards aren't just a place for swing sets and barbeques anymore. Today, more people are treating their backyards like another room. Whether you want an inviting, entertainment area, a private retreat or simply a spot for basking in the sun or stargazing, your patio can easily be transformed to perfectly suit your needs and desires.
A porch or patio, surrounded by nature is the perfect setting for sharing with family and friends - or to simply relax quietly. Just like the interior of your home, your exterior decorating and arrangement will be as individual as you are, where you can showcase your own style and preferences. Here are a few simple, ideas that will give your outdoor space a feeling of welcome and beauty all its own.
Inspiration
Choose a theme that reminds you of a favorite setting or vacation destination to create a sense of flow and unity - an island setting, a mountain chalet, an Italian village, botanical gardens - whatever appeals to your senses.
Color
• A variety of colorful plants in the ground, pots, railing and window boxes, hanging baskets or a variety of interesting containers such as wagons, wooden or metal boxes, and old boots. Your only limit is your imagination!
• A painted fence, trellis, gate or shutters will give emphasis to bright flowers when placed behind or near the flower bed.
• Coordinating chair cushions, tablecloths and umbrellas.
• Paint a back or side wall. This will accent your backyard landscape and give you a color break and interest as you look out the windows - it can even camouflage an unsightly view. The color of your plants, garden accessories and yard art will pop against your newly painted wall.
• Are you tired of looking at that old garage or woodpile from the back porch? Put up a wood fence to block the view, paint it a bright color and plant your favorite perennials in front. This can be fun and functional at the same time.
Accessories
Personalize your outdoor living space with either handcrafted or store bought items made from fabric, wood or metal:
• Statuary.
• Yard art such as stakes, sculptures, weather vanes, colorful windsocks and flags. For original accents, search for garage and basement "finds" such as old buckets, stepladders, watering cans and furniture. Paint them or let them weather in the elements. Clay pots, decorated or left natural, add a homey touch.
• Trellises and garden arbors.
• Stepping stones to connect separate areas in the yard or as walkways around the outside of the house.
• Birdhouses and bird feeders. Welcome wild birds by adding hand-painted birdhouses and decorative feeders.
• Table settings and candles to match the color scheme and theme.
Lighting
For added drama in the evenings, use:
• String lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella or trees.
• Add a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary.
• Line a walking path with luminaries or distribute them throughout a flower bed.
• Minnow buckets with pillar candles make unique and fun luminaries.
• Solar lighting for railings, gardens, window boxes and pathways.
Sound
Supplement the sounds of nature by:
• Adding a tiered table or free-standing fountain.
• Hanging wind chimes from the patio ceiling or in nearby trees.
Comfort
• Hammocks
• Benches, chaise lounges, chairs and ottomans
• Swings and gliders
• Gazebo
An added benefit of spicing up your patio design with color, interest and comfort in mind: you bring the outdoors in, by creating an enjoyable view - not to mention a visual extension of the space! And, a burst of color, a birdhouse collection, statuary, the sound of wind chimes and water will brighten your day. When it comes to decorating your outdoor spaces, the possibilities are endless. You can create the feeling of an exotic getaway, a calm and quiet place or a lively, gathering spot right in your own backyard.
Have fun and be creative when decorating your outdoor "room." ENJOY!
Outdoor Space Design Tips - Patio Pizazz and More
Sandy Dixon is an expert trainer, home staging specialist and industry authority on redesign and real estate staging. She teaches step-by-step, business-building process to home stagers and redesigners from across the U.S. and overseas.
Dixon is founder and president of Interior Arrangements Inc., http://www.interiorarrangements.com/, and is the immediate past executive director of Interior Redesign Industry Specialists (IRIS). A published author who has been featured in such media as the NBC and FOX TV, The Denver Post and Denver Business Journal, Dixon is a national speaker and professional member of the National Speakers Association. In addition to teaching the IRIS five-day certification classes, she also offers specialized training in mastering the art of presentations; teaches accredited (CE) courses to real estate agents and offers local decorating courses throughout the year. She is a former real estate agent and worked in the corporate world for 16 years as national sales, marketing and training manager.
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Patio Trees
Having a cutout in your patio or pool deck is a great design strategy. However, you should consider what types of trees will work best with a patio.
Think Small
Patio trees are smaller than most trees. They should grow tall enough to shade several people that are sitting down. You should also be able to walk under the tree without stooping. Slow growing trees are ideal. Just make sure you start out with a larger tree; if possible.
Roots
The root structure of the tree should go deep. Any tree that has surface level runners should be avoided (like Quaken Aspen). Surface level roots will destroy the patio. This is another reason to get a reasonably small tree.
Clean Up
It wouldn't be ideal to have to clean up a lot of rotting fruit off your patio every year. For this reason, consider the clean up possibilities. Look for trees that will only shed leaves. Large leaves are preferable to small leaves.
Disease
Ideally you will pick something that is native to the area. Native trees tend to be healthier.
Deciduous or Evergreen
Deciduous trees are preferred because they have a better canopy. This is important because most people want some shade from the patio tree.
Possible Choices of Trees
The list: Eastern Redbud, Raywood Ash, Ornamental Plum, Ornamental Pear, Pagoda Tree, Japanese Maple, Serviceberry, Crape Myrtle, Russian Olive, and Amur Maple, and Magnolia.
Favorites
Without a doubt the favorite choice of consumers is the Japanese Maple. The other more popular patio trees are the Crape Myrtle, Amur Maple, and Eastern Redbud.
Final Tip
Consider the decor of your patio and home exterior. You should consider the size and shape of the leaves, the plant color, and most important of all; how they look when they bloom or change colors in the fall. As far as blooming goes, the Magnolia tree is one of the most beautiful trees.
Patio Trees - How to Choose Them
For further landscape information, please visit Outdoor Shower
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Whether creating a themed bathroom for the kids or you if young at heart and fun loving then you can't go wrong with cute monkeys and all their safari pals. There is a huge range of shower curtains available featuring monkeys. There are sophisticated designs with embroidered monkeys and bananas, as well as cute cartoon monkeys swinging amongst the vines. One of my favourites is the peek-a-boo monkey shower curtain with a clear viewing panel (perhaps for those who feel a little claustrophobic in the shower). Some designs are very simple with just printed monkey faces, team this with a matching floor rug and you have an instant monkey bathroom.
The safari range I came across is particularly cute as they have a giraffe lotion pump, monkey soap dish, and an elephant for a toothbrush holder and a lion tumbler. You can get monkey shower curtain hooks which will brighten up a plain curtain you already have or add the finishing touch to a new curtain. If you want to replace your toilet brush and holder even that is available with a monkey design. Wastebaskets come in a variety of materials (wood and resin) and are monkey or jungle themed too. Bathroom accessories tend to be either plastic or resin and can be decorated or relief. I particularly like the relief resin figures as they add a cute 3D effect to the bathroom really bringing the jungle alive! An excellent useful addition to your monkey bathroom would be a set of cute embroidered towels which come in either white or bright colours to complement your design. To save time trying to find co-ordinating accessories buy from a full range provided by one manufacturer such as the safari or the monkey business range and all the hard work is done for you.
If you look further afield than the bathroom department when shopping you will find monkey and jungle animal curtain tie backs to enhance your bathroom theme. Also a great range of art to decorate the walls, including decals which come in a variety of designs and most are removable. Check with the manufacturer first that they are suitable for wet areas like bathrooms. Please do not neglect your toilet when making over the bathroom - a padded toilet seat cover will add the perfect touch or have you seen the now great range of removable toilet seat tattoos available in round and elongated to suit most toilet seats. Start with your choice of favourite monkey shower curtain and let inspiration, imagination and creativity take you from there.
A Monkey Shower Curtain Is A Must Have For A Cool Jungle Themed Bathroom
So for monkey shower curtain images and inspiration visit Shower curtains 4U
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