As we celebrate the official start of summer, outdoor dining, cookouts, and parties, I would like to offer a few tips on outdoor decorating. The trend is to blend your indoor with your outdoor, which means cozy outdoor sectionals, rugs, lights, and artwork. To help you, I have detailed tips on how to set up your outdoor area.
How to Hang Artwork
- Vinyl siding, you do not want to use anything that will put a hole in it, instead use clips that fit into the siding and you can purchase various sizes to handle different weights.
- Brick siding, you can use these clips that fit into the brick. For instructions on drilling a hole and anchoring, click here. Velcro makes an outdoor strip, that is permanent and adheres to rough surfaces, click here to view.
- Stone or stucco, you can use an outdoor double-sided tape from Scotch or Gorilla for heavier items that are permanent.
How to Hang String Lights
If you are in a situation where you don’t have a deck post, or trees to hang a connector, hanging lights can be challenging. Keep in mind that you can use the clips mentioned above to connect to your vinyl or brick siding to hold a string of lights. Also, use lights rated for outdoor use; note the LED bulb will last longer. Use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords. Avoid a situation where the lights are all plugged in overhead in a messy bunch.
Understand how long your light string should be and map out how to connect and hang your lights keeping cords out of sight and not in a situation where guests would trip over them. For details on how you can hang string lights, click here.
Add Indoor Charm
Supplement your light with battery-powered candles and lanterns. Consider adding an outdoor table or floor lamp for a cozier, family room feel.
Add a lattice to create an instant backdrop for outdoor artwork, hanging lights, and plants.
Add a party or bar cart to add convenience for your guests.
Have fun this summer dining outside and enjoying the longer days to the fullest! For outdoor décor inspiration, check out my IdeaBook on Houzz. If you need help pulling together a room, give me a call 610-955-8202 or email.
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Connect on Facebook Redesignright, Instagram Redesignright, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz. Feature photo purchased from iStockPhoto.