Are you getting ready for summertime parties and dining outdoors? Is your deck or patio in need of a fresh look? If you already have the furniture consider changing or adding the following:
- Lighting
- Rugs or Flooring
- Shade (if your deck or patio is in direct sunlight)
- Color
Outdoor Lighting Options
There are situations where you may not want to worry about real candles burning. In these cases, I suggest an outdoor LED candle available in many shapes and sizes. Personally, I prefer candles with timers (because who ever remembers to turn the candles off?) and find the candles that require two type AA are longer-lasting than those that require three AAA batteries. Another option is to use the white string lights or fairy lights, I have many saved ideas in my Outdoor Pinterest board, click here to view. If you have a lot of sunlight on your patio or deck, consider using fun solar powered lighting, such as these from Gardeners.
Outdoor Flooring Options
If you have a cement patio and wish you could change it, try instant flooring! Click here for an idea from Ikea to use outdoor floor tiles. Keep in mind that these instant floors can be utilized in an apartment or rental balconies where you want to add a different look as they “float†on top of the cement. Add a colorful rug to tie together conversation areas such as these ideas from Overstock.
Shade Options
If your deck or patio is in direct sunlight, you will want some shade. Add a table that can support an umbrella or if you have space, add a retractable awning or install a pergola. If you’re interested in the construction of a pergola, click here for instructions from DIYnetwork. Even if you live in an apartment or have a very small space to work with you can still have shade to make your outdoor area more enjoyable by using a half umbrella, click here to view an option from World Market.
Color Options
I saved my favorite topic for last! Use the same rules inside your house as you do outside! Don’t be afraid to use color which can be achieved in your furniture, pillows, throws, rugs, containers, or wall art. If you have vinyl siding, you will not want to put a hole through the siding to hang something! Instead, click here to view an option for hanging things from vinyl siding without affecting the siding. There are many options available to you for outdoor wall art; such as canvases, metal artwork, decorative ironworks, or rustic cottage-styled items. To view some ideas for inspiration, click here.
Color can come from beautiful flowering plants and various sizes and heights of containers. I also love the idea of hanging gardens, click here to view an idea. My Outdoor Pinterest board includes many ideas for vertical gardens and screening, click here to see.
Note: With all of the viruses that mosquitoes carry you will want to manage them in your yard as much as possible. Click here for a Special Report: Moderating Menacing Mosquitoes from radio host, Mike McGrath from “You Bet Your Garden.†To view a report from Consumer Reports, click here for repellents that can be used by people.
Have fun with your deck or patio refresher! If you need assistance, give Debbie a call 610.955.8202 or email for all your color consultations, redesign, home staging, or training needs.
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz and Google+.