Designing Your Outdoor Space

In creating beautiful outdoor spaces, many peoplethe right sizes to make your patio comfortable,
today are looking for high quality, decorativerather than too cluttered or too sparse.
garden patio furniture, including wicker patio sets3.) What is your style and what kind of setting do
and sets made of wrought iron, cast iron, castyou want to create? Are you going for elegance?
aluminum, or wood. They are also seeking outHomey? Modern? Traditional? Knowing your style
patio decor, including outdoor rugs, lighting, candles,and keeping it in mind will help you tremendously
and other items to create elegant and invitingin choosing just the right pieces of furniture and
outdoor spaces, rich in ambience. In today'spatio decor.
environment, it is the wicker patio furniture and4.) What is your color scheme? Is it warm,
cast metal sets that are the most popular,soothing colors, or cool, modern colors? If your
trendiest sets to be found on the market.space has walls, columns, or other paintable
In fact, outdoor patios and garden settings, insurfaces, what color do you want the backdrop
general, have become extremely trendy today.to be? Adding plants, flowers, decor, and
This reflects the fact that, despite our flailingfurnishings will give you the opportunity to create
economy at the time of this writing, people havea complementary color scheme or to add accent,
generally become wealthier over the last threecontrasting colors. Patio furniture cushions are a
decades. And while wealth has increased, so, too,great way to add splashes of color!
has stress. People today feel more stress than5.) How will you accessorize your space? Your
ever before. This increase in both wealth andwicker patio or metal furniture should be practical
stress has inspired more people than ever infor your purposes and aesthetically pleasing. But
recent history to create works of art in theiradding the final touches can take your space
outdoor spaces--places where they can relax,from "fine" to "fabulous!" Add rugs, outdoor
rejuvenate, and indulge in the beauty of theirlighting, statuary, plants and flower pots, wall
patio and back yard. Gone are the days when thehangings, etc. If your budget permits, outdoor
back yard was mainly a place to put up a swingfireplaces, fountains, waterfalls, cobblestone
set for the kids and the patio was merely a placewalkways, garden arbors, etc. are stunning,
for outdoor food grilling. Nowadays, gardens and(though costly), features.
outdoor patios are spaces for entertainment and6.) Add lighting and sound. Your lighting scheme
rejuvenation!can really make or break your patio and garden
Some of the things to consider when creatingsetting. Add floodlights on trees and garden
your own patio or garden setting include:statues, or add luminaries to border a walking
1.) What is your intended purpose for this outdoorpath. Adding wind chimes or a waterfall can
space? Is it strictly for personal use or fordramatically enhance your setting and help to
entertaining? Is it for dining, conversation, lounging,create an enchanting environment.
or all of the above? The answers to theseThe bottom line is, have a plan and go with what
questions should dictate your furniture purchases.feels right to you. Think it through before you
2.) How much space do you have? Be sure toshop! The right mix of garden patio furniture,
prepare a space plan, complete withcolors, accessories, and ambience-inspiring
measurements, in order to make the best use offeatures will allow you to create a truly magical
your space. You'll want to ensure the proper flowspace for yourself, your family, and your friends.
of the space, and be sure to purchase furniture inEnjoy!