Backyard furnishings have come a long way in just a few years. These days, designing an outdoor area for your living enjoyment means more than a plastic umbrella table and a few stacking chairs. Here are some helpful tips for designing a functional and fashionable area for outdoor living.
Start by examining your needs
Before you get started, ask yourself: How will I use this space? "Determining the primary function will help you decide on the form your area should take," explains Brad Latendresse, manager of the Hauser Company Store in Toronto. Without thinking, most of us immediately think table and chairs for dining, but perhaps you tend to use your yard primarily for relaxing or casual entertaining. In this case, you may prefer to opt for conversational seating, creating more of a living room setting. If you're unsure how you'll be using your outdoor living space, start with just a couple of pieces, and then decide what else you need as the season unfolds.
Think beyond the summer
Well-designed outdoor spaces can be used into the fall and in the early spring. "We've borrowed from our southern neighbours and Canadians are now designing their outdoor spaces for more extensive use," says Ian Cleghorn, senior merchant of seasonal products for Home Depot Canada. For example, free-standing gazebos and retractable awnings can serve as protection from the sun and rain; infrared plug-in heaters can easily heat your space; and the latest lighting options can give your area illumination and ambience at night.
Extend your indoor living space
Whether your home style is rustic country, sleek modern or traditional elegance, your outdoor decor should be a reflection and an extension of the inside of your home, says Latendresse. Colours, patterns and styles should complement the rooms that your yard extends from, so the look is seamless and pleasing to the eye. Use the same principal as indoor decorating - spend more money on the classic pieces you want to last, and accessorize with trendy items that you can easily change from season to season.
First published in Chatelaine.com's June 2007 issue.
© Rogers Publishing Ltd.
