With the winter months coming up, there is a nostalgic look back on the pleasantries of summer. We forget the mosquitoes, the sweat bees, the citronella candles and we instead remember the nights we spent outside on the deck with friends and wine. We remember the times we loved, and we long for the summer to be back. But not make this best summer even better than the last. Why not truly make your outdoor space an extension of your home? With the improvements in patio furniture the plastic pool chairs of the past are practically non-existant.
Furniture today is plush and fluffed, vibrant in color and unique to each owner. They come ready coated to withstand the elements. However, if you cannot afford to purchase a brand new and improved luxurious patio set, there are still many options. One of the most practical is to take a little used piece of furniture from your home and move it outdoors. Something simple like a table, or bench. However, this does require one to plan ahead and either put it under an enclosed area, or rush outside with every approaching storm and bring it back inside. Perhaps a more feasible alternative is to pump up the outdoor furniture you have outside. Simple additions like seat cushions, or throw pillows liven up a space as adding an element of comfort.
Also, if you don’t want to grab them each time it rains, it is easy to waterproof fabric at home. A can of waterproofing spray can be purchased at most local stores, such as Kmart, Wal-Mart of Home Depot, and while it will not extend the life of your cushions inevitably, they will more than likely make it through a season. Another great way to bring a sense of home to your outdoor furniture is to include things that enclose the area, without dividing you from nature. Screens are a great way to create an intimate and inviting area without secluding you from the rest of the yard.
Finally, one of the easiest and most overlooked of outdoor decoration is lighting. There are great alternatives to sitting in the darkness. Why rely on y our porch lights when you can create a mood? Chinese lanterns are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space. They are fun and personal, but still extremely efficient and affordable and can be purchased at most major retail stores. However, if you don’t feel like searching for the lamps, or maybe that just isn’t your style, candles are always a classic alternative. They can sit alone, or if you are feeling frisky, putting them in paper bags with designs cut in t hem is a fun way to space up the night.
Whatever direction you choose to take, let it be one that is truly your own. Let the prospect of redecorating your outdoor space pull you through the cold and dreary of these winter months, and hopefully on to relaxing summer nights.