To my mind, there are essentially two kinds of outdoor furniture: the kind you get because you need it sometimes, and the kind you have because you use it often. The former tend to be inexpensive first, stowable second, and everything else a distant third. But the latter are all about appearance, comfort, and long […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Lighting, Outdoor Living
Old Fashioned Lantern Lights To Perfect A Cottage Or Farmhouse Decor
06
Jul
Jul
Regular readers will know that I’m a big fan of decorative lighting. Personally, I think that any fixture that doesn’t add to a room isn’t earning its keep. Sure, there are lights that are made for utility, but if you have the option to buy a great looking light or one that’s just so-so, there’s […]
30
Jun
Jun
When you have a beautiful view, you want to be able to enjoy it. That’s basic stuff. But actually pulling it off presents an interesting conundrum. Enjoying your view probably entails having a comfortable place to sit and look at it, but setting out a bunch of furniture on a deck or patio, or even […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Furnishing Ideas, Outdoor Living
Outdoor Bars: A Simple Solution For Summertime Entertainers
25
Jun
Jun
Summer is prime time for entertaining – the perfect part of the year to get together with family and friends and enjoy a little warm weather and sunshine. Accessories for a backyard gathering range from a cooler and a grill next to a picnic table all the way to complete, elaborate outdoor kitchens and everywhere […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Furnishing Ideas, Outdoor Living
Outdoor Beds: Features To Look For To Improve Your Soak In The Sun
23
Jun
Jun
Summer has finally started in earnest, and I’ll be honest – in the face of the long, hot, sun-soaked afternoons, all I want to do is stretch out by the pool and enjoy a good, long nap. The hot, hot days of true summer are the perfect time to soak up the sun, relax, and […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Furnishing Ideas, Outdoor Living
Teak Outdoor Furniture – An All-Natural, Weather-Proof Alternative
16
Jun
Jun
Outdoor furniture has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. New, innovative materials mean that high quality furniture is both more durable and lighter weight, requires less cleaning and will stand up better against weathering. But while synthetic wicker and powder coated aluminum are all the rage, there’s a reason that most furniture that’s […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Furnishing Ideas, Outdoor Living
Victorian Garden Tables With A Convenient Modern Twist
06
May
May
The image of the classic English garden is probably pretty familiar to you; well-kept hedges, colorful flowers, and whimsical stone paths, dotted with elegant wrought iron Victorian garden tables and chairs. It’s a scene that’s idyllic, pastoral, and (for better or worse) has shaped the American garden. Now, of course some Americans tend more toward […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Furnishing Ideas, Outdoor Living
Sun Rooms: Bringing Your Outdoor Spaces Inside In A Cooler Climate
28
Apr
Apr
I grew up in the Southwest, where rain, wind, snow, and cold were practically nonexistent, and where indoor and outdoor spaces merged pretty freely. Patios, porches, and decks were practically standard-issue living spaces, and even outdoor bathrooms and outdoor kitchens weren’t unheard of. So it wasn’t until I moved to the upper Midwest that I […]
Appliances, Kitchen, Outdoor Living
Outdoor Kitchens: Everything You Need To Entertain Like A Pro This Summer
26
Apr
Apr
It’s starting to get warm out, even in parts of the country where spring comes fashionably late. It’s not quite springy enough for grilling here in the frozen north, but the orange construction cones are in bloom and I’ve got outdoor design on my mind. If you’re planning a big back yard project, now is […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Furnishing Ideas, Outdoor Living
The Quest For The Perfect Outdoor Lounge Chair
16
Mar
Mar
The sun is out, the birds are singing, and despite a recent cold snap, it’s a balmy 40 degrees out. In my part of the country, that means it’s time to start thinking SPRING! Really, it’s time to start thinking patio furniture. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent one too many summers […]