Summer is in the air! As temperatures rise, your thoughts may naturally turn to pools, beaches, and summer entertaining. Long evenings spent outside are much better if you have a good space in which to enjoy them. Whether you’ll be hosting summer parties or want a peaceful spot to yourself, a well-appointed patio is worth […]
Every summer I start out with the intent to spend more time outside: grilling, walking, reading, or just laying out in the sun. But unfortunately I happen to live in a climate where “fun in the sun” means high heat and high humidity – in other words, not that much fun at all. All too […]
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 […]
Lights on the house aren’t just for the holidays. Patio lighting creates a warm ambient space for friends to gather and watch fireflies. Front stoops provide gentle lighting for a new couple to gaze upon each other one last time before they part. Deprived of outdoor lighting, we would crash into our neighbors’ mailboxes after […]