Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!
With the warmer weather settling in, I thought it would be nice to start really focusing on our outside spaces. I've discussed improving your Curb Appeal in a day, in a weekend, and in a month and I've given suggestions on how to bring the warmer weather atmosphere into your home. I've also given a definition for patio and porch - did you know that they really aren't the same thing?
Now, I thought I would share some tips on how to expand your living space to the outdoors (either porch or patio) so you can enjoy more of the Spring and Summer weather ahead!
When you create a living area outdoors – you could possibly double your living space square footage and if you plan your area accordingly, you could use this space year round. Sometimes it's too cold for even the staunchest cold-weather lover, but that doesn't mean you can't still appreciate the great outdoors. Comfy furniture-filled semi-outdoor areas adjacent or attached to the house can give you a bird's-eye view to the frosty outdoors without having to bundle up and walk outside. And when the warmer weather arrives, you are ready to step outside your door and enjoy the space even more!
Think about treating your private outdoor space as an open-air sitting room. You can chose all-weather comfortable furniture for your seating areas – say a cozy sofa, maybe an overstuffed chair or two, and an oversized ottoman that can double as a coffee table.
Maybe you would prefer to place four comfy cushioned lounge chairs around a coffee table to fashion a seating area.
Think about using weather durable wicker as an option for your outdoor furniture choice.
When you are planning your outdoor room, be sure to choose materials carefully and opt for all-weather furnishings and fabrics. The wonderful thing now is that cushions can be covered with durable outdoor fabric so that your furniture can weather any type of climate. Outdoor fabrics are made from a wide variety of synthetic fibers, polyester, acrylic, and even cotton blends. Outdoor fabrics are woven textiles that undergo a chemical treatment during manufacturing. This process allows them to repel water and resist soiling and rot, while blocking mildew growth. Because these fabrics are manufactured to accomplish many of the same goals, the different textures (smooth vs. rough); finishes (matte vs. shiny); and colors or patterns should be your deciding factors when choosing what to use where. Also, believe it or not, the price for different materials is a reliable indicator of its durability and longevity.
Remember to complete the exterior design the same as you would your interior design. Plush furnishings and special accessories evoke a feeling of being entirely indoors. You can finish your outdoor sitting room so that it has an “interior feel” by including durable area rugs, practical table lamps, ceiling fans and beautiful planted greenery.
Check back tomorrow, I'll discuss more on how to put the finishing touches on your open-air sitting room
What are you doing to get your outdoor living space ready?
With the warmer weather settling in, I thought it would be nice to start really focusing on our outside spaces. I've discussed improving your Curb Appeal in a day, in a weekend, and in a month and I've given suggestions on how to bring the warmer weather atmosphere into your home. I've also given a definition for patio and porch - did you know that they really aren't the same thing?
Now, I thought I would share some tips on how to expand your living space to the outdoors (either porch or patio) so you can enjoy more of the Spring and Summer weather ahead!
When you create a living area outdoors – you could possibly double your living space square footage and if you plan your area accordingly, you could use this space year round. Sometimes it's too cold for even the staunchest cold-weather lover, but that doesn't mean you can't still appreciate the great outdoors. Comfy furniture-filled semi-outdoor areas adjacent or attached to the house can give you a bird's-eye view to the frosty outdoors without having to bundle up and walk outside. And when the warmer weather arrives, you are ready to step outside your door and enjoy the space even more!
Think about treating your private outdoor space as an open-air sitting room. You can chose all-weather comfortable furniture for your seating areas – say a cozy sofa, maybe an overstuffed chair or two, and an oversized ottoman that can double as a coffee table. 
Maybe you would prefer to place four comfy cushioned lounge chairs around a coffee table to fashion a seating area. 
Think about using weather durable wicker as an option for your outdoor furniture choice. 
When you are planning your outdoor room, be sure to choose materials carefully and opt for all-weather furnishings and fabrics. The wonderful thing now is that cushions can be covered with durable outdoor fabric so that your furniture can weather any type of climate. Outdoor fabrics are made from a wide variety of synthetic fibers, polyester, acrylic, and even cotton blends. Outdoor fabrics are woven textiles that undergo a chemical treatment during manufacturing. This process allows them to repel water and resist soiling and rot, while blocking mildew growth. Because these fabrics are manufactured to accomplish many of the same goals, the different textures (smooth vs. rough); finishes (matte vs. shiny); and colors or patterns should be your deciding factors when choosing what to use where. Also, believe it or not, the price for different materials is a reliable indicator of its durability and longevity. 
Remember to complete the exterior design the same as you would your interior design. Plush furnishings and special accessories evoke a feeling of being entirely indoors. You can finish your outdoor sitting room so that it has an “interior feel” by including durable area rugs, practical table lamps, ceiling fans and beautiful planted greenery.What are you doing to get your outdoor living space ready?
