As the northern New Jersey weather turns warmer and area homeowners make their summer plans, many are opting to stay at home to enjoy their time off - a trend that has helped coin the phrase "staycation." Adding to this local vacation flavor, one recent poll found that two-thirds of homeowners say they would rather have a barbecue or cookout at home than eat at a restaurant. Taking advantage of both of these trends as people search for a relaxing place to escape to this summer is the ability to create an Oasis in their own backyards. Whether they are seeking solace from the maddening crowd or just want to enjoy relaxing with family and friends, there is potential located just beyond patio doors to transform any Outdoor space into a personal retreat. The solution is what the industry is calling "Patioscaping," which is essentially the art of transforming a simple backyard into an elegant Outdoor Oasis. Patioscaping offers the advantage of Creating a beautiful Outdoor patio space without having to make a significant investment in remodeling. As homeowners consider investing in an Outdoor living space, here are some tips that will make a big difference in the look and functionality of a property: * Know a homes style. Its important to have an understanding of a homes architectural style when Creating an Outdoor room, so that the Outdoor patio space complements the indoor living space. Whatever theme is carried Outdoors, it should reflect the homes style, whether its a Victorian, a Craftsman or a ranch-style home. * Determine the use of the space. Once the general architectural style of a home and, by extension, a patioscape, is determined its then time to think about the activities that will take place there. If the family likes to entertain, consider planning a food preparation area or built-in counter to serve as a buffet or serving space. If the homeowner wants to lounge and read in blissful silence, include a hammock, chaise lounges or wooden benches with pillows covered in durable Outdoor fabrics. Make a sketch using scale-model drawings of furniture that would look good and fit this purpose. * Set the stage with the right door. The entry to an Outdoor patio space creates the impression of whats to follow on the other side. And because summertime barbecues, pool parties and picnics funnel traffic through a homes patio door, make it a pleasant experience - avoid irritating traffic jams, frayed screens and cloudy glass by installing doors that can stand up to the high traffic and look good over time. For example, patio doors made with fiberglass offer an ideal blend of beauty and durability and they come in a variety of styles. Fiberglass patio doors are Designed as a complete system with components that work together to form the tightest seal possible, Creating an energy-efficient envelope. * Make a green space even greener. While shrubs and trees can add important texture to green space, homeowners dont need to completely re-Landscape their yards. Colorful flowering plants around a patios perimeter can create a dramatic effect and serve as a visual boundary from the rest of the yard, Creating an intimate space that evokes an actual room. * Let there be light. Another inexpensive way to add atmosphere to an Outdoor patio space is to install accent lighting. String lights in festive colors and shapes; add drama by lighting a pathway to the garden, pool or pond; accent trees with lights at ground level or in the branches. There is nothing more beautiful than candlelight Outdoors - just be sure to use sturdy candle holders that wont tip over. Plus, a well-thought-out exterior lighting Design delivers 360-degree home security for your exterior. * Allow for family fun. Many families use the patio as a playground equipped with toys, swings, basketball hoops and wading pools. Add a clean storage area to protect bikes and toys when not in use, as well as indoor/Outdoor floor coverings to protect children from scrapes and bruises. By following these patio planning basics in Creating the perfect Outdoor patio space, any backyard will be transformed into a private Oasis that families will enjoy all summer and for many years to come.
Showing posts with label outdoor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
As the northern New Jersey weather turns warmer and area homeowners make their summer plans, many are opting to stay at home to enjoy their time off - a trend that has helped coin the phrase "staycation." Adding to this local vacation flavor, one recent poll found that two-thirds of homeowners say they would rather have a barbecue or cookout at home than eat at a restaurant. Taking advantage of both of these trends as people search for a relaxing place to escape to this summer is the ability to create an Oasis in their own backyards. Whether they are seeking solace from the maddening crowd or just want to enjoy relaxing with family and friends, there is potential located just beyond patio doors to transform any Outdoor space into a personal retreat. The solution is what the industry is calling "Patioscaping," which is essentially the art of transforming a simple backyard into an elegant Outdoor Oasis. Patioscaping offers the advantage of Creating a beautiful Outdoor patio space without having to make a significant investment in remodeling. As homeowners consider investing in an Outdoor living space, here are some tips that will make a big difference in the look and functionality of a property: * Know a homes style. Its important to have an understanding of a homes architectural style when Creating an Outdoor room, so that the Outdoor patio space complements the indoor living space. Whatever theme is carried Outdoors, it should reflect the homes style, whether its a Victorian, a Craftsman or a ranch-style home. * Determine the use of the space. Once the general architectural style of a home and, by extension, a patioscape, is determined its then time to think about the activities that will take place there. If the family likes to entertain, consider planning a food preparation area or built-in counter to serve as a buffet or serving space. If the homeowner wants to lounge and read in blissful silence, include a hammock, chaise lounges or wooden benches with pillows covered in durable Outdoor fabrics. Make a sketch using scale-model drawings of furniture that would look good and fit this purpose. * Set the stage with the right door. The entry to an Outdoor patio space creates the impression of whats to follow on the other side. And because summertime barbecues, pool parties and picnics funnel traffic through a homes patio door, make it a pleasant experience - avoid irritating traffic jams, frayed screens and cloudy glass by installing doors that can stand up to the high traffic and look good over time. For example, patio doors made with fiberglass offer an ideal blend of beauty and durability and they come in a variety of styles. Fiberglass patio doors are Designed as a complete system with components that work together to form the tightest seal possible, Creating an energy-efficient envelope. * Make a green space even greener. While shrubs and trees can add important texture to green space, homeowners dont need to completely re-Landscape their yards. Colorful flowering plants around a patios perimeter can create a dramatic effect and serve as a visual boundary from the rest of the yard, Creating an intimate space that evokes an actual room. * Let there be light. Another inexpensive way to add atmosphere to an Outdoor patio space is to install accent lighting. String lights in festive colors and shapes; add drama by lighting a pathway to the garden, pool or pond; accent trees with lights at ground level or in the branches. There is nothing more beautiful than candlelight Outdoors - just be sure to use sturdy candle holders that wont tip over. Plus, a well-thought-out exterior lighting Design delivers 360-degree home security for your exterior. * Allow for family fun. Many families use the patio as a playground equipped with toys, swings, basketball hoops and wading pools. Add a clean storage area to protect bikes and toys when not in use, as well as indoor/Outdoor floor coverings to protect children from scrapes and bruises. By following these patio planning basics in Creating the perfect Outdoor patio space, any backyard will be transformed into a private Oasis that families will enjoy all summer and for many years to come. Monday, March 3, 2014
Okay, so youve had the patio installed and now it is time to find that perfect piece of furniture to add to your new backyard makeover....Last summer I was out and about in cottage country near Burks Falls, Ontario... I happened upon a quaint little wood furniture store that had this gem of a patio table on display....
This table set was made with fine craftsmanship by the Mennonites here in Ontario. I sat there and examined its construction and attention to detail... everything was well put together and properly stained for maximum protection against the elements. Granted that anything made from wood will need upkeep... maybe and extra layer of stain every so often to keep it looking fresh and new...
But its look and feel is something that cant be replaced by the generic (and dare I say it, cheaply constructed) tables being shipped in from overseas... The price tag on this table with the 4 chairs was a little steep at $2000.00 for the set... but steep when compared to what?
As I mentioned, your typical choices on a lower budget are things with the stamp or tag that says "Made in China" Usually they are fabricated out of metals that are not quite refined enough and end up breaking where air pockets exist inside the metal... or the welds are applied with "just enough" tack to hold things together...but not enough to withstand snow and heavy winds...or a BBQ dinner for 20 people... The next time I see a patio table sagging under the weight of the food on it...I am snapping a picture to update this blog post!
With a properly designed and crafted furniture piece you get things like the little detail you see in the above photo where there is a chair hook cleverly crafted into the table... a place for the chair to sit securely during a windy day...or even a spot to hold all 4 while you shift the table around for patio cleaning...
In my experience, some of the cheaper sets of patio furniture ends up being replaced after a few years because it was designed on a computer without any thought given to what Mother Nature can throw at it... Spending that extra bit for a good quality piece will stretch your dollars a lot further. The good thing about this set is that when it rains, it wont hold and store water within so it can start to rust the structure from the inside out and cause the paint to start flaking off to create a nice rust-orange stain on your patio or the piece itself.
Oh yes!!...and for those of you wondering why there is a trap door in the middle of the table... it is my most favorite detail of all (in the above photo). Not many of the "Made in China" sets come with this much thought put into them.... a place to put beer and or other drinks on ice... as you sit and chat with your guests you can help yourself to a "cold one"...or simply instruct your guests to please do the same... without either of you having to travel very far!!
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