You’ve finally purchased the home of your dreams with the biggest backyard on the block. At the first showing, you’re imagination ran wild with images of your family enjoying hours in the sun in your own personal oasis. You moved in and- suddenly that once big beautiful land of possibility transformed into an overwhelming plot of confusion. Very few of us are born to be natural Home and Garden spokespeople. We watch the shows and absolutely adore every outcome but when the hour arrives for us to recreate the masterfully designed magazine clippings, we don’t always end up with the same result. Fret no more, birthing an outdoor space you’ll have to drag yourself away from isn’t as daunting as it seems.
First Things First
It’s important to consider everything up front. What type of space would you like to create? Have you decided on the perfect area? Is there enough shade? Will your guests be treated to the occasional bump in the head by a reckless loose ball from the children’s play set? Who will be spending the most time enjoying the open air? The questions are infinite but it’s important to be clear on your objective from the beginning.
Hold Your Horses
Once you’ve fined tuned the 5Ws, you’ll have a clearer idea of exactly what you need. Before you break out your credit card and start wearing the numbers off the front, there are a few more questions you need to answer. In today’s age of free Wifi and dollar menus, it’s safe to assume we all value saving a buck. Unfortunately, there are some instances where the old adage “You get what you pay for” still serves as law. In the world of outdoor living, quality easily reigns supreme over value. Which doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to break the bank in order to have that serene setting you’ve been fantasizing over; but it does mean you should do your research. Although some of the more popular big-name stores offer a vast selection of lounging potential, they don’t always prove to be cost-effective investments in the long run. Your lawn chairs won’t do you any good if you find them decapitated across the yard after the first spring breeze. It’s not very fun to strap on the old fisherman’s boots to brave the elements in an attempt to save your cushions from drenching and mildewing in a summer thunderstorm. Today’s market offers a range of quality pieces, often accompanied with considerable warranties to stand behind their products. With options ranging from durable hardwoods to more affordable resins, polyester to olefin, finding the perfect fit for you and your home only requires a bit of elbow grease on the keyboard.
Piece It Together
Armed with knowledge, unleashing your arsenal of decorating potential will be a walk in the park. For the cost conscious shopper who’s leery of astronomical shipping charges (which can also be avoided with some due diligence), don’t exclude the possibility of finding a diamond in the rough at your local consignment shop or flea market. A coat of paint and a quick reupholstering can transform that ancient artifact into a new millennium masterpiece.
Step outside the box, try a deep cushioned chaise set in the shade to relax and marvel in the watercolor palette that serves as the sun-setting sky. Arrange bar height tables and comfortable stools to create a fun gathering space for your and your friends. Try oversized cushions under the poolside cabana, bringing Zen-like tranquility to your sun bathing regime. Whether creating an outdoor living room for the entire family or an intimate bistro set for you and your honey, the opportunity to deliver a remarkable backyard only requires the use of an abstract eye.
First Things First
It’s important to consider everything up front. What type of space would you like to create? Have you decided on the perfect area? Is there enough shade? Will your guests be treated to the occasional bump in the head by a reckless loose ball from the children’s play set? Who will be spending the most time enjoying the open air? The questions are infinite but it’s important to be clear on your objective from the beginning.
Hold Your Horses
Once you’ve fined tuned the 5Ws, you’ll have a clearer idea of exactly what you need. Before you break out your credit card and start wearing the numbers off the front, there are a few more questions you need to answer. In today’s age of free Wifi and dollar menus, it’s safe to assume we all value saving a buck. Unfortunately, there are some instances where the old adage “You get what you pay for” still serves as law. In the world of outdoor living, quality easily reigns supreme over value. Which doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to break the bank in order to have that serene setting you’ve been fantasizing over; but it does mean you should do your research. Although some of the more popular big-name stores offer a vast selection of lounging potential, they don’t always prove to be cost-effective investments in the long run. Your lawn chairs won’t do you any good if you find them decapitated across the yard after the first spring breeze. It’s not very fun to strap on the old fisherman’s boots to brave the elements in an attempt to save your cushions from drenching and mildewing in a summer thunderstorm. Today’s market offers a range of quality pieces, often accompanied with considerable warranties to stand behind their products. With options ranging from durable hardwoods to more affordable resins, polyester to olefin, finding the perfect fit for you and your home only requires a bit of elbow grease on the keyboard.
Piece It Together
Armed with knowledge, unleashing your arsenal of decorating potential will be a walk in the park. For the cost conscious shopper who’s leery of astronomical shipping charges (which can also be avoided with some due diligence), don’t exclude the possibility of finding a diamond in the rough at your local consignment shop or flea market. A coat of paint and a quick reupholstering can transform that ancient artifact into a new millennium masterpiece.
Step outside the box, try a deep cushioned chaise set in the shade to relax and marvel in the watercolor palette that serves as the sun-setting sky. Arrange bar height tables and comfortable stools to create a fun gathering space for your and your friends. Try oversized cushions under the poolside cabana, bringing Zen-like tranquility to your sun bathing regime. Whether creating an outdoor living room for the entire family or an intimate bistro set for you and your honey, the opportunity to deliver a remarkable backyard only requires the use of an abstract eye.