Home > Learning Center > Decorating for Summer Outdoor Living

Decorating for Summer Outdoor Living

From Coral Nafie,
Your Guide to Interior Decorating.

http://interiordec.about.com/od/summerindex
/a/outdoorliving.htm

It's Time to Get Outside
Summer is here in the United States, and everyone is thinking about getting outdoors. The season may be short if you live in the east or Midwest or mountain states, or it may extend almost year ‘round if you’re in southern states or California. But wherever you may find yourself, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful weather and beauty of nature.

Vacations are a wonderful time to get outdoors, enjoy hiking, do some outdoor cooking, or just lie around reading a good book. But you don’t have to reserve those wonderful activities for those too-short times. Read here for information on some wonderful new products and suggestions on how to make the most of your outdoor time.

One of the wonderful things about summer weather is that it lets you expand your living space without a costly home renovation or addition.

In many cases, you don't have to do much decorating at all. All you really have to do is sweep off the front porch and move a comfortable chair outside. Others of you may want to create a ‘room’ outside, and the newest products for outdoor living can help you do that at a minimal cost.

Comfortable outdoor furniture is a must, but doesn’t have to be expensive. Two lounging chairs and a table with four chairs for eating will really make your outdoor space comfortable.

Many products are available in a wide range of prices and come ready-to-assemble. You can go to your local discount store and find very inexpensive pieces that will last a year or two and give you good wear. Or you can make a modest investment in cast aluminum or wrought iron pieces that will last longer. Any of these needs to be brought inside in the winter to give you the longest life, but they’re made to stay outside for the summer months.

More substantial furniture pieces made of teak, redwood, or the new, less-expensive eucalyptus will give you many years of service if treated properly.

If you’re looking to save on the pocketbook but not the quality, you can put some models together yourself with glue and a dowel system.

No matter what kind of wood you select, you should have a place indoors to store it through the winter.

Wicker furniture looks wonderful and classic outdoors, but does not wear well in the elements. Cushions must be brought in from the rain and the wicker will deteriorate in the hot sun and humidity if not cared for properly. New all-weather wicker furniture may be the answer and is made by a number of companies.

A glass- or porcelain-topped table will hold up well throughout the season.
Top it with an umbrella to keep the sun off. You may want to look at a fade-proof umbrella. Some new umbrellas are enhanced with solar-powered LED lights strung up the inside on the spine. They give a wonderful light for 8 hours after dark and are easy to maintain.