Does the approaching season not only cool the air but also chill your spirits? If the first cold snap sends you indoors to embrace warm blankets, you'll be happy to know your enjoyment of outdoor living spaces doesn't need to succumb to the elements.
“ And just like every other room, homeowners can easily create an enjoyable locale with a few simple additions, some thoughtful planning and a few decorative touche... ”
A properly designed and well-appointed outdoor living space can become quite a comfortable spot to enjoy the cooler months, and create a focal point outdoors where the family can enjoy quality time together instead of hibernating indoors in front of the television. And with many stylish, durable products on the market these days to enhance the comfort and convenience of backyard entertaining -- the end result is a space that not only meets your needs, but lifts your spirits.
"The outdoor room is definitely becoming more than a seasonal space," says Peter Lang, general manager of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. "And just like every other room, homeowners can easily create an enjoyable locale with a few simple additions, some thoughtful planning and a few decorative touches."
Taking the time to incorporate some decorative and functional elements will not only add aesthetic flair, but also provide that cozy feeling to help extend the decking season. When inserting these elements into your outdoor retreat, be sure to consider the following ideas and tips to properly "deckorate" this season:
* Decorative Touches
One of the easiest ways to brighten any outdoor living space is with seasonal touches placed throughout. An ideal way to welcome in the colors of fall includes baskets filled with pumpkins, Indian corn, leaves and Russet apples. Remember, borrowing items from nature exudes the rich colors of autumn, provides a warming presence as the days grow cooler and smartly blends the space with the natural surroundings.
Strategically placed tea lights and enclosed candles are other easy-to-insert decorative ideas. Placing these objects along a hand railing or atop tables adds visual warmth and ambiance while providing the flexibility to extend your outdoor gatherings past twilight. And remember to include attractive plaid cushions to furniture and flannel throw blankets for bundling up.
* Versatile Overhead Coverings
Many backyard dwellers are incorporating overhead structures atop outdoor living spaces as well. As temperatures cool, these coverings enable you to enjoy the outdoors while providing protection from chilly winds and moisture. Even better, these protective coverings provide protection during the warmer months as well.
Overhead coverings can be as simple as pergola-style sunshades, or more substantial ceiling structures that help define space as an "outdoor room." Regardless, fencing or walling in one or more sides helps lend the space a sense of privacy.
* All (Warmed) Hands on Deck
When the night air turns cool, patio heaters are favored amenities to warm things up. These metal-clad space heaters are an increasingly popular means to extend the enjoyment of outdoor living, while creating a warm glow for year-around ambience. These cost-effective heat sources radiate heat downward to warm a 12- to 20- foot area, and can be located almost anywhere. Best of all, they're safe, dependable and easy-to-operate.
* Swirling With Spas
No matter where you live or what the temperature is outside, immersing yourself in a spa provides a relaxing way to get away from it all. There is nothing quite like lying in a bubbling spa, being massaged by gentle jets of water and looking up into a swirl of snowflakes. And these days, an endless combination of spa sizes and features are available to match every lifestyle.
You may consider installing some privacy screens and seating around the spa area as well. Built-in benches offer a place for people to hang out and dresses up the entire decking area.
* Decorate From the Deck Up
Speaking of dressing up decking areas, one of the best ways to instantly bring all-natural warmth and beauty to any outdoor living space is by using Western Red Cedar decking. Western Red Cedar adds character, balance and elegance to outdoor spaces -- and provides a synchronized blend of all-natural materials that accentuates the natural surroundings.
Not only does Western Red Cedar exude all-natural charm and beauty, it is environmentally friendly and sustainable -- in addition, many homeowners choose cedar for its natural resistance to mold and mildew.
Western Red Cedar's natural resistance overall deterioration comes from compounds called "thujaplicins" that actually act as natural preservatives -- making the wood incredibly durable and long-lasting. Despite composite and plastic decking manufacturer's best efforts, no man-made decking product is able to capture the all-natural warmth and beauty of a Real Cedar deck . . . nature still knows best.
"Incorporating Western Red Cedar decking is one great way to make a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors," adds Lang. "It really gives the impression it is an extension of the room inside and provides a smooth segue between spaces that invites guests to move freely between the indoors and outdoors."
With the right planning and some decorative touches, you'll be able to create a safe and relaxing outdoor paradise that will become a welcome respite from the hectic pace of everyday life, regardless of the season! For more information on making your outdoor living space a reality, go to www.realcedar.org or call (866) 778-9096.
Courtesy of ARA Content
