Spring is finally here and while there is still snow on the ground, I am looking forward to spending many gloriously sunny days out on my deck and in my yard. Outdoor furniture with fashionable, contemporary design has been more in demand so now we no longer have to relinquish our sense of style for when we take to the outdoors. Outdoor living is now a lifestyle and with it comes furniture and decor that stand up to the quality and craftsmanship expected ion luxury furniture and put that rickety wicker chair to shame.
In the past being outdoors meant a bug zapper, plastic garden chairs and pitched tent-like screened gazebos. There was no glamour, no aesthetics, simply functional accessories so that you could enjoy the day or evening without having to apply too much After Bite. If you are one who enjoys outdoor entertaining, the grills and outdoor living spaces of yore were lack luster at best.
STEP ONE: "THE MAN STATION" The Stainless Steel Jenn-Air Four Burner Grill is not your grandaddy’s grill. My husband is the chef of the house and he is master of his domain at the grill. Want to attract more men to your patio, give them something great to cook on. This Jenn-Air grill is like bringing the functionality of your kitchen outside while giving the neighbors something to talk about. It has storage drawers, an ice chest, a rotisserie and the style that make you or your neighbor look forward to another day of cooking, whether it be your typical burger for the family or gourmet fare to entertain your guests.
STEP TWO: "FURNITURE THAT FITS" Functional, comfortable, patio furniture makes or breaks the ambiance. You can give an outdoor space the look and feel of an interior room with carpeting, lighting, furniture such as sofas and coffee tables, outdoor fireplaces and much more. All decor still serves the same functionality, however they now are all water and weatherproof and durable enough to withstand the elements of the outdoors while giving you the illusion of relaxing in your living room. Colors and design no longer come in a one-type fits all and can cater to your need for an ultra-luxurious space with bold colors or something comfortable yet classic such as with the outdoor collections from Restoration Hardware.
STEP THREE: "PLAN TO PROTECT YOUR TURF"
Of course, with being outdoors we still have the heat and the mosquitoes. In keeping your outdoor space an oasis the EcoMist High Pressure Insect Repellent Patio Misting System has dual functionality to keep you cool while keeping the insects away. With a 60,000 sqft range and 20 gallon tank, this misting system in a 46 inch long plastic deck box will lessen scorching temperatures by 25 degrees while the fog mist organic Pyrethrum insecticide will repel and kill pesky mosquitoes. The Pyrethrum is safe to be around food, humans and pets as it is crushed Chrysanthemum seeds.
Stay cool in the shade under a portable Gazebo. You no longer have to settle for the usual flimsy metal with white canopy, but you also don't have to pay a large sum of money to get that luxury oasis look. Target sells a variety of gazebo styles with my favorite being the Sean Conway Tiverton Gazebo. Hang a chandelier from the center and you have transformed your space into something luxurious.
I cannot wait for the warmer weather to arrive to watch my outdoor space transform into a place of serenity and comfort with all of the creature comforts of the indoors.
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