Once warm weather hits, moving your meals and entertainment outdoors is more attractive and enjoyable. Having the right patio furniture can help you make the best use of your outdoor space, whether for personal enjoyment, family time or entertaining guests. The perfect patio furniture can improve the visual appeal of your backyard or courtyard and provide hours of seasonal fun.

When choosing any furniture for purchase, your considerations are generally related to color, style, comfort and functionality. With patio furniture, there are some additional concerns. Exposed to the elements, patio furniture needs to be durable and weatherproof based on the specifics of your climate. If you’ve ever had wind or rain interrupt an outdoor feast, you understand the importance of environment-appropriate patio furniture.

Image via:  Anne Rue Interiors

[ad#co-1]

Whether you want to create an Outdoor Living space for quiet reflection and retreat or a dynamic space for hosting guests and dining under the sun, there are some simple steps that can help you connect with the perfect pieces.

Know Your Setting

To avoid buying a gorgeous yet ill-fitting patio-furniture set on impulse, take some time to get to know your setting. Determine the dimensions of your outdoor space and how much of it you’d like the furniture to cover. Be aware that that elegant 10-piece round-table set might not be the best fit for your needs, no matter how lovely it is. If your space is a small balcony, opt for furniture with smaller dimensions.

The other key aspect of knowing your setting is considering the climate you live in. If your region is prone to summer rains, you’ll need to invest in waterproofed furniture and cushions. Wood is not ideal for extremely wet climates unless it is heavily treated, as it is porous and retains moisture. If you live in a windy area, you’ll need to look for heavy stone or steel patio furniture, since something like wicker would be too easily windswept.

Image via: Stone Interiors

Decide How You’ll Use the Furniture

There are two typical uses for outdoor furniture. One is for entertainment and dining, and the other is for lounging, relaxing and sunbathing. Furniture designed for lounging and sunbathing is not ideal for dining, and vice versa. While you can always combine pieces, it is prudent to decide how you’ll be using your patio pieces. This can give you a framework for furniture shopping, as you can explain to a salesperson your vision for how your outdoor space will be used. If you rarely eat outside, it’s not necessary to invest in a patio set designed for entertaining 20 people. Also, if you rarely lounge in the sun, it’s probably not ideal to purchase several expensive outdoor luxury recliners.

Know Your Budget

Patio furniture is easy to splurge on. It’s considered a luxury item. While it extends your living space into the outdoors, it can also overextend your budget. Determine how much you’d like to spend on your entire outdoor furniture set, taking into consideration all of the pieces and their accompanying accents such as cushions and awnings.

Image via: Notting Hill Gardens | Design Build Construction

Choose Materials Carefully

The choices for materials in outdoor furniture are extensive. The materials you choose should not only be based on your personal décor preferences but also on weather-related considerations. Silk cushions might be chic, but they only work outdoors in extremely dry climates. The same goes for leather and cotton: they are not ideal for every climate. Weatherproofed canvas cushions are a good choice for most mild climates, and some of the best quality canvas furniture has the highest durability factor. Rather than experimenting with ornamental fabrics, stick to the basics of stain-resistance, water-resistance and fireproofing when it comes to your outdoor furniture.

Include Some Extras

Outdoor furniture can occasionally be rendered unusable due to extreme sun or rain. To increase the amount of time you can spend actually enjoying your patio set, consider including accessories such as an umbrella or canvas canopy. Some patio sets come pre-fit with umbrellas, while others are sold separately. Most umbrellas and patio canopies are fully collapsible so you don’t have to have them set up when they’re not in use.

Image via: Dufner Heighes Inc

Accessorize

Your outdoor living space can be adapted to your personal style. You can choose patterns for the cushions and accessorize with accents such as table linens. Outdoor sculptures can also be included as part of your design, adding charm and character to your landscape.

Karla Jayne is an interior designer and landscape architect who writes extensively about home remodeling and design trends. She has a passion for integrating indoor and outdoor space and works as a design consultant for several restaurants and lounges.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Summers are the perfect time to entertain guests and spend time with family in the backyard. Make it an exciting space for entertainment with various lighting options and cast an enchanting spell on your outdoor setting. Try these ideas to keep your party out of the dark and create a distinctive mood.

Image via: Spinnaker Development

[ad#co-1]

String lighting

Perfect for any occasion, outdoor string lights can add ambiance to any outdoor dining or entertaining setting. While, the most common way to use these lights is to tie them along the railing or up in the tree branches, there is much more you can do with this versatile option. Place them in large lanterns or wine bottles to provide additional lighting to an outdoor gathering place. Another functional yet decorative way to use these lights is to string them around an umbrella to illuminate the outdoor dining table.

Image via: Tiny White Daisies

Tiki Torches & Candles

You can never go wrong with candles of different shades and sizes. Place them in glass jars or use floating candles to add an instant ambiance to a casual summer table. If needed, add something additional around the candles or to the table for that extra special feel. I suggest dressing glass candle holders with a decorative fabric or throwing some pebbles around the table. You can also place votive candles in tall glass containers, and tie a flower using matching raffia outside each. Even though, candles and flowers are nothing new, when put together they create a perfect tabletop decoration suitable for relaxed summer entertaining. Alternatively, you can consider using citronella candles as they not only provide adequate lighting, but also help to keep those pesky, unwanted pests away.

Image credit: Jean Mayo

Lanterns

Layering lanterns is a great way to illuminate your outdoor area. Put them on a surface or hang them, lanterns are bound to set the mood. To decorate your dinner table, you can use kerosene lanterns. They are easy to fill and light, and provide the same twinkling glow as candles. To make your alfresco dining stand out, use faux lanterns and hang them by their handles at strategic points in the garden or on the terrace. If you like to live green, consider using hanging solar lanterns. They are not only eco-friendly, but also provide an ultimate dramatic affect as they turn on automatically when the darkness falls.

Image via: Style Me Pretty

Lighting alone can set the mood for entertainment during summertime. Get it right, and your outdoor space would be gorgeous, glowing additional living room, even after the sun goes down.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Western Australia is a prime location for enjoying outdoor living. The Mediterranean climate brings a comfortable breeze across the area, during the summer months. The winter months are never overbearing with harsh weather, making it possible to enjoy outdoor living during the winter season. Perth, the largest city of Western Australia, has been noted as having the longest hours of sunshine, compared to other capitals of the continent. If you live in the area, or are thinking of relocating to Western Australia, look at these ideas that can help you appreciate the awesome outdoor living.

Image via: CDN, Indulgy

[ad#co-1]

1. Pergola Structures

If you are starting from scratch, a pergola is the perfect way to add shade, protection, and beauty to your outdoor property. A pergola can be built onto an existing home, such as over a patio, or created as a free standing structure. The roof can hold slats of wood, allowing the sun to seep through, or lightweight awning that is semi-transparent. Use the following materials to build up a 4-foot wall for privacy:

• Bricks
• Timber
• Wood Lattice

Image via: All Homes

2. Sculptured Decks

Turn a bare piece of ground into a work of art by using timber, concrete pavers, or a combination of both. There are no hard and fast rules that say a patio has to be concrete, square or rectangular. Giving your yard a little curvature, will increase the flow with the trees and bushes. If you have un-level ground, a deck that is perfectly even can bring a significant different to a back yard. Here are some ideas for turning your outdoor space into a work of art:

• Crescent shaped wooden deck
• Flowing paths with pavers, stopping at a circular rest area
• A three-tiered deck for cooking, eating and sunbathing

3. BBQ Island

If grilling outdoors is your passion, do it right with a permanent structure that is always waiting on you. Spending thousands on masonry work is not necessary when you get creative with a BBQ island frame kit. You can make it as simple or as extravagant as you want. It only takes a few steps to make your own BBQ island.

• Determine the size and shape
• Order frame kit with the number of cabinets you want
• Top off your design with counter tops, back splashes and handles

You can also place an oven in your island for baking and warming food items. With cut out framing pieces available, your BBQ island will look custom made.

Image via: Creative Design Space

4. Fire Pits

Fire pits can add a longer season to your outdoor space by providing heat on chilly nights and being able to enjoy the natural setting. There are all types of designs that can add distinction to your patio. Some of these include:

• Cast Iron Bowls
• Clay Chimineas
• Wok Style Fire Pits with Base

Make your Chiminea the centre of attention or scatter small wok style pits around your patio or deck. From tall and colourful models to small and simple pots, you will find yourself using this patio piece on a daily basis.

5. Outdoor Kitchen

Having an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate in outdoor living. No more staying inside to cook and missing out on a sunny day. There are many kits to help you get started on you own personal design. A covered patio is recommended for protecting small electrical appliances and cook tops for stationary, custom-built kitchens. There are also kitchen carts that allow you to roll inside when weather is bad. Popular features that are found in many outdoor kitchens include:

• Cook Tops
• Sinks
• Compact Refrigerator
• Storage Cabinets

6. Water Scenes and Sculptures

The sound of a trickling waterfall is relaxing and fits right into the pleasures of the outdoors. Small ceramic sculptures, set in a corner can allow you to watch the nurturing water. If you have the room, think about hiring landscapers to build a small pond with a large lighted sculpture in the centre for a dramatic scene, at night. Resin plastics and PVC, in the place of real boulders, saves money and effort in constructing.

Image via: Pinterest

7. Privacy Screens

Once you have a structure in place, privacy screens can add solitude or cover from neighbours. Selecting a removable screen or blinds can give you the option of full sunshine during the day and privacy when needed. These can consist of some of the following:

• Wicker Room Dividers
• Semi-Sheer Curtains
• Pull-Down Blinds

Creating an outdoor living space is exciting and well worth the time in designing. Not only will you find that the outdoors can become your haven for rest, but you will also have a beautiful area for the whole family and entertaining guests.

This article was written by Ash Graham of Sola Shade, plantation shutters and blinds suppliers in Perth, Western Australia. Ash is also on Google+ as well.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Choosing the right outdoor lighting will help you get the most out of your patio this Spring, turning it from just another outdoor area into a space where friends and family can find companionship and entertainment late into the evening. Here are four main areas to consider if you’re looking at upgrading your patio lighting in preparation for the warmer spring weather ahead.

Image via: Brian Lincoln

[ad#co-1]

1. Plan It Out First

Your first consideration should be how you are actually planning to use your patio area. If you intend to do certain tasks on it, such as preparing food and drink, or just relaxing with a book, you’ll need to know what type of lighting is most suitable in order to prevent eyestrain, create the right ambience, and keep the area safe for both children and grownups.

2. Pick Your Locations

If you’re using the patio for a specific task that requires good lighting and attention to detail, such cooking on a barbeque, spotlights and floodlights oriented toward your work area are usually the best solution. If you’re simply reading a magazine or novel, placing a lamp on a table beside your chair usually works best.

3. Choose The Right Types Of Lighting

If the patio is to be used as an entertainment area and for socializing, you probably want to steer clear of bright spots and use ambient lighting instead. There are a plethora of choices available, depending on the mood you would like to create.

Strings of LED lights, also known as fairy lights, threaded around the patio can create a pleasant atmosphere, and are easy to install as well as being cost-effective. Hanging lanterns can give your patio an exotic appearance and are great for special events such as birthdays or if you’re hosting a Spring Break party.

Image via: Peg Berens Interior Design LLC

If you’re simply looking for a warm and gentle effect, an outdoor fireplace or patio torches can be good choices. The soft, low lighting they provide helps to create a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. And don’t forget that candles work well too – just make sure they’re away from where they might get knocked over.

4. Safety comes first

As well as their aesthetic appeal, patio lights should also be chosen with safety and security in mind. If your patio has steps leading up to it, they should always be lit at night, or at the very least, the light switch easily accessible. A sensor light may be a good option in such cases, and it will also help alert you to intruders. Ground lights, whether battery operated, connected to mains power or even solar, can be good for marking the perimeter of the patio and illuminating garden paths.

Last but not least, make sure you hire an electrician if there’s going to be a lot of wiring involved. Follow these tips, and your Spring is sure to be one you’ll remember for all the right reasons!

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the latest trends in home upgrades revolves around creating outdoor rooms that extend your square footage and thus, your livable space. This often includes planning and building an outdoor retreat complete with dedicated seating areas (a patio or deck festooned with comfortable furnishings), a cooking center (whether it’s just a grill or an entire island), ample lighting, water features, and flora and fauna that provide a screen from the neighbors and a treat for the senses. It may sound like a pretty tall order, but when you’re lounging in your chic backyard sipping Mai Tais with the ladies or beers with the bros, you’re going to appreciate the extra “room” a lot more. And there are several elements you can include to make the space functional and unique. So if you’re waffling on whether or not to add a gazebo, here are a few benefits you may not have considered.

Image via: Myriam Payne Interior Designers & Decorators

[ad#co-1]

1. Shelter from the storm.

The first and best reason to install a gazebo in the backyard is to provide protection from the elements. No matter what type of climate you live in, there are bound to be times when you’d like to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about an assault by the sun or rain. A gazebo won’t stop strong winds or snow flurries from getting in, but if you want a shady vantage from which you enjoy the beauty of your yard during the summer, or if you enjoy drinking your coffee and reading the paper outdoors, even when it’s sprinkling, a gazebo can offer you the shelter you need to make the most of your outdoor space.

2. Kiddie play room.

There are times when every parent has to shove the kids out the door in order to get some stuff done in the house. Having a gazebo in the backyard can give your kids a suitable place to play that protects them from the elements. And you can fix it up in a number of appealing ways. You might train vines up the lattice sides of the structure to create a hidden fort in which kids can have their imaginary adventures. Or you could furnish the space with a table, chairs, and storage for supplies so that kids can get crafty without making a huge mess where you just cleaned indoors.

3. Set dressing.

If you entertain family, friends, and colleagues frequently or you’re planning to host some fancy events in the future (weddings, birthday parties, and the like) you’ll certainly get plenty of use out of your gazebo. It not only provides shelter and utility, but it’s also a beautiful set dressing that can act as a focal point and make any celebration more glamorous.

Image via: Landmark Photography

4. Privacy.

Some gazebos are open on all sides, with only pillars holding up the roof. But you can also opt to cover the sides with lattice to create a privacy screen for those inside. If your current backyard offers limited solitude, adding a gazebo could be a way to get it without shelling out huge amounts of money for all-around fencing and foliage. Whether you put a café set with table and chairs or a hot tub inside, you’ll get the privacy you seek with a screened gazebo.

5. Property value.

Any permanent structure you add to your property has the potential to raise the value, especially if it is utilitarian. And while you might not see a huge return on investment by adding a gazebo to your backyard, it could definitely act as a selling point for interested buyers down the road.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.