Back in June of 2009 when I first started Stagetecture my main goal was to make my home staging business into a resource that would help busy homeowners stage their homes with my inspiration or hire me to take the work off of their shoulders! Home staging has been a love of mind while being an Associate Architect, and hence my company name was born – STAGE – TECTURE

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Staging a Home for Sale : Before & After

Throughout the months I have showed you how Olioboard has helped you ‘Get the Look‘ on Stagetecture, and our newest feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘ showcases home inspiration ideas for you home, using this incredible 2D or 3D tool.

If you are new to Olioboard their tagline: “Design a Room and try it before you buy it! Create 2D & 3D rooms that you can save, shop & share.” You can create inspiration boards to help you visualize your interiors, present ideas to your contractor/client or just enjoy perusing through thousands of sets for your enjoyment. I encourage you to join the Olioboard community on Facebook, Twitter, and see helpful tutorials on their You Tube Channel. I used those tutorials and they helped me with my home staging boards I have created below.

Home Staging – The Man Cave

In my year’s of home staging, the most difficult rooms to sell to a potential home buyer are the rooms that a homeowner has personalized ‘too much’. Sure, it’s fine to showcase your favorite colors, hobbies, and interests in your home. Although, the moment you decide to put your home up for sale – it now becomes the potential for a home buyer to envision themselves living in your home.

Stagetecture has a HUGE man cave following So I found it only fitting to feature a before and after man cave for home staging. To show how a overly personalized room can be changed into a family friendly room that could be appealing to potential home buyers, but still has masculine touches to keep the homeowner feeling like they have a place to still relax and enjoy, until their home sells!

BEFORE: Man Cave Mania

Home Staging challenges:

• Man cave is too personalized. Sports paraphernalia overload and darker colors create a “cave-like” feeling indeed! Home buyers who are not sports fans and are not wanting this overly personalized space will be instantly turned away.
• Overly cluttered with furniture, dark colors creates an unwelcoming room. Dark burgundy wall covering makes the entire space feel like you’re in a movie theater rather than a person’s home.
• Mixture of eclectic styles, and too many displayed collections are a sure fire way to turn a home buyer off!

AFTER: Welcoming Media Room

Home Staging fixes:

• Instead of removing all signs of personalization, the man cave has been turned into a media room. A sports/masculine theme is hinted at but the room is now inviting for a family to enjoy, or even non-sports enthusiasts!
• Burgundy wall covering is removed and a neutral palette of colors is used throughout the room.
• Sports collections, and “bar-inspired” decor is replaced with sophisticated decor that still welcomes entertaining & relaxing.
• Display areas are kept contained in bookshelves in specific areas and not placed randomly around the room. Less clutter and more organized!

I loved this home staging challenge because as home owners we love personalizing, but especially in those rooms that are dedicated to one hobby like a man-cave, these spaces can be the reason a home buyer doesn’t like your home. This before and after shows you that you can transform any room into an enjoyable space for any potential home buyer!

Now…Hop over to the other 9 blogs to see their home staging before & after Olioboards:

http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/01/before_and_afterst.html

http://lisamendedesign.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-olioboard-hop-quicker-way-to.html

http://asyoulikeitredesign.com/1/post/2013/01/january-oliohop-can-drama-sell-homes.html

http://interiordesignhq.com/2013/01/cost-ways-market-staging-business/

http://design-magnifique.com/2013/01/21/staging-a-home-for-sale-oliohop/

http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-use-olioboard-for-online-home.html

http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2013/01/its-oliohop-home-staging-concepting.html

http://thedecorologist.com/home-staging-advice-from-10-experts#more-16742

http://blog.rarooms.com/inspiration-to-staging-small-rowhomes-dc/

Visit their blogs and comment on which one’s you’d love to have come stage your home!

Thanks Olioboard for this awesome feature for Stagetecture readers.

-Ronique

For more home staging ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Outdoor furniture including patio lounge chairs offer a great comfort and convenience after a stressful day. This can be near the swimming pool, overlooking the backyard and other relaxing panorama. The popularity of having a lounge chair for a patio inspires furniture designers to create cutting edge designs. With unique and comfortable design, lounge chair will definitely attract attention and catch the interest of people to make use of the certain product.

Image via: Westelm

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There are several types of patio chairs to choose from. Some great options are:

Adirondack chairs

Although this lounging chair is seemingly traditional with its design but wait until you sit down and experience a one of a kind comfort. The design is simple yet very effective in providing its purpose. It is originally designed for outdoor and built to last most weather conditions. They now come in a variety of colors to match any outdoor patio area and can be custom built for children and adults alike.

Image via: Belgian Pearls

Rocking chairs

Rocking chairs have always been in the top priority list of people who wanted to experience a great relaxing or ‘lullaby’ at their patio. It provides a soothing sensation as it gently moves back and forth while seated. These movements allow the superb resting position for users. This type of chair is ergonomically designed for great accommodation. The effortless  provision of movements is made possible when the center of gravity is achieved while comfortably seated.

Wrought iron lounge chairs

This type of chair is popular not only because of its stylish curves and edges but also for its durability. The wrought iron material that is primarily used in this chair can last more than any other materials can offer. Taking into considerations the changing weather conditions, it is very important to take into account the level of resistance and sustainability of materials used in the construction.

Image via: Bhg

The decision in having lounging chairs for your patio should include its capacity to provide the chill, relaxing posture and durability.

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Memorial Day weekend is here for my United States readers and most of you are probably getting ready for a barbecue.. am I right? Whether you need to learn how to prepare your barbecue grill or you need help with how to clean if afterwards, today’s DIY Saturday is for you.

How to Properly Clean your BBQ Grill 

Image via: Outdoor Living Areas.Pinterest

Today’s DIY Saturday also has a bonus! From the archives from last Memorial Day, see handy BBQ iPhone & iPad apps to help you find great grilling recipes and watch the Weber video that is sure to put a smile on your face…again!  Happy Memorial Day Weekend… enjoy!

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Tips to  Prepare your Barbecue Grill

• Keeping grill surfaces lightly coated with cooking oil or spray will make clean up much easier.
• If the gas jets are clogged, consider replacing the burner or carefully clean them with a soft wire brush.
• Regular cleaning makes the job much easier.

Image via: Serious Eats

How to Clean a Barbecue Grill

• Remove cooking grates and set them in warm soapy water to soak.
• Fill a small bucket or pan with warm soapy water.
• If it’s a charcoal grill then remove the coal grate and brush out the insides.
• If it’s a gas grill, remove briquettes, lava rocks or metal flame shield to expose burner.
• Clean out ash and residue from around burner, careful to make sure the burner is in place when you are done.
• Use a stiff wire brush and a little soapy water to gently scrub the inside surfaces of the grill.
• Remove any particles from grill and reassemble.
• If gas, brush off briquettes or lava rocks or wash metal flame shield in warm soapy water.
• Remove cooking grates from water and brush clean with the wire brush.
• Coat inside surfaces and cooking grates with cooking oil or spray.
• Put grates back on grill
• Allow the whole grill to air dry.
• Allow an extra five minutes of heating time the next time you grill to make sure any cleaning residue has burner off.

Image via: Serious Eats

Original Entry #537, May 28, 2011

Today’s DIY Saturday is more inspiration than do it yourself tips. The Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us, and grilling and barbecuing is on everyone’s mind! Weber Grill has come out with a great iPhone & iPad app that is perfect for the novice griller to the expert. Macworld has a great write up below, and you can purchase the Weber app from iTunes, here for $4.99 US.

Also see the Weber – “Have Fun With it” Video…. so good!

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Weber YouTube Video – “Have Fun With it”

Summer may have given way to autumn here in the U.S., but that’s no reason to put the grill away just yet. And whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just barely able to stack charcoal, Weber’s on the Grill from Weber-Stephen Products is sure to have something for you. From the very basics of grilling to more advanced recipes, there’s a little something for everyone.

There’s two separate versions of the app, both of which cost $5—Weber’s on the Grill for the iPhone and iPod touch and Weber’s on the Grill for iPad. They’re both essentially the same with only a few differences.

Let’s focus on the iPad version. It has a great interface that makes navigating and using the app a pleasure. The app offers around 250 recipes organized into different categories like starters, red meat, seafood, pork, veggies, and desserts; you also can access recipes on rubs, marinades, and sauces. Tapping any of these categories brings up all the relevant recipes, complete with mouth-watering photographs. Each recipe offers detailed instructions, so even a novice cook can follow along. There are often links to in-app videos as well within the directions.

The app allows you to add notes to any recipe, so if you need to tweak something with the recipe, you can jot it down. You can also mark a recipe as a favorite or e-mail it. And you’ve got the ability to instantly create a shopping list for any ingredients you need.

Another great feature in the iPad version of On The Grill is its embedded timer. You can tap on cook times to automatically bring up a timer preset to that particular amount of time.

What’s Your Beef: The iPhone version of Weber’s on the Grill offers the same recipes you’ll find in the iPad edition, though things are shrunken to fit the iPhone’s screen.

I’ve talked up the recipes, but Weber’s on the Grill offers more than just that. It also features lots of good info and how-tos with everything from descriptions of proper grilling tools to tips on meat prep. The charcoal and gas grill basics sections provide some nice tips to get anyone up and ready to grill in no time. As mentioned earlier, several videos cover the basic recipes and techniques for burgers, steaks, whole chicken, and more.

The iPhone version of Weber’s on the Grill provides the same recipes and information as the iPad version but on a more confined screen. The one real difference I noticed was the fact that the iPhone version featured a different kind of embedded timer. The timer was still there; you just had to set the time manually, which is no big deal.

On the iPhone or iPad, Weber’s on the Grill is a really nice app for elevating your grilling game. It’s well designed, easy to use and chock full of great information and recipes.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

Have you ever wanted to sleep under the stars? Not in a tent where the view is obstructed – I mean in an enclosed pod that is transparent so you can see the all the stars! One of my Stagetecture readers sent me this great article where you can sleep in comfort and enjoy the French skies in the comfort of your own pod! How very cool.

Watch a video (it’s in French but you can see the nice pods ) and learn more about this innovative hotel.

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You Tube – Attrap Reves – Bubble Hotel

Attrap Rêves, a bubble hotel in the countryside east of Marseille, France invites guests to stay in transparent pods set in nature. The bubbles were conceived by French designer Pierre Stéphane, who wanted to give campers an eco-friendly space so they could explore without leaving a negative impact.

Image via: Psfk

They measure about 13 feet in diameter, which makes them easy to pack up, and they are cozy and comfortable inside. Some of the bubble tents are fully transparent and for those who want a little more privacy, there are some which are partly opaque. Staying the night in a bubble will cost you upwards of 109 euros, while tasty meals are provided at the nearby lodge-style restaurant. Click through to see pictures of the transparent pods in the countryside.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Extending your outdoor home with the comfort of outdoor furniture is a great idea. It provides a space for outdoor activities or a relaxing place to cope with stress. The presence of outdoor furniture will definitely boost the amenities that your home can offer.

Image via: Don’t Call Me Betty.Tumblr

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But not all furniture can withstand the challenges of outdoor environment. To help you choose the right outdoor furniture, here are things you need to consider:

Materials

Durability is non-negotiable. If you have enough budget, you may opt to have furniture made of aluminum or steel. These furniture types are preferred by people who have fixed location since these can be very difficult to move from one place to another due to its weight. If you want it to be portable and can be re-arranged at any time, feel free to go with hard plastic and wicker, or resin wicker is a great idea for harsh climates and wood furniture.  You can also have sturdy wood that holds the heat of the sun excellently. Consider teak and cedar wood that both will hold up to hot sun and wet pool sides.

Lifestyle

If you intend to have outdoor furniture for personal moments or just for members of the family, you may decide on wood furniture. Wood furniture is generally comfortable and classy. However, if you are a busy person and want low maintenance furniture, you may pick aluminum-made furnishings. If you are party-savvy, choose plastic furniture so that you can move them easily to fit your theme.

Image via: Pottery Barn

Climate

Furniture made of wood is not good if left out during winter. Steel furniture is also weak if exposed in rainy days because the rust will develop and deteriorate its quality. While aluminum may be rust free and can endure all year round, but it does not come cheap. Plastic can be reliable but still prone to fading and pitting. Knowing the strengths and limitations of these furniture in a given weather condition can help lengthen its services.

These three considerations will help you decide the appropriate outdoor furniture that is worth more than what you paid for.

For more furniture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Is there anything more enjoyable than throwing a summertime party outside on your patio in the warmer months? Outdoor entertaining is enjoyed by guests who come to visit and by the homeowners who are throwing the get together. Regardless if you’re holding a large party or an intimate gathering, here are a few ideas to help you prepare your patio. Whether you decide to barbecue or you want a formal sit-down event, steal some of these tips for the ultimate entertaining summer event on your patio.

Image via: Apartment Therapy

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Plan out the details: 

Before you get the menu and guest list set you will need to plan out the details of getting your patio ready for guests.  After the colder months ensure the ground material is pressure washed or swept clean of all debris. Whether you have a concrete, or wood deck, make sure the floor is clean and free of stains. Once this is done look at your furniture and see if it’s free from needing repairs and it’s welcoming to guests to sit and relax on. After your furniture and patio flooring is ready, it’s time for adding decoration!

Image via: Style Me Pretty

Decorating for your patio party:  

Determine when you will throw your party and what decor is needed for the time of day, climate, and possible weather changes. For an evening party, ensure there is great lighting – string lights hung from the trees, lanterns on tables, and candlelight is always perfect. For a daytime party, make sure there is shade for guests who don’t want to be in direct sun and plenty of area for mingling near the pool, near the grill, etc… Decorate your party with a theme, bring in patio plants, and colorful wall decor for the perfect patio party.

Image via: Southern Living

Planning for a summertime patio party can be a challenge when you think of all there is to include. Use these helpful tips for getting your patio in beautiful shape. Bring plants into your decorative display areas to add color, texture, and conversation pieces around your patio area. Enjoy the season – for its only here once a year!

For more entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Now that spring is here the need for setting up your outdoor home in undeniably on everyone’s minds. Designing your patio and outdoor home can be a challenge for those with special needs. Last year, my guest blogger Wendy Martin Turley had an excellent article on designing your outdoor home for those with special needs to enjoy.

Image via: Room Galleries.My Home Ideas

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Original Entry Guest Blog #48, Entry #447, March 14, 2011

When we create outdoor spaces, from our porches and decks, to the stepping stone garden that meanders around our house, do we ever think about is this area accessible for all? Outdoor spaces especially have the characteristics of being uneven, narrow, and often times unaccessible for those who have special needs, as well as elderly, or those who have small children with strollers.

Creating outdoor spaces that have proper width clearances, even ground, and ensure leisure areas have good seating for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

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Today, I’m pleased to have Guest Blogger, Wendy Martin Turley from Parenting Blind By Design, to discuss how to make your outdoor areas accessible and enjoyable for all. After all, when you have you entertain this season, what is better than inviting the neighborhood over for a barbecue? Feel comfortable and confident that your home is enjoyed by all your guests!

Outdoor Spaces for Everyone

There’s always one house on the block that has people in their backyard all summer long. But how can you do this when your house has special needs?

First thing people think of is let’s play it safe. This is often an uninspired look that leads to a place no one can enjoy and therefore isn’t used.

You don’t need a flat square space even if you have a walker or wheelchair. What you do need are wide secure paths. Make sure that all entrances and exits are ease to pass through. Any stairs or ramps should have handrails. Deck or patio edges should be bordered by a railing, wall, benches or planters. This will help lessen the chances of falls. Also, when using a builder in your area be aware of local by-laws on how to construct decks and patios in your area because if they are constructed incorrectly you may not be able to sell your property before it’s repaired. These by-laws are there for safety too, so get the permits you need and feel confident that your new space is a safe place.

A great space for everyone has been well thought out.

Dos and Don’ts for creating your outdoor space:

Dos:

– Do decide on a number of people maximum you want to be out there at one time.

– Do create zones with wide paths between zones (3’) for wheelchair or walker use.

– Do create a space where wheelchair or walkers can turn around in (5’ dia. Space)

– Do make a space where walkers or wheelchairs can go within the space (i.e. lounge space) that has them in the space and not within the walkway and they don’t get blocked in either.

– Do invest in good furniture which has the seat height of 18”-19”.

– Do plan on where you are going to store your cushions, because no one wants a wet seat. A storage bench can add to your seating and add needed storage space.

– Do try to keep the lounge area away from the BBQ area for safety reasons.

– Do if you can have a window close to the BBQ area so that food and supplies can be passed through and hot food is kept off the walking paths.

Don’ts

– Don’t use gravel for walkways or broken slate, these are tripping hazards. Do use solid surface treatments, like concrete (can be coloured or stained).

– Don’t use a rug, they become a tripping hazard and makes the use of walkers or wheelchairs impossible to manoeuvre over.

– Don’t clutter the space with things that can become tripping hazards as the numbers of people increase in your space.

Small planters are nice; however, they should carefully used. The pottery bowl of strawberries is pretty on the corner of the stairs, but it’s a tripping hazard and a barrier to reaching the railing. Instead, build in planters on either side of the stairs and along the deck. At the right height the built-in planters can hold vegetables, fruit and flowers a person in a wheelchair or using a walker can putter around in.

Do make sure that you have shade for the lounge and eating areas as these are the places where you will spend the most of your outdoor time.

Lighting is another special safety feature that will extend your time on your patio or deck. Light your paths and edging of the deck or patio. There are many kinds of lights out there, but LED lights have come a long way and rope lighting can be laid in a garden bed, or by the path to give that extra guidance. LED lighting has come far recently and it’s improving as time goes by. They are cost effective too. Candles and tiki torches should be kept to the minimum also, because of the increase in fire hazards. If you want natural bug protection, try marigolds or other indigenous plants that secret scents that repels the local bugs.

I won’t be recommending a specific brand of outdoor furniture act I am a Canadian Interior Decorator and not familiar with what sells within you region. I just will leave this with the note that, nature knows no colour limits, and with today’s developments in outdoor furniture, ensure that it is solid, fade resistant and rust resistant.

The patio or deck have become actual rooms now within our homes, so don’t feel guilty when you’re investing in its furnishings.

Deck the deck when it’s cool with pillows and throws. Table top fires can be purchased and enjoyed also. But always make sure that you have a fire extinguisher nearby the main exit.

Enjoy your dishes outside by mixing and matching old dishes for that mismatched feel. People will have memories of those plates and you can create conversations about those memories.

Just eat, drink and be merry. Life is for those that reach out and grasp it. Simply plan everything step by step.

The Plan:

1. How safe are the entrances and exits of your yard and home. (Should have 2 exits from backyard)
2. Wide even paths that are well lit. (3’ wide)
3. Zones for entertaining (BBQ, Lounge, and Dining)
4. Do provide a 5’ diameter space for wheelchairs and walkers can turn around that’s not near the stairs.
5. Ensure that the deck, patio, stairs and ramps are surrounded by something like a railing, built-in planters, and bench seating/storage.
6. Decide on the number of people you want at any given time on your deck or patio and plan for that many. Include a space where a wheelchair or walker can go that’s out of the way of traffic but easily accessible by the person. Don’t make them feel like they are in the way or have been tossed aside.
7. Do buy furniture with a seat height of 18”x19” high, for mobility restricted people.
8. Do plan on where you’re going to store those cushions because you don’t want to be always sitting on a wet cushion.
9. Think of plants as a raised garden bed for the aging gardener.

Well I hope this gives some people ideas on what they can do if they to entertain people with special needs. I know it’s always fun here because life always tosses something new into the fray.

The big thing is, just get out and enjoy yourself!

Wendy Martin Turley is an Interior Decorating Student at Humber College and will be graduating in April 2011. I’m a wife and a mother. Sounds simple right? Here’s where it gets complicated. I’m no bored housewife. My husband, Peter is blind and my son was born 11 weeks premature. I learnt fast how important great design makes life easier and possible in some cases. I started with our nursery and then decided that there was a need out there for Great Design to make living possible for those with disabilities. Also find Wendy on Twitter

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Gorgeous sunset over infinity

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Relaxing pool with adjacent lounging area

Wooded infinity pool

Landscape and architecture complete this outdoor area

Personal infinity pool – wow!

Whether you enjoy an infinity pool looking over the ocean, or a wooded backyard the options are unlimited. Go ahead, dream a little bit!

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/gorgeous-infinity-pools-to-accentuate-your-backyard-oasis/feed/ 0 24477 https://stagetecture.com/easy-easter-crafts-to-bring-smiles-to-the-holiday-table/ https://stagetecture.com/easy-easter-crafts-to-bring-smiles-to-the-holiday-table/#respond Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:43:16 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=24462 Entry #1042, March 26, 2012

Easter is only two weeks away and everyone is on the ‘hunt’ for fun Easter activities and crafts. Today, I pulled out one of my Martha Stewart favs from the archives. From the chocolate bunny to the weighted egg tablecloth holders, this post is a good one to share again!

Image via: Living at Home

Original Entry #472, April 8, 2011

The countdown is on to Easter and making crafts to brighten your spring home can be fun and get the kids and you in the holiday spirit! From ideas for your table to playful ways to entertain outdoors (like egg weights to keep the table cloth down!)

Martha Stewart Living always has great ideas to inspire and be creative. Take a look at a few of my favorites. For more Easter craft ideas visit the site and get ready for a flood load of Easter inspiration.

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Clover Basket

This fanciful green-meadow vignette seems a fitting home for a chocolate bunny. His eyes (dabs of tinted royal icing) and bow-tie (ribbon with a glued-on rosette) match his surroundings. Click here for the How-To instructions.

Decorated Egg Weight

Use a plastic egg filled with jelly beans to anchors your tablecloth; gingham ribbon is secured around the egg with hot glue and threaded through a hole that has been punched in the oilcloth.

Easter Bunny Garland

To bring some festive cheer to your dessert table, march the rabbits across a garland, sit them atop cupcakes, or use them to offer sneak peeks into gift bags.

Garland: Download and print the rabbit template. Trace onto vellum; cut out shape. Punch 2 holes in head; thread with yarn. Repeat as desired.

Metallic Polka-Dotted Eggs

There are whimsically polka-dotted and beribboned silver blown-out eggs, filigreed sterling silver “baskets,” and, of course, dapper chocolate bunnies — here, white chocolate, tied with ribbons to match the dots.

For more Easter ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

 

The benefits of having an outdoor fire pit are pretty clear.  Almost automatically, most of you probably picture a fixed fire pit made out of sand, brick, and stone.  These types of fire pits are pretty nice for the most part and can add some real value to your home.  However, I am fan of portable fire pits, I’ll tell you why.

1) Move It Where You Want

I like to switch things up and move things around with my outdoor decoration.  Sometimes I have people over and I need more space, so I just move my fire pit off to the side.  I’ve even taken it on camping trips or little vacations where I knew it could come in handy.  I just clean that sucker up, wrap my cover around it, throw it in the back of the car and I’m good to go.  I like having the flexibility of my fire pit being truly portable.  I’m sure you can think of a few reasons yourself.

2) Looks Awesome On Your Patio

A lot of the designs nowadays are pretty stylish.  Some are even sold as part of a furniture set if that tickles your fancy.  I’ve seen some really nice ones that have a marble or a glassy stone type finish, good for some bringing in some compliments.  What I really enjoy is that it’s the first thing that people see when they step out on to your patio.  “Oh, cool!  You have a fire pit!.”  Yes, yes I do.  It’s a great focal point of my backyard.

3) Use It As A Table

So, you’re not going to need the fire pit all year, right?  Some of them can be used as a table.  So, while you have some friends or family over in the summer, you can still gather around and use fire pit to place your drinks or food on while you hang out.  Sounds like a pretty good idea to me.

4) A Reason To Have People Over

Yes, this goes for fixed fire pits as well.  I’ve had some of my most memorable nights sitting around my fire pit with friends and family.  It’s easy to get lost in the fire and just talk about whatever comes to your mind with the people you care about.  People generally know this and love the idea of it.  So, it’s an easy sell for you when you’re interested in having people come over to your humble abode.

5) They’re Safe!

They really are!  A lot of them come with screens so you’re protected from the occasional flying ember or spark.  These things can also stick around for a while through all the elements, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart on you while you have a fire going.  Just be smart and make sure what you’re buying is durable and other reviewers are saying it stands the test of time.

See!  You get it, right?  You don’t need to invest in this super involved do-it-yourself project to build a fire pit in your backyard.  Now, if that kind of project is down your alley, then all the power to you.  I prefer the portable fire pit myself.

Allison Kingsley is an avid home improvement & decor enthusiast and loves to share her knowledge.  She has also written her own set of reviews of portable fire pits.  Follow her on Twitter (@DomesticAllison) for home decor & interior design articles and ideas!

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.