Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Most people would benefit from an at-home exercise studio.  Whether they’re a marathon runner or just getting into the race, having a space to work out stress and stay fit is beneficial for both the mind and body.  After all, scheduling work outs around the when the gym is open and when you can get away from the house can be difficult.  And, if you live in an area subject to extreme weather conditions, you can’t always depend on the road being open for your morning run.

Homes without an extra room are still candidates for a fantastic home gym; they’re not as difficult as you might think.  Designing a backyard cabana for use as an exercise studio will give you the home gym you’ve always wanted, without sacrificing a room in your house.

Lighting: You don’t want to feel like you’re in a dungeon when you’re getting fit.  So, design your cabana with a lot of windows.  Natural light will give you lots of enriching vitamin D when you’re exercising, as well as let you enjoy the outdoors when it’s too cold to outside.

Equipment: Depending on the size of your backyard structure, you’ll be able to fit different kinds of equipment.  As a general rule, it’s a good idea to have a place for cardio, a place for strength training, and a place for stretching.  A good yoga mat with some resistance bands will serve well for stretching.  But, when it comes to strength, consider your goals.  A resistance cable system can use space efficiently, as well as transition to more challenging exercises as you get stronger.  A rack of free weights also works well for people who have used them in the past.  Beginners take caution though, free weights must be used correctly to prevent injury.  Treadmills are the stand by for cardio equipment, and they’re a great source for it.  But, don’t discount elliptical, cross trainers, or stair masters either.  Especially if you have joint or knee pain, a lower impact solution might be best.

Colors: Keep the interior, and perhaps even the exterior of your cabana, bright with light colored paint colors and floor coverings.  Especially after a long day, getting yourself to work out can be a chore.  The couch is quite comfortable!  But, having a cheery place to go and work out the day’s stresses will encourage you to do so more often.  Isn’t that one of the best parts of having a home gym? It’s easier to get in your daily work outs because it’s always open, allows you to stay close to home, and never requires a commute!

Tags: backyard cabana, backyard structure, cabana

If you have been thinking of adding a backyard structure to your landscape, but are not sure what direction to take, allow me to suggest the emulation of a Japanese Tea House. Called a Chashitsu in Japanese, these small buildings were designed to hold traditional tea ceremonies.  While a beautiful and ancient tradition, you don’t necessarily need to commit your backyard tea house to Japanese tea ceremonies.  Instead, you can use it to embrace the Far Eastern ideals of meditation, contemplation, and unity with nature.

Use a Simple Wood Structure: Tea houses were traditionally created from wood.  Using a backyard cabana designed with large screened windows and a double roof to emulate pagoda roofs will serve you well.  Of course, an open gazebo will also work, but I suggest adding screens to still create a place of tranquility.  You want your space to be connected with nature, but still separated enough for inward concentration.  Western Red Cedar is the most likely to blend in seamlessly with your surroundings.

Place it in the Garden: This style is perfect for those who have already pursued gardens.  The Japanese often see gardening as a symbol of uniting and learning the sacred ways of the natural world, and tea houses most traditionally situate themselves within these gardens.  Try to situate your tea house within a grouping of trees, instead of doing major landscaping to remove them.  Allow your garden to sit close to the structure so you can view it from the windows.

Employ a Bridge: A bridged entryway to your tea house is beneficial for two reasons.  First, adding water or, at least, the illusion of water to your tea house will truly emulate the Japanese landscape.  Plus, water is calming and encourages natural reflection.  Further, you can recall Japanese tradition with specialized bridges.  Far Easterners often use bridges to give the feeling of transition.  Using a garden bridge to cross over into the peaceful sanctuary of your tea house will give you that same feeling.  Many of their bridges were designed to zig zag, as it was thought that evil spirits did not have the ability to move in anything but straight lines.  But, when you open your mind and move out of the straight lines, you can avoid evil.

Provide Simple Furnishings: Traditionally, a tea house would contain no furniture.  Instead, the host and guests would use mats and sit on the floor.  But, unless you are looking to completely recreate a Japanese Tea House, you may want to consider just transitioning to simple outdoor furniture, instead.  Using cedar patio groupings or even more American-style rustic outdoor dining sets will help characterize it as uniquely your own, without taking away from the original intent. If creating a seating room instead of a dining area, don’t be afraid to use low-to-the-ground outdoor coffee tables to reflect traditional chabudai. Don’t hesitate to throw some outdoor furniture cushions around the table for an afternoon tea, as well.

Decorate Naturally: There’s no need to go out and get exciting and rare décor, stick to simplicity.  Potted flowers, a vase full of bamboo sticks, or even a strip of mutely patterned fabric hung from the wall will all invite tranquility.  You may want to go as far as purchasing a bonsai tree to set in the tea house to truly bring the entire theme together. If you do decide to use outdoor furniture cushions, try to steer clear of patterns or jarring colors.  Remember, just keep thinking, “tranquility.”

A Japanese Tea House is a wonderful endeavor if you’re looking to create an outdoor space that acts as a secluded oasis of relaxation.  And even if you’re not interested in such a large backyard project, using some of these simple techniques will help to bring Far Eastern harmony to your outdoor living area.

Tags: backyard cabana, backyard structure, cedar patio groups, garden bridge, outdoor coffee tables, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions

A lot of our themed outdoor spaces have been fairly well traveled.  Tuscany, Far Eastern Asia, and the Tropics have all served as inspiration.  But, let’s take our designs a bit closer to home.  The Adirondack Mountains are a large mountain range located in Northeastern New York on Lake Champlain and Lake George.  Full of rich history for both the Algonquian and Mohawk Native Americans and European settlers, the Adirondacks are a wonderful region completely dependent on the gifts of the land. Connect with the outdoors in your area by creating an Adirondack retreat!

Connect with Water: A mountain range connected to two large lakes with countless streams, rivers, and ponds takes a connection with water very seriously.  If you have a lake on your home, fantastic!  But, most people don’t.  You can create an artificial pond fairly easily, but there’s another body of water you may get more use out of.  A pool or (even better) a hot tub will give that closeness to water while providing relaxing functionality. Unlike the tropics, the Adirondacks have harsh winters and lots of snow.  So, a hot tub is a perfectly appropriate facilitator of outdoor living even when the temperatures a cold!

Build a Wood Structure:  The Adirondack Mountains were a hub of fur trapping and hunting during the beginnings of this nation, and are still a gaming destination for many.  Hunting cabins are a staple of this region, so re create that feeling by erecting a small wood garden structure.  A gazebo over your hot tub would be ideal, but a gardening shed, backyard cabana, or partly enclosed gazebo will give the same façade. You can, of course, fill your structure with patio furniture or an outdoor dining set.  Or you can simply use it for storage.

Use New York Plants and Flowers: The Adirondacks have rich foliage, expansive forests, and beautiful flowers.  While deeper research will determine the best plants for your home, Heartleaf foam flowers, Northern Spicebushes, Northern Tree Clubmoss, American Fly Honeysuckles, and many varieties of Dogwood will all lend Adirondack greenery, while Black Bugbane, Blueflag Iris, and Rose Pogonia will bloom beautifully.   Plant them around your home to grow rich wilderness.

Arrange Adirondack Chairs: Did you think I forgot? Adirondack Chairs are perhaps the best kind of patio furniture for this style of outdoor living space.  You’ll need plenty of Adirondack Chairs for relaxation and family time.  But, don’t feel boxed in!  Adirondack Porch Swings, Adirondack Tete-a-tetes, Adirondack Settes, and Adirondack Rockers will allow you to create a varied and visually interesting group.  Adirondack patio furniture now comes in rustic, traditional, and more contemporary styles and in materials as diverse as Cedar, Polywood, Eucalyptus, and Teak!  Circled around a fire, overlooking a lake, or simply arranged in a group, these time-honored patio chairs will create a wonderful seating area.

Remember to Vary your Patio Furniture: Adirondack chairs are great, but don’t overdo it!  Too many Adirondack chairs will overwhelm your outdoor room.  This is a great time to decide if you want to take a more rustic direction to your Adirondack retreat, of if you want a more refined appearance.  A lot of White Cedar Patio Furniture uses wood that still has a log-like appearance.  Intermingling this with your other patio furniture will give your entire outdoor living space a more rustic appearance.  While using more finished looking Western Red Cedar outdoor furniture will allow a more polished area.

If you live in a cooler climate, creating an Adirondack retreat may be a more realistic choice for a themed outdoor room.  Embrace more native plants and give yourself a place to curl up when the weather gets cooler.  And, when the weather is nice, bring your whole family into the back yard, pitch a tent, and pretend you’re deep in the wilderness!

See You in your Adirondack Retreat!

Hazel.

Tags: adirondack chairs, Adirondack Porch Swings, Adirondack Rockers, Adirondack Settes, Adirondack Tete-a-Tetes, backyard cabana, garden structure, gardening shed, gazebo, outdoor dining set, patio chairs, patio furniture, western red cedar outdoor furniture, white cedar patio furniture

A backyard cabana is the definition of casual sophistication.  If you’re not sure, exactly, what the modern cabana looks like… let me take you on a small and abbreviated tour of this fantastic backyard fixture.  Originally a Spanish word, a cabaña is a tropical shelter resembling a cabin. Over the years, it has become a structure encompassing vacationing relaxation; a hip and current bungalow embracing the laid-back attitude of the Tropics.  Now, almost all seaside and luxury resorts boast cabanas for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the island atmosphere.  But, you don’t have to shell out the cash for a week long vacation of jam-packed cabana enjoyment… you can create your own backyard oasis to enjoy the sun for as long as you like! Here are five steps to consider when planning your backyard cabana.

1. Quality: Though your cabana will be a place to leave your cares at the door, make sure to take plenty of care when choosing how your cabana will be constructed.  Using substandard materials, building professionals, or designs will just lead to a disaster and a huge headache.  A cabana that has to be worried about is a complete failure of the entire purpose, after all. The old photos of cabanas constructed of rotting drift wood may look romantic, but you won’t feel so dreamy when it collapses during a rainstorm!
2. Materials: The materials you choose for your cabana is a vital and important decision; the aesthetics, durability, and cost of your structure all very much depend on your material choice.  Western Red Cedar is the most traditional option.  The rich wood with its aromatic qualities will completely transform your mood.  Western Red Cedar also contains a high deposit of natural oils that act as preservatives against wood decay and insect damage.  If you’re looking for a cabana that calls back the spirit of yesterday, Western Red Cedar may be your best choice.  Northern White Cedar is a similar material and possesses the same impressive durability.  But, White Cedar does carry a hint of pinkish white that sets it apart from other materials.  The eye-catching hue creates interest and a certain hint of whimsy.  Dura-Temp is an economical choice that will last over twenty years.  The plywood-based panel siding has a smooth surface that looks natural, but resists moisture, dents, checks and cracks.  It also holds paint incredibly well if you’re looking to add a bit of color to your backyard project.  Pine is another material that will take paint without any problems.  With minimal maintenance and still enduring beauty, Pine is a fantastic choice for someone looking for value and beauty.  Finally, Vinyl is the most untraditional choice that might be perfect for you! It will protect your structure from any kind of weather and is virtually maintenance free.  If you’re looking for a cabana with a bit more of a substantial and house-like look, vinyl will do the trick!
   

   An Oval White Cedar Cabana

3. Shape:  Did you think cabanas only came in four-sided squares (I don’t think there are any other kinds of squares…)?  Nope!  Octagons, rectangles, ovals, hexagons and elongated hexagons with belle roofs are all viable and interesting choices for your backyard cabana. Many rectangle cabanas can have porches attached to them for a more dramatic entrance way and belle-roof cabanas give a wistful silhouette.  You will want to consider how many people will be using your cabana on a daily basis and what kind of atmosphere you’ll want to create.  Rectangular and Elongated Hexagon shapes are more likened to indoor rooms, and therefore more apt to traditional furniture arrangement.  But, Octagons, Ovals, and Hexagons will make you feel truly removed from the ordinary.                                                                                                                                                                                   
4. Use: Don’t let anyone define how your cabana should be used for you!  A backyard cabana should be a personal retreat; so just think of the perfect place to retreat to after a long day… and decorate accordingly!  Light some candles, bask in the sun streaming through your skylights, and enjoy an exercise and meditation area.  Install a flat screen for a dynamite place to watch football games and enjoy the grill right outside the front door!  Your designs will reflect your intended use, so whether you are planning to create a serene and quiet retreat, or a neighborhood destination for get-togethers and parties, your backyard cabana can and will be a complete reflection of your style and personality!                                                                                                                            
5. Décor: Now that you’ve decided how to use it, you get to decorate it!  Remember, the materials you use in your décor will define its style of relaxation.  Try wicker, red cedar, cherry, and teak for sophistication and elegance.  Polywood, vinyl, and coated metal all boast maintenance free properties that will keep you feeling relaxed if upkeep is just not on your to-do list.  But, no matter the material, your options are nearly endless.  For tranquil and calm get-aways, use a natural and soothing rocking motion to propel you toward peace.  A porch swing, porch glider, or a classic rocking chair all provide the proven restful motion that will naturally guide you toward more quiet thinking.  There’s a reason your mother rocked you to sleep… it’s a calming motion enjoyed by almost everyone.  Chaise lounges, though stationary, provide the same feeling of ultimate repose and pampering.  But, of course, if your heart is already set on that flat screen TV, try patio groups, outdoor sofas, comfy patio chairs with ottomans, and (of course) coffee tables and end tables for drinks and snacks! A backyard cabana is also a fantastic structure of an outdoor dining room.  Are you tired of traditional dinner parties and mediocre barbecues?  Go upscale with sophisticated outdoor dining sets, picnic tables, and even bistro sets.  Go the extra mile with a Teak Monarch Bar and high bar tables with bar stools.  You’ll wonder why people feel the need to “go out” when you can simply waltz out your backdoor to the swankiest place in town.

The materials and shape of your cabana, as well as the type of outdoor furniture you use to decorate it will define your retreat.  But, such a versatile structure is sure to fit your needs because you can design it to be EXACTLY what you want!  Doesn’t it feel fantastic? What do you have in mind; have you started planning yours yet?

See you in your Cabana!

Hazel.

Tags: backyard cabana, bar tables, barstools, belle-roof cabanas, bistro sets, cabana, chaise lounges, coffee tables, dura-temp, end tables, northern white cedar, ottomans, outdoor dining sets, outdoor sofas, patio chairs, patio groups, picnic tables, pine, porch glider, porch swing, rectangle cabanas, rocking chair, Teak Monarch Bar, vinyl, western red cedar