Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

The porches attached to American residential architecture have evolved over the years.  We’ve all seen the trend of front porches virtually disappear as a secluded back porch has gained popularity. Whether you have no porch, one, or a wrap-around porch, the addition of an private porch area is an idea we’re all fond of. A pool house can be your first porch, an addition to your pre-existing outdoor area, and is made easier to access with a beautiful walkway.

Substitute a Porch Addition for a Pool House: No need to add the huge project of a front porch to your house if you decide on a backyard structure instead. Typically, guest houses and custom pool houses have both an indoor and outdoor area that can be put to good use. In fact, the indoor area can find functionality as a home office, exercise studio or as a storage space for outdoor entertaining and lawn/pool maintenance items.

Embellish the Feel of a Second Porch:  If you’ve already got a porch, a custom pool house of rectangular or hexagonal shapes can add a quaint porch space to your backyard that is perfect for reading on a porch swing, reflecting as your gaze at the birds, or even napping on some comfortable patio furniture without being exposed to the neighbors. If you’re into social gatherings, use it as the central point for entertaining by adding an outdoor bar.

Walkway the Line: Whether you use your pool house as a hideaway or a pivotal party piece, getting to it without thinking is the best way to make sure its purpose is utilized. With the accompaniment of a portable treated pine walkway or a permanent stone walkway you can design your retreat to be as accessible or secluded as you wish.

Guest houses can act as an extended or primary indoor/outdoor porch space detached from your house that doesn’t require the stress of a remodel to capitalize on the design of your yard.

Tags: backyard structure, custom pool houses, outdoor bar, patio furniture, Pool house, porch swing, portable treated pine walkway

If you’re not quite ready to retire, try the next best thing: work from home. Although many of us will attest who have done it that cramming your desk into the guest bedroom is definitely not the best idea, working out of a backyard structure, like a pool house, most definitely works well if it is insulated, has electricity, and is shrouded in plenty of natural light.

Insulate Yourself: The first step to making your business or telecommuting position work from your guest house is to make sure it is well insulated above ground and on the floor. This will allow you to work year-round, with no humid or drafty excuses to detract from professional progress. It will also help to maintain any electronics – computer, printer, audio/visual equipment, etc. – that will be stored inside.

All About the Electrics: Since it is the 21^st century, most telecommuters and business owners are well-connected. By installing an electrical package into the plan for a custom pool house you automatically gear yourself up for success. Also, you can hook up the music, plug in a refrigerator, or set up an espresso machine besides finding inspiration using the worldwide web.

Shine Some Light: Lastly, natural light is a must for many hardworking individuals. It’s refreshing and adds a natural calm to otherwise drab and anxiety-provoking cubicle settings. Knowing this, make sure you choose a pool house with windows positioned just right to allow the sun and air to flow in. Proper placement of windows will work their magic while you work your own.

If you have the opportunity to save money on your commute by using your backyard space as a remote office, make sure it is setting you up for nothing but success with good insulation, electricity, and windows throughout.

Tags: backyard structure, custom pool house, Pool house

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

It’s about that time again.  The beauty of the sunset has passed you by, the natural lighting is nearly behind the horizon, and you and your guests are not ready to stop the party.  And (alas!) your township does not permit bonfires in your neighborhood.  So, how will you keep the fun going after the sun goes down?

If you think I’m about to suggest you call one of those expensive landscape lighting companies to empty your bank account… you’re on the wrong track!  As outdoor rooms become, at once, the most sought after vacation spots and poured over designer spaces… outdoor lighting has become more fashionable and more affordable than ever.

But you’re no lighting expert.  With so many options available, how do you pick which kinds of outdoor lighting options are best for you?  We’re always here to help!

Walkway Lights: Walk way lights are downward pointing lights that attach to the walls surrounding a walkway.  This will make sure that everyone is safe on stairs, garden bridges, or uneven paths.  Many walkway lighting designs come with color options; not only for the decorative encasing of the bulb, but walkway lights can shine a slightly blue or pink hue.  Imagine coordinating the color schemes of your outdoor rooms, patio umbrellas, and outdoor furniture cushions to the color of your lighting!  If you want to use your outdoor lighting to keep your porch, gazebo, or outdoor living space lit up at night… walkway lights will probably not be enough.  While they provide an important safety measure and can add some brilliant colors, you’ll want to consider adding other kinds of outdoor lighting as well.

Post Cap Lighting: Decorative post caps are a fantastic way to add lighting and style to your outdoor room.   They are designed to attach to the railings on steps or fences, posts of a porch or garden bridge, or any other outdoor structure with posts.  One great part of post cap lighting is that it adds wonderful accents to our outdoor living space during the day, while lighting up the area at night.  Most post caps are either low-voltage electrically powered or solar powered.  Electrical lights will likely be more dependable and may provide more light, but they do require a skilled electrician to install the wiring and ensure safety.  Solar powered lights use a completely renewable resource to “power-up” during the day, and then shine bright all night!  Certainly the green and sustainable option, they also boast the easiest set up.  Just attach and you’re done!  Though, some might find them less dependable.  It all just depends on your preference! A long line of post cap lights across an entire porch or backyard structure will likely provide enough light for a party or get together.  Though, if you wanted to use lighting to highlight a certain spot, like the outdoor dining set, you’ll want to augment this lighting option with accent or hanging outdoor lights.

Outdoor Ceiling Fan Lights: If you thought the post caps were the ultimate fusion of fashion and function, you haven’t even begun to be amazed!  If you haven’t jumped on the outdoor ceiling fan trend yet, do yourself a favor and take the leap!  Outdoor ceiling fans will allow you to enjoy your porch or outdoor living space when the heat is high.  Especially on those humid, still days, your outdoor ceiling fan can provide cooling breezes to keep you comfortable.  Plus, a ceiling fan creating air flow will be the most natural deterrent to flies and mosquitoes!  Flying insects prefer still air that allows them to lazily buzz and land on innocent food and people.  But, a cooling breeze to us can be a wind that makes their tiny wings tire quickly.  You can simply wave goodbye as they fly to easier areas! Plus (of course), a lot of modern outdoor ceiling fans now feature light options as well.  Perfect over your picnic table, you can simply flip on the light to illuminate your evening meal or midnight snack!

Hanging Outdoor Lights: A hanging light will truly up the style of your outdoor room.  While many choose to string lines of hanging lights, like Japanese paper lanterns, you can also choose to make a dramatic lighting statement by creating focused pools of light over your favorite spots.  Whether you do this with an outdoor pendant light or even an outdoor chandelier, it will give your outdoor space a bit of height both spaciously and fashionably.  The closest to indoor lighting, you can create truly luxurious outdoor spaces that create both comfort and class with hanging lights.

Outdoor Table and Floor Lamps: For those who favor ambient lighting instead of overhead lighting, but still want the comfortable appeal of indoor-style lighting, outdoor table lamps paired with outdoor floor lamps might be your best bet!  Available in nearly as many styles as indoor lighting, you can certainly stick with your design scheme while creating your lighting scheme! A lot of lines contain short table lamps and tall floor lamps that match each other, which will give you a more holistic pattern.  While, mixing and matching styles can certainly create interest.  Plus, outdoor lamps can be moved to wherever you need more lighting.  If you split your outdoor table and floor lamps between your outdoor seating area and alfresco dining room, you can move all of the lighting toward the outdoor dining set when the family is gathered there for an intense game of Scrabble.  After all, you’ll want to make sure nobody is substituting a “Q” with an “O” because the low lighting lets them get away with it!

So, while the sun is a plenty beautiful and certainly functional lighting element during the day, you definitely have your options cut out for you when it comes to keeping the party lit after the sun has gone to sleep.  I suggest mixing and matching, keeping your options open, and always making sure you can see the faces of the family and friends creating those wonderful summer memories!

Tags: backyard structure, decorative post caps, garden bridge, hanging outdoor lights, outdoor ceiling fan, outdoor chandelier, outdoor dining set, outdoor floor lamps, outdoor lamps, outdoor lighting, outdoor pendant lights, outdoor structure, outdoor table lamps, picnic table, post cap lighting, post caps

Have you ever considered using a storage shed as a stylish garden structure to heighten the fashion and function of your backyard? Many people worry that storage sheds are just cheap, composite-board structures that look clunky, uninteresting, and should only be used for storing weed whackers and lawn mowers.  But, while this may have been true in the past, it is certainly not true anymore!

Storage sheds have jumped on the fabulous outdoor living trend and dolled up their appearance to be a true contender for your outdoor living space.  No longer are they the simple, square or barn-shaped structures (though those are still available, of course) of days gone by.  Storage sheds come in all shapes and sizes, with unexpected roof lines and eye-catching color combinations.  Are you ready for the count down?  Five ways storage sheds are cleaning up their image!

Storage Sheds with Porches: You love to decorate your porch with patio furniture, why not gain another porch on your storage shed?  You don’t have a porch? Well, now you can have one!  Complete with porch railings and posts; your shed’s porch will give you a place to pull your art or gardening projects outside, while stay within reaching distance of your tools and supplies.  A porch will also allow you to keep the windows under the porch open, without worrying about a lot of rain blowing in.  Even if you just use your storage shed for lawn equipment, having a small attached porch will elevate it stylistically.  Passersby will assume your shed is used for something rare and unique, and you’ll never worry about it being an eyesore.

Potting Sheds Instead of Storage Sheds: Many storage sheds have made a full transformation into potting sheds.  Potting sheds are specialized structures used for nursing plants in the same way as a green house, as well as a place to store all of your garden tools and do your indoor gardening tasks.  Outfitted with rows of windows, as well as a large polycarbonate skylight that takes up nearly the whole side of the roof, you’ll create a veritable greenhouse that can be used for so much more!  Potting sheds also feature a long work bench so you can work on your container gardens and do all sorts of outdoor projects and crafts without dragging any dirt into your home.  A potting shed is a near necessity for any serious gardener, and is now as widely available as traditional storage sheds.

Storage Sheds with Skylights: So, potting sheds have skylights to create a greenhouse.  But, even if you’re not interested in doing gardening work in your shed, you can still have skylights!  No more dark, dingy, and mold-smelling storage sheds… imagine a world of bright and well lit storage that can be used endlessly.  See your tools and supplies with a skylight in your storage shed.  Just like a car is instantly more fun with a sunroof, your shed will be immediately upgraded with a skylight.

True, Screened, Opening Windows in your Storage Shed: Skylights let in light, of course.  But, a window can do so much more than just let light in.  New storage shed styles feature true, house-like windows.  Complete with screens to keep bugs out and the ability to open vertically, these are real windows! Again, if you’ve ever been in a more traditional shed, you know that the stuffy heat can be overwhelming.  But, imagine just opening up those windows to allow cooling air flow to flood the space.  Not only do the windows allow your shed to look more like a little house in your backyard than just a shed, you can get them complete with shutters in any color to truly design a stylish structure. Now, that’s a place for a lawnmower!

Storage Sheds with Flower Boxes: You may have assumed that flower boxes attached to windows should be an attribute included in the sections about windows.  But, I disagree!  Though attached to windows, flower boxes add so much more than just window décor to your storage shed.  You can add bright colors with flowers and plants that will liven up your structure.  It adds a homey, cottage feel that will lend your shed to a little hideaway, instead of just a storage spot.  It encourages you to do to some fabulous container gardening, right next to your gardening storage.  Flower boxes turn drab storage sheds into quaint retreats, truly.  Plus, if your husband needs a place to store his ATV or antique car, you can compromise on a storage shed with strong enough floors and large drive-through doors… that you get to decorate!

So, yes.  It’s true.  You can now create lovely little cottages like the charming wee bungalows seen in fairy tale art prints, and use it to stow your dirty lawn mower!  The only downside is that now you have even more options to try to choose from when considering a backyard structure!  Oh well, you’ll just have to get more than one!

Hazel.

Tags: backyard structure, garden structure, patio furniture, potting shed, storage shed

I’ve given you two ways to throw a party for your mother on Mother’s Day.  But, perhaps you were really hoping to have something to wrap up and give her.  Understandable!  I still believe, though, that the best gifts are gifts with a lot of heart in them.

So, today I’ll be bringing you an awesome outdoor Mother’s Day gift idea: Painting a Mother’s Day Garden Bench!

Find a Pine Garden Bench: The best material for your garden bench will be Pine.  Cedar garden benches don’t take paint very well at all, neither will a Polywood garden bench.  Cypress will work, but a Treated Pine or Select Pine will serve you best.  Other than material, just find a bench that you think your mother would love.  Does she like to spend a lot of time outdoors?  A garden bench with a back might be the most comfortable.  Of course, there are a lot of benches with arm rests and nice deep seats for true outdoor relation.  But, if you think your mom might like something a bit simpler, there are plenty rustic garden benches.  Don’t forget, a lot of styles come with carved hearts or stars accenting the back—what a great way to show what you think of your mother!

Apply an Exterior Primer: The first think you will want to do is to apply an exterior primer.  The primer will ensure that your paint goes on smoothly, and it will help protect your garden bench from damage due to bugs or weather.  Apply the primer with a brush, and follow the grain of the wood.  It’s also important to choose a primer and paint that are compatible.  Most exteriors are either latex or enamel.  Either type of primer and paint will work, but it is imperative that they match!  Using a latex primer and an enamel paint, or vice versa, will cause the paint to adhere poorly.

Creatively Paint Your Garden Bench: After the primer has dried, this is a great time to get the whole family involved.  Try a few different colors, get the old clothes on, and paint the garden bench in the most creative way you can think of!  Maybe write, “I Love You, Mom” across the seat.  Or, have everyone make handprints all over the bench.  The sky is the limit! If she has a favorite poem, use a smaller brush to write it across the back of the bench.  Draw a family portrait of everyone all together.  If you’re truly concerned about your art skills, stencils can be purchased at an arts and crafts store, so you can decorate the bench with stenciled designs! Adding your personal and creative touches will make this one of your mother’s favorite pieces of outdoor furniture.  It doesn’t have to be perfect; it has to be from the heart!

Apply Sealant and Top Coat:  Again, after the paint has dried, you can further protect your bench by applying a clear sealant.  The sealant will keep the paint from chipping and other damage.  Then, if you wish, you can apply a top coat of clear gloss to give the garden bench a shiny quality.  The top coat isn’t necessary, but might be a nice touch if a shinier, glossier bench would fit your garden.

Position it in a Favorite Spot, Tie a Bow, and You’re Done: If you haven’t thought of this road block yet, you may have to find a bit of a creative spot to hide the bench while it’s drying.  Perhaps in your storage shed or other backyard structure.  Is there an untouched corner of the garage?  Perhaps you can take the whole project to an aunt’s, uncle’s, or grandparent’s house—then transport it once the whole bench is finished and ready to go!  However you chose to hide your surprise, you can bring it out once everything is completed and dried.  Position the garden bench in a spot you think she would love.  Or, place it among her other pieces of favorite outdoor furniture.  If you have a gazebo, pergola, or cabana, put it inside and decorate the structure for her big day as well.  Tying a colorful ribbon into a bow around the bench will be a wonderful finishing touch.  On Mother’s Day, simply lead your mother out to her brand new bench and enjoy one of her best Mother’s Days ever!

The best part of Mother’s Day is that you get to give back to the woman that’s always giving!  Creating a spot for her to both relax and be reminded of how much her family loves her is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift!

But, the big day is quickly approaching; so hurry up!

Hazel

Tags: backyard structure, cabana, garden bench, garden bench with a back, gazebo, Mother's Day, Outdoor Furniture, pergola, storage shed

If you think there’s no better gift than giving your mom a day at the ritziest spa in town, think again!  You can recreate the day spa treatment for your mother, and she’ll probably enjoy it even more.  Why? Because her family put the whole thing together!

If you have a gazebo with a hot tub in it, or even a sauna, you’re set.  Let your mom relax in the hot tub for a few hours—try setting up a cd player with some of her favorite music or buying her a book by one of her favorite authors.

But, if you’re not so lucky to have a hot tub gazebo, it’s no problem.  There are plenty of day spa treatments you can try.  Remember to start small; trying to plan way too much may be overwhelming and require so much planning that no one has fun.

First, create the spa space.  If you have a gazebo, pergola, or other backyard structure, decorate it with flowers, streamers, and maybe even balloons.  That way, when you pull her outside, she’ll be wowed by all the decorations!  And, to make sure she knows it’s a trip to the day spa, set out candles, bowls of potpourri, and even hot tea out on your picnic table.  Also set out some of her favorite fresh fruits and juices, or even little breakfast pastries or scones with jam.

A great home spa project can be a pedicure or manicure.  Fill a large bucket with warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of bath oil.  Put your mom in the most comfortable patio chair you have; whether that be a chaise lounge or an Adirondack chair, just make sure it’s one of her favorites.  Have her sit with her hands or feet (whichever she prefers, many hardworking moms might not be too keen on everyone touching her feet!) in the warm water for at least 20 minutes.

After that, dry her feet or hands with a nice soft towel and apply a sweet smelling cream based moisturizer or lotion.  This is the tricky part: a lot of salons will clean, clip, and do general nail care.  But, again, some moms won’t exactly be eager to have her family chipping away at the dirt under her nails.  And, after all, this is a day for mom!  So, you might want to scale back a bit and skip right to the polish.

If you know her favorite color (and you should!!), make sure you have a nail polish in that hue!  Do two or three thin coats, allowing the polish to dry between applications.  Try your best to not to get any on the skin around the nails, but keep a damp tissue near by just in case.

Having you spa outside will make splashing water or spilling nail polish a non-issue.  It will also allow the polish to dry faster in the open air!  Remember, don’t concentrate too hard or try to make it perfect.  You’re pampering your mother to say thanks, and part of that is just spending time with her! So, if an 8 year old daughter doesn’t have the perfect polishing techniques yet… it doesn’t matter.  It’s all about getting together and having fun.

So, though your outdoor day spa for mom might not be as refined as the swanky places, she’ll know all the thought and hard work you put into it.  Plus, spending time with her family is always the perfect gift.

Tags: adirondack chair, backyard structure, chaise lounge, gazebo, Mother's Day, pergola, picnic table