Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

If the austere nature of modern interiors has you running for the nearest range in search of “mountain casual” decorations, you’re not alone. We’ve long been a complex society – appreciating the modern design of hotels and restaurants but filling our homes with furnishings that literally bring us right down to earth. For the truest form of natural décor made using whole logs for your space, consider an accent table, rocking chair, or dining set.

Accent Tables Add to the Ambiance: If an entire room dressed up as a log cabin is not exactly the effect you’d like, consider the addition of an whole log accent table. With a white cedar side table next to your comfortable seating area or at your bedside, the great outdoors can be sampled in a small dose, keeping your project’s appearance clean and tidy. In partnership with more modern-inspired lines and colors, whole log accents in the form of tables or chairs does wonders for softening the interior of your eclectic space.

Cornerstone Rocking Chairs: Side tables and side chairs might look nice as a compliment to other furnishings, but for the heartiest version of whole log seating it’s best to add a solid rocking chair. Nestle into its thick seat and ergonomic backrest with a good book and feel the gentle energy of the outdoors of the rocking motion underneath. Constructed out of treated or natural timber, a whole log rocking chair fits neatly into the corner of a room and immediately invites you in for an evening of quiet reflection.

Get the Full Effect in Whole Log Dining Sets: The next best thing to having a log cabin for a home is to complete your space with a dining set. Representing the boldest statement in whole log furniture – with a large table and chairs together – your family and friends can enjoy the richness of solid wood underneath a table of great food and conversation. Use a picnic table and benches for a fun indoor effect or amp it up a notch with high dining chairs and a white cedar or white pine table to pull out all of the stops.

Whether you want to add a subtle or dramatic mountain home effect in your interior décor, nothing creates a warm, inviting interior like the addition of whole log furnishings.

Tags: accent table, dining set, picnic table, rocking chair, white cedar side table, whole log accent table, whole log furniture, whole log seating

Let me guess: You’re tempted by the aesthetic of a rocking chair – its nurturing gliding movement and wood construction – but the thought of sitting in it for too long makes everything from your neck to your knees ache. Fear not, the ergonomic features of a highback rocking chair come to the rescue with lower lumbar support, a built-in head rest, and the option to cushion its surfaces.

Lower Lumbar Support: One of the reasons the highback porch rocker appeals to the masses has a lot to do with its lower lumbar support. The highback rocker extends higher than your shoulders, and the back is angled to support the natural curvature of your spine.  It helps those with spinal aches and pains feel more comfortable. In fact, the Academy of Chiropractic Physicians suggest highback wood furniture for supporting the lower back.

Rest your Head: The highback porch rocker not only supports your back, but gives you enough to space to rest your head as well.  Being able to relax your neck and lean your head back will let outdoor relaxation last for hours.  Watch the birds for hours before slipping into an afternoon nap without having to move inside to find comfort. An outdoor rocker can be the perfect napping spot if it’s made right.

Add Cushions: If the highback isn’t soft enough, think about adding a head cushion and maybe even a regular outdoor furniture cushion for the seat. Serving as a comfortable pillow for your head, your porch rocker will become your favorite piece of patio furniture.  Be careful not to settle in so comfortably that you never leave!

If back or neck pain is an issue when choosing the right outdoor furniture for your backyard or porch, consider the added benefits of a highback rocking chair that will prove itself, far outweighing the competition.

Tags: highback porch rocker, highback rocker, highback rocking chair, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushion, outdoor rocker, patio furniture, porch rocker, rocking chair, wood furniture

Studies show that Americans have less free time than ever before in history.  Our jam-packed schedules of constantly conflicting engagements put our minds in a terrible race.  In fact, the absence of leisure time is shooting stress-related illnesses through the roof and plummeting the percentage of people who describe their life as “happy and comfortable.”

So, how do you avoid this plight?  Experts have shown that meditation can aid in the recovery and prevention of both mental and physical ailments.  Deep breathing, relaxation, and reflection time are all critical to our overall health.  Perhaps this spring is the season you turn it all around by creating an outdoor meditation area to keep your spirits bright all year ‘round!

Separate the area from your home and yard: To achieve true relaxation, you have to remove yourself from your daily stressors.  Seeing a kitchen sink full of dishes will not help put your mind at ease.  There are several ways to do this; you could start simply by placing privacy screens around a sectioned off area.  Using a pergola or an open-air gazebo are other options for completely outdoor spaces.  But, if you live in a cooler climate and want to use this space in the winter months, using a pool house or a cabana may suit your needs better.  The most important thing is to create an area where cares and worries are “not allowed.”  Another way to do this is to install some kind of garden bridge; this way you can decide that when you cross over the bridge you are crossing over into a peaceful place.  Ancient Japanese and Chinese gardens used zig-zag garden bridges to cross into their gardens, because folk lore suggested that evil spirits could only travel in straight lines and, therefore, would not be able to cross into the space if the garden bridge was constructed in a zig-zag pattern.  However you choose to separate your meditation area from the rest of your home, it is most important that you can feel some kind of physical transition from daily stressors to daily calming.

Keep connection with nature: Though you want to create an area separated from the rest of your home, you don’t want to lose your connection with nature.  If using privacy screens, a pergola, or gazebo, simply make sure that trees, flowers, or foliage still surround your area.  If using an enclosed garden structure, like a cabana, pool house,  or even a gazebo with walls, be sure to install lots of large windows (preferably ones with screens that can be opened).  Many backyard structures support sky lights to let the sun shine into your meditation space as well.  If you garden, you know that nature is calming.  And, if you don’t garden, many expert studies have confirmed that a connection with nature nurtures peaceful thoughts and calm minds.  You can also bring the outdoors inside, by placing bonsai trees, green potted plants, and flowers on accent tables around your garden structure to achieve that connection.

Use a water feature for soothing sounds: You may not realize it, but the sounds we hear contribute greatly to our stress levels.  Imagine your commute to work without any car horns, sirens, or construction sounds.  Picture a trip to the grocery store without people yelling into their cell phones about what kind of milk to get, the constant beeping of the check out lines, and children screaming for ice cream.  Sounds a lot better, right? Create the right kinds of sounds in your meditation area by installing a small water feature.  If you live seaside, certainly try to situate your peaceful place near the water.  But, if you’re not so lucky, you can get an inexpensive small water fall that plugs right into the wall or operates by battery.  Or, you can go a little deeper by creating a koi pond or small dew pond.  Of course, if you must, you can always get a small noise machine that many people use in their bedrooms for sleeping that has ocean wave or running stream sound settings.  This way, your eyes will be away from the sink of dirty dishes and your ears will be hidden from the sounds of rush hour or telephones ringing. When your eyes close, you can always just imagine you’re withdrawing to your beach retreat!

Use minimal decorations and simple furniture: The last thing you need to do when creating this space is stress out!  Don’t fret about the décor, because the simpler, the better.  Use small side tables or outdoor accent tables for flowers, candles, or your water feature.  You can create a bit of interest by using outdoor tables of different heights and sizes to allow your eyes to gently survey all parts of your meditation area.  But, this is not the place for your expansive outdoor dining set or deep seating collection.  Allow yourself a space to focus inward, instead of on the perfection of your décor (save that for your porch or patio!)

Allow a place for true, escaped repose: Though purists would only allow a yoga mat in the center of the room for true, concentrated meditation… I think it’s important to make your peaceful area work for you.  Doing yoga poses and various stretching is an excellent way to re-center yourself—no question!  But, sometimes, you just need a place to rest undisturbed.  Try installing a hammock, porch swing, or just a simple and comfy chaise lounge or rocking chair in your new space.  There is true value in curling up with a novel, simply staring into space and thinking about nothing for an hour or so, and (of course) guiltlessly drifting off into an afternoon nap.

Sometimes, our American media tries to make you feel guilty for taking time for yourself.  But, you’ll run yourself into the ground if you don’t take some time out to relax.  Creating a space away from your daily stressors that is solely for the purpose of inward reflection will have a positive effect on all the different parts of your life.  And, remember, it doesn’t just have to be for you!  A son or daughter after a long and stressful day at school would absolutely benefit from an hour or so of “quiet time” away from the computer, their toys, and loud siblings.  In fact, this meditation area could improve the entire family!

Hope to see you (at a distance) in your Meditation Area,

Hazel

Tags: accent tables, back yard structures, cabana, chaise lounge, deep seating collection, garden bridge, Garden Bridges, garden structure, gazebo, hammock, outdoor accent tables, outdoor dining set, outdoor tables, pergola, Pool house, porch swing, privacy screens, rocking chair, side tables

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

If you thought you were shopping around for outdoor furniture, patio dining sets, or even a gazebo for yourself… you might be missing an important factor.  Studies show that your children need more time outside than the majority of them are getting.  If you’re saying, “I know that… but they have this X-box 360 I can’t seem to conquer!” perhaps you should consider this:  give your children a place to play outside and they probably will!

1. Nature Deficit Disorder:  Recent studies have shown that children not exposed to the outdoors enough are suffering from a specific series of concerns.  Most likely fueled by a more media-centered society and parents fearing that their children will be less safe outside… many effected children are suffering from a marked lack in creativity, anxiety and depression, attention deficit problems, and long-term inabilities to cope with stress.  And, of course, it goes without saying that these children are also much more likely to suffer from childhood obesity; a condition that will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.  Luckily, this is a problem that can be easily fixed.  If you have a mandatory amount of time your child is required to spend reading, doing homework, or even working on chores… consider extending this to spending time outdoors.  Even if it’s not playing, doing homework on a porch swing or at a picnic table instead of at their desk will do wonders.  They will be more aware of what is going on around them and better able to evaluate a variety of senses at one time.  Being outside offers changing stimuli, unlike the constant décor of their bedroom, and the more time children spend outdoors, the more time they will yearn for the fresh smell of the open air. And remember, children build their immune systems as they’re developing.  Kids that are kept away from any sort of dirt and germs will be unable to cope with them as they grow older.  Studies show that adults that spent more time outside as children were less likely to suffer from allergies.
2. Exercise… both mentally and physically:  It’s clear that children are getting less exercise with every generation.  Not only does this lead to a lot of pent-up energy, it leads to a long list of health concerns.  But, children are little balls of activity, and giving them a place outside to expend that is good for them.  Climbing trees, swinging on monkey bars, running, and jumping are all great for their health.  A few minor bumps and bruises may occur, but this is a natural part of being a kid!  Youngsters have an innate need to be active, it’s the constant push from the media encouraging docile sit-in-front-of-the-screen behavior that turns them off of it.  The earlier you foster their love for wind blowing in their face as they sprint after a little brother, the more they will love it as they grow older. But, the physical exercise is not where the importance stops.  Playtime outside will cause your children to develop their own story lines, create their own games, and pretend an old, scary witch is plotting great destruction from that rocking chair, or a far-away princess is sleeping on the chaise lounge.  Let your child’s mind deviate from the plot lines of their video games, the characters on their cartoons, and even the lessons in their schools—let their brains develop correctly by entertaining their active imaginations!
3. Foster team work:  Children who play together, learn together, and teach each other how to develop successful interpersonal skills will be much better off later in life.  If children are constantly left to their own devices to make afternoons fun and full of laughter… they’ll find a way to make sure everyone is involved because, it’s true, “the more the merrier.”  Say goodbye to phrases like, “does not play well with others.”  Through pre-determined team sports like soccer, quoits, kick ball, croquet, bocce ball, and football… your children will learn the value of team work, as well as gracious winning and losing.  Youngsters who learn how to deal and play with a variety of personality types will be less likely to get in fights in high school and more willing to explore new places and ideas. And if you don’t have a horse shoe set, don’t fret.  Many outdoor games are incredibly inexpensive, and even if that’s not in your budget this year… kids can make a game out of almost anything.
4. Learn responsibility:  Giving your children their own space to take care of will give them a sense of ownership that fosters responsibility.  Whether this is their own playhouse or simply a section of the garden with a garden bench, explain that they are responsible for taking care of their little bit of earth.  Teach them to weed and take care of their section of garden or plant flowers in the playhouse’s flower boxes.  Learning to cultivate nature will teach them that they are responsible for taking care of the environment and that their hard work produces beautiful things.  Learning this kind of responsibility will not only be good for their work ethic and behavior, it will also instill a love and accountability for the environment.  Just think, if coming generations know that taking care of the earth is an important responsibility… maybe our fragile planet isn’t doomed.
5. Get selfish; make time for yourself:  Do you often feel like you can’t think over the blaring television?  Do you wish you could get on the family computer to read this blog, but your daughter is too busy playing an online video game? Are you constantly trying to find some way to have a few moments to yourself?  Fostering a love of the outdoors in your children will do just that.  Imagine your kids walking home from school, dropping their book bags at the door, and racing outside to their playhouse, or even just to their section of the yard or garden.  Picking up a soccer ball on their way, you’ll be free to do the things you need to do.  Or, of course, to sit back in your Adirondack chair or porch glider and watch your children run, jump, play, and laugh their way to better holistic health!

See you (and your kids!) outside!

Hazel

Exhausted after a long day of playing!

Tags: adirondack chair, chaise lounge, Croquet, garden bench, gazebo, Outdoor Furniture, patio dining sets, picnic table, play houses, playhouses, porch glider, porch swing, quoites, rocking chair

As we march toward March, cabin fever is at fever pitch for those of us who live in areas where winter is winter.  With spring about to spring, we long for the long, sunny days, when we can garden in our gardens, plant plants, and picnic at our picnic tables.  Now, those in frozen regions may say that things won’t melt ‘til Memorial Day; but, land agoshen, that’s a scary notion!  All of this cold has really gotten old, and May may be too long a way away to wait.

Of course, if you live in a warm climate, you don’t have to worry about winter; and if you have an enclosed porch, sunroom, or gazebo, at least, you can use your patio furniture all year long.  Otherwise, relax in the knowledge that spring is but a few weeks away, and get your outdoor furniture ready.  Make sure that it’s up to another season of heavy use and abuse, especially if it’s old and worn.

You may have a faded favorite that holds cherished memories of family gatherings, and has held cherished family members who are no longer around.  It’s well broken in, and, perhaps, broken down; but you still don’t want to part with it.  However, if any piece of porch furniture is questionable, safety-wise, you’ll have to decide whether or not it can – or should – be repaired.  For example, an old rocker that’s off its rocker, and has to be propped against a wall to be kept upright, is a lost cause; but a porch chair with a loose rung or two may just need a bit of glue.

Before you take the patio chair apart, make sure that you will remember which pieces fit where, by stretching a length of masking tape from the leg to the end of the rung that goes into it, and labeling it with corresponding letters or numbers at each end.  When you pull the rung out of the leg, just tear the tape in two, so that you can simply match ‘A’ to ‘A’ or ‘1’ to ‘1’ when putting it back together.  The masking tape should peel off easily, without damaging the finish; but if you’re unsure, either test an inconspicuous area, or use painter’s tape.

Loosen and remove the old glue by brushing hot vinegar onto the joints.  This should work in only a few minutes, but if the old glue is very thick, it may take up to an hour to completely dissolve the build-up.  Get all of the old glue off, or the new glue won’t attach properly to the wood fibers.  White or yellow wood glue will work beautifully; epoxy or permanent glue will ensure that your outdoor furniture will never come apart again.

Don’t use nails or brackets to put the patio chair back together; and use screws only if they were there in the first place.  To make certain that everything sets properly, clamp the joints together until the glue dries thoroughly.

Indeed, sometimes, the sentimental value of an old patio chair or porch swing makes it well worth the effort it takes to fix it.  And sometimes, the comic value of something like, say, that backward-tipping rocking chair, makes it priceless to keep around, even if it’s irreparable.  I know I’ve had some real laughs with mine!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, Outdoor Furniture, patio chair, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chair, porch furniture, porch swing, rocking chair, sunroom

1. Feed the birds! This was mentioned before, but it’s worth bringing up again.  Many birds and small creatures are having an awfully hard time finding food in the snowy cold.  Put out birdfeeders and birdhouses full of seeds and birdfeed.  Without spending a lot of money, you can help a wide variety of creatures.  For our non-feathered friends, try putting out a piece of old plywood on the ground and spreading nuts, seeds, beans, oats, corn, or other wildlife friendly foods.  And don’t worry, your work won’t be completely selfless (though you can tell everyone how charitably kind you are), because you’ll get to enjoy a show of birds and other animals right in your own backyard! Note: Urban Gardeners Beware, birdfeeders will work great, but plywood left out with food might be a project best left to more rural dwellers.
2. Keep an eye on your bulbs! While weather changes that create one or two warm days can sometimes trick bulbs into thinking spring is on its way, we know that frigid weather is not finished yet! So, if you see your bulbs peeking out of the soil, cover them with a thick layer of mulch and compost to protect them from the snow and ice.  And remember, this is a great way to reuse the branches of your old Christmas tree!
3. Turn your soil! Now is the perfect time to turn your soil (assuming the ground is not frozen or sopping wet).  A rich loose soil is vital for ideal gardening.  To keep it rich and crumbly in the spring, remove any grasses or weeds from the area you are planning to garden and spread two or three inches of compost or other organic matter (old Christmas Tree branches?) on top of the soil.  Then, using a garden spade or fork, break up any heavy clods to keep the soil movable.  Good garden soil should have the perfect balance of air, water, and nutrients to support a strong system of roots.
4. Prepare to work! Now is a good time to start inventorying your tools.  Make a list of tools you want to buy or replace.  Willi Galloway outlines ten basic tools every gardener needs: a sturdy hand trowel, a stirrup hoe, a square blade spade with a D-shaped handle, bypass hand pruners, a garden fork, a leaf rake, a bow rake, a hand cultivator, a wheelbarrow or garden cart, and a hori hori knife, which is a serrated Japanese garden knife used for dividing plants, making furrows, and weeding.  In a few months, many garden supply stores will start jacking up prices.  But, if you start early and plan well—you won’t have to spend a lot of money to have the proper tools for your garden.
5. Prepare to Enjoy! So, you’ve helped the animals, you’ve protected your bulbs, you’ve turned your soil, and you’ve prepared your tools.  Now– help yourself.  It may seem like the warm weather will never come… but just as we have to work hard to prepare to… well… work hard, sometimes there are simply delightful tasks to prepare us to enjoy our gardens.  You envisioned the different vegetables and flowers you will grow in the “just right places” as you turned your soil, and you planned which plants will get the most use out of each tool.  But, have you taken time to arrange your patio furniture?  A garden can be more than just plants: add a garden bench, rocking chair, or porch swing for a small place to sit and enjoy your hard work quietly.  Consider a picnic table, outdoor dining set, or patio group if you’re hoping your whole family will come out and enjoy the beauty over the spring and summer months.  And, if you’re planning a garden so wonderful you could practically live in it… a gazebo, cabana, or pergola would be the perfect structure for your outdoor parties and afternoons to revolve around.  And, unlike jeans… garden structures and furniture are FUN to shop for!

See You Outside!

Hazel

Tags: birdfeeders, cabana, garden bench, garden furniture, garden structures, garden tools, gardening, gazebo, January, outdoor dining set, patio furniture, patio group, pergola, picnic table, porch swing, rocking chair, wheelbarrow