Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Things in the world are changing so fast that we can’t seem to go a day without hearing about something being the “new” something else.  All of a sudden, 40 is the new 20, 60 is the new 40, 80 is the new 60, bald is the new hairy, fat is the new thin, geeky is the new cool, left is the new right, up is the new down, and on is the new off.  Whew!

Whether or not any one of these is true – or even makes sense – this trend clearly indicates a struggle to alter images, attitudes, and ideas about people, products, animals, and, well, nearly everything else.  In a way, it’s encouraging to see that society is becoming less inclined to cling to out-dated notions and, perhaps, is even willing to let go of long-held stereotypes; and, no doubt, there have been some dramatic changes.  

One of the biggest revolutions has been in the world of outdoor structures.  Take the shed, for instance, which has certainly had its share of image problems.  At one point, according to many old movies and TV shows, it was a dreadful place where parents took their kids to punish them.  More recently, it has been perceived as a crumbling backyard building – often having a leaky roof, and uneven doors that are secured by a rusty latch and a padlock – that is used strictly for storing lawn mowers, tools, folding chairs, hammocks, outdoor furniture cushions and covers, fertilizer, and countless miscellaneous items. 

That is no longer the case, however.  These days, the shed is enjoying a newfound status as a beautiful and versatile building that can serve dozens of purposes.  This upgraded standing is thanks, in large part, to GazeboCreations.com, where you can customize your own cedar, pine, or vinyl shed.  Just choose the style – barn, saltbox, hip roof, or gable – the size, and the material you want, then select from a menu of options that includes several colors of siding, trim, shingles, and shutters, various window styles and types of flooring, cupolas, vents, skylights, and window boxes.  You can also build a gazebo, sunroom, cabana, or pool house using the same method.

These durable, multi-talented sheds have inspired several “new” expressions, which vary from person to person.  Because these buildings are being used in so many different capacities, you’ll hear people claiming that the shed is the new spare room, home office, home gym, weight room, laundry room, artist’s studio, playhouse, pottery room, potting hut, hobby room, supply room, or greenhouse, just to name a few. 

But, because the possibilities are endless, we’ll just simplify things by saying that the shed is the new “it” building.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: shed, Sheds

Despite it being March, the temperatures here on the east coast are still cold.  In fact, if I see one more snow flake, I’ll start rooting for global warming.  Since it is March, I do know that Spring is not far away (which means summer and bathing suits are close, too…maybe snow is good). 

The first thing you must do this Spring is organize your wish list.  Is this the year to decorate the garden with a few odds and ends, or is this the year you add a cedar garden bench, Adirondack chair and canopy gazebo?    Is this the year to just plant a few flowers, or finally lay down a rock bed and a cedar garden bridge? 

Spring is the time of optimism and a Can-Do attitude.  Make a list of your Do-It-Yourself backyard projects.  Circle your favorite, and immediately get to work!  The longer you wait, the closer August gets.  “I should have…” is never a good statement.

You can organize your list in two ways—most important or in order of easily accomplished.  Some people like to start with a couple small items, build some momentum, and then tackle the big one.  Not me!  Bring on the challenge!  I’ll do it now, while I’ve got the energy and desire to get it done.  If I do a few small projects, I’ll take time off and never get back to the real projects.

CedarStore.com presents the best of both worlds.  The projects appear large, such as a Vinyl Pergola, but really, they’re built in only a few hours.  The same goes for the cedar and treated pine arbors.  Spend half a day building the arbor, the other half placing hanging vines or flower pots, and call it a day! 

Another idea is to start the season with a storage shed.  Maybe Cedar Log for that rustic look?  Maybe a vinyl shed for its longevity and economical cost?  Starting with a shed gives you a chance to store all the tools for your upcoming projects in one place, and out of your way! 

Or you may just decide; no work for me!  Add a few pieces of outdoor patio furniture, relax, recline and reset. 

The most important thing is to enjoy the journey! 

Shari 

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, garden bridge, outdoor patio furniture, Sheds, Spring Cleaning