Furniture by Hannamint and Target.com
Have I mentioned I love being at home? I especially love the summertime version of my home. I love when my wicker furniture is cushioned, my fountain is trickling and the fan in my patio room is spinning. That outdoor space is my sanctuary. I can drink coffee (or wine), read magazines and relax while I watch my kids run barefoot in the backyard, ride their bikes a gazillion times around our property then tire themselves out on the trampoline.
Inside our homes we love fireplaces, hardwood floors, granite stone counters, and big, bright windows. That’s because of our innate desire to bring the outside in. So, doesn’t it make sense to take full advantage of our outdoor space, be it small or spacious, whenever possible?
As a Home-Aholic, I’m saddened when patios, decks, balconies sit vacant on beautiful summer days and evenings or worse, are used simply for… storage 
. Ignoring your outdoor space can mean losing out on valuable (and often fabulous) extra square footage for your home.
I think the trick is to apply indoor design concepts to your outdoors area:
- Create separate functional spaces (for larger outdoor areas) including a conversation area where a few comfy chairs are gathered around a small (coffee) table; an eating area with a table and chairs, a cooking area, a lounging area, and don’t forget a play area for the kids with a storage container for their toys/gear.
- Fire is good and adds romance to outdoor spaces. If a fireplace or fire pit is not practical, candles are a terrific way to add glimmer to an evening under the stars.
- Just add water to your space. Large or small (table-top) fountains are an easy way to create Zen-ness (and can drown out road noise, buzzing AC units, etc.)
- Mix and match furniture. ”Patio sets” with matching chairs, tables etc. are functional but don’t forget to spice them up with a variety of interesting and useful accent pieces. Mix a wicker set with a tile-top table and a wrought-iron beverage stand.
- Add fabulous fabric. Rarely can you go wrong when you toss some brightly colored throw pillows around your space. Fun outdoor textiles are abundant at most home stores (and Target.)
- Privatise. If too-close neighbors are an issue, install a simple lattice panel (available at home stores) or a privacy screen using outdoor fabric.
- Cozy it up. If you have only small space like a balcony, pamper yourself with a comfy club chair (and an ottoman) and a few potted plants.
Step outside the box, take a deep breath (and your favorite beverage) and enjoy that part of your home on the other side of the door.
Love Your Home,
Sue
