By: Chantel Simmons
Create a chic outdoor oasis with these backyard indulgences that you won’t know how you lived without! HGTV's Chantel Simmons will show you how you can heat your summer up.
1. Gazebo
No matter how much – or how little – space you have, a gazebo can create an instant outdoor “room”, ideal for reading, relaxing or dining. If you love to host parties but worry that you can’t accommodate guests inside if it rains, a gazebo erases that problem by sheltering guests (and food!) from a sudden downpour. When purchasing, think about your outdoor theme — is it rustic, Victorian or modern? — then choose the gazebo in a style that matches, such as cedar with shingles or a wrought-iron frame with glass inserts.
Don’t want to shade your entire deck all the time? Opt for a sun tent instead; it won’t save you from torrential rains, but will help with light showers and offer respite from the sun and mosquitos.
2. Patio Storage Bench
Forget stashing those patio furniture cushions in your front hall closet or bathtub. The latest patio storage benches are not just functional, but fashionable too, providing extra seating in a pinch. Look for a bench that resembles a loveseat — but be sure it’s weather resistant poly construction with faux brick, wood finish or pre-stained and treated pine, which will withstand the elements. Storage should be around 50 gallons to hold cushions, lanterns, candles and kids’ toys.
3. Heat Things Up
Extend your outdoor season by warming up your outdoor space with a freestanding or tabletop patio heater. The latest heaters are available in a variety of sizes, heights and finishes. To get the best use from your heater, look for one with copper or stainless steel finish (which will last longer than painted versions), adjustable heat output, safety auto shutoff and a weighted base. Short on space? Look for a wall-mount patio heater instead.
4. Water Feature
Even if you have a small space or condo terrace, a water feature adds interest and instant relaxation to an outdoor space, and can even cover up an area in need of repair. Against fencing, brick or siding, opt for a wall fountain. For the middle of a yard or deck, add a bird bath, low-rise reflection pool or multi-tiered Vienna fountain. If you have kids, consider a small fish pond. Opt for durable resin, which will survive the winter, as opposed to plastic.
5. Cooking Centre
If you’re constantly running in and out of the kitchen when guests are over, it’s time to splurge on full-service cooking centre. The latest outdoor kitchens can include an island (with stools on one side for extra seating and a counter for prep work), cupboards for storing dishes and even a mini-fridge for drinks or salads. Don’t have the space or money? Opt for the latest grills, which include double-access doors (to better contain variances in temperature), warming drawers and side burners. Look for weather-resistant fiberglass or stainless steel.
6. Patio Set
If your patio furniture is chipped, rusted or stained, it’s time to upgrade to a set that you’ll look forward to relaxing on. The latest “wicker-style” sets are made of sturdy resin, so they’ll survive the winter without needing to be stored indoors. Don’t forget to add glass-topped side tables, lounges, sofas and off-side umbrellas (with a sturdy cast-iron stand) to the mix.
7. Deck it Out
Cover up discoloured wood, brick, asphalt, gravel or unsightly concrete with modular wood decking tiles. A “deck in a box,” these tiles are easy to apply and give the appearance of an authentic solid hardwood deck flooring – without the cost or hours of labour. Or, cover any surface with epoxy flooring, a floor coating that blends epoxy with stone aggregate to resemble natural stone in any hue.
8. Outdoor Rug
An outdoor rug instantly turns your deck into a living space. While it may seem impractical, the latest rugs are actually made from polypropylene (to withstand the elements), are reversible and can cover up stains, weathered areas or spots in need of repair.
9. Throw Cushions
Seemingly decadent, throw cushions are the perfect splurge when you can’t afford to update your patio furniture or want to pull together your new outdoor space. Choose polyester with quick-drying foam or polyfilling and they’ll hold up against spills, showers and sun (though you should store them in a bin overnight) and will instantly make even the shoddiest and outdated plastic lawn chairs look pretty and comfy.
10. Accessorize
Just like a great pair of shoes can take your outfit from average to amazing, the right outdoor accessories can make your space an oasis. Instead of paper napkins and plates, opt for linen and china – stock up on inexpensive white place settings that look clean and classic yet if they break can be replaced easily. Bamboo placemats will stay in place despite wind and give an upscale appearance to even a picnic table. A copper party tub replaces tacky plastic coolers for drinks and mini solar or battery-operated lanterns staked in gardens and planter boxes will add tranquil mood lighting to your space.
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If you have questions, or want advice on Buying or Selling a home, get in touch with The Bagogloo Team of RE/MAX nova by email at info@halifaxmetrohomes.com or call 902-830-9006.
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