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Related Articles: Beat the Summer Heat with Home Decorating | Patio Heaters and Fire Pits
Summer Time Patio Decorating
by Joey Pebble
It’s that time of year again, the warm rays of the sun are shining, there’s a
smell of barbecue in the air, fresh cut grass is everywhere, there are children
playing, pools splashing, ice cream trucks vending; its summer, and its time to
get out on your patio and enjoy the warmest months of the year. However despite
the glorious beauty of the natural summer world, a bare patio is still going to
be both inconvenient and unsatisfying. Luckily, this is merely an opportunity
for you to merge your own selective tastes and decorative artistry, with the
wonders of the world just past your doors.
Seating is the first essential component of any patio decorating. People need a
place to rest their feet, in order to enjoy the outdoor area for any length of
time.
Of course the cheapest and most common solution is regular plastic chairs which
can be purchased from almost anywhere. They are relatively durable, stand up
well to the elements, and can be molded to fit almost any seating needs, from
formal high backed chairs, to luxurious recliners. They are even available in a
variety of standard colors, and occasionally, in prints.
The problem is that the machine manufactured perfection of plastic chairs will
generally clash with the wild natural environment around them. Further, these
pieces do degenerate over time, and wind, rain, and elements can cause them to
start staining, or losing the smooth luster of their perfect faces.
Many people prefer wooden or even wrought iron seating in such a space. These
rustic elements fit in more naturally with the outdoor nature of the patio, and
so don’t clash with the elements of the natural world. They are also usually
more expensive, and made to a higher standard of quality, so they survive the
elements better. This can be insured by using a small tarp or drape over the
seating whenever it isn’t specifically in use.
A picnic table or patio table is another standard accessory to this type of
outdoor decorating. A table gives the space a central location, providing a
beacon that people can gather around when interacting in a social way.
Another major element of patio decorating is illumination. Some outdoor settings
will be equipped with a built in electric light, but others will not. Without a
source of light, the patio will be relatively useless once the sun goes down.
Tiki torches are one popular option for illuminating a porch. They are
relatively inexpensive, and the glow of the flames will not only provide you
with light, but will also help to keep unwanted pests away. Candles are another
similar solution, although you have to take care that they are placed safely in
candle holders that will protect them from being blown out, or blown down, where
they can catch fire to something important.
Once you get beyond the standard seating and table arrangements, there are a
variety of accessories that you can use to spruce up the decorative nature of
this area. Things such as stone planters, potted plants, trailing ivy, or floral
arrangements, allow you to integrate the living world into your own little
outdoor patio. Little statues, and garden gnomes, as well as novelty signs of a
humorous nature are another way to add personality to the space.
However you have to be careful with decorative items on the patio. Wear and tear
will tend to break down anything that isn’t taken care of. What’s worse is that
the ever changing nature of the landscape makes it much easier to fall into a
clutter trap. Too many decorative pieces, and your patio will switch over from
being cute and attractive, to just being a chaotic mess.
Patio decorating is as much a matter of function as it is form. You want to set
up your outdoor area in such a way that people will be comfortable relaxing and
interacting within the space. Lighting is important, as is seating and table
arrangements. Once you’ve cared for those necessities, then you can get
creative, bringing in a variety of decorative outdoor statues, and artistic
pieces.
This article is sponsored by PebbleZ’s line of all natural sandstone drink
coasters, a unique collection of absorbent mountain born pieces, printed
with a variety of images both natural and man made. The articles text was
written by Joey Pebble, an artist and designer with the company.
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