Outdoors by Design

March teased us with its intermittent Spring, but April will be the "real deal" with color popping up everywhere now. The light intermittent rain this month clears the skies to a crystal blue with white puffy cloud status on a regular basis. Outdoor living is a big deal these days wherever you reside. With our vacation budgets for long distance trips on hold these days, we are focused on making our backyards beautiful, functional and FUN! The word vacation means the very act of vacating, as in leaving our homes to seek the thrill of traveling to new and wonderful places/resorts. Although I know our backyards do not compare with some far-away island paradises, I do know that taking a few days off and just staying around your own "home resort" enjoying a glass of wine and grilling in your own backyard is as relaxing as it gets. It feels as if you suddenly own more time and it is a lot less stressful than meeting planes, trains, rental cars, and running a fast race keeping up with your own self-imposed itinerary.

I know this well, as I have become a great fan of those 2-3 day short trips to the coast, the wine country and the mountains, mostly due to time/work constraints and yes... budget. What these constraints have done for me, though, is four-fold in the freedoms I have received back in 1) relaxation time, 2) money savings, 3) exploration/adventure of my local cities and state, and 4) creating my own backyard resort to visit anytime, no reservations needed.

Home Sweet Vacation Home! Take a look at some of these wonderful backyard photos and decide for yourself how you might improve and enhance your own outdoors. But beware of design improvements, because your friends and family are bound to show up and vacation with you when you least expect it. These pictures are really decked out with ideas, so take a few notes on ones that might apply to your own specific patio, porch or yard.

Built-in BBQ's are wonderful additions, especially if you can add a high bar island for your guests to enjoy drinks and appetizers, next to where the chef is busy creating the main meal. That way, he (or she) is not all alone and can sit down and join into the conversation. If you have a stand alone BBQ unit, place a bartop or bistro table nearby to create the same atmosphere.

Speaking of seating, today's patio furniture designs are so exciting and more comfortable than ever, with thick cushioning in all weather fabrics in more colors and patterns imaginable. Adding accent pillows and outdoor blankets will add drama and warmth. I love the feeling of a living room outside under the sun and stars.

Kivas, or Built-in Fireplaces are very popular out here on the West Coast. With our cold dry winter nights, this heat source means more outdoor time year round. And just like an indoor fireplace, it will become the focal point of the outdoor area. Another option is to use a "chat pit" or "fire table" at cocktail height in round, square or rectangular, or at counter or dining height. The chat pits also offer a lazy susan option for appetizers and drinks if you'd prefer. Again, they become a focal point for your club chairs, rockers, sofas or dining chairs. Great for entertaining.

Today's patio table top selections are excellent, from glass to emperadora marble, natural slate, noche travertine, rainforest mosaics, tumbled marble and even cast aluminum tops with cut-out medallion designs instead of plain mesh. I have found even if stone tops are too expensive to use everywhere, at least one item such as cocktail table or dining is enough to make an impact for the whole grouping. Check out your local patio stores' inventory of outdoor plastic dishes, glassware and centerpieces. You'll be amazed how these items can spice up your resort look.

Umbrellas, which speak the language of "resort" fluently, are a must in my book! You cannot have too many umbrellas unless you're fortunate to have a covered porch with arches as shown. With so many colors, shapes and sizes available to canopy your spaces and shade the sun, umbrellas coordinate easily with your furniture groups. If in doubt, match your umbrella color to your earthtone siding house color or roof color.

And for my favorite item...if at all possible...treat yourself to some Outdoor Couture. Drapery panels create such a special effect for defining seating areas and lending some privacy. These panels come in many sunbrella fabrics and fringes, several widths and lengths and with good looking exterior rods and hardware. And if custom is what you need, a good awning company can provide the design, fabrication and installation.

Well, as usual Design is blooming and this project could be the most fun you'll have in a long time. Remember to bring both the indoors out and the outdoors in by flowing your color and style themes and coordinating your finishes. Add fresh or potted flowers to your tables and turn on the music to add some ambiance. Wishing you Bon Voyage and the easiest travel time to your new "At Home Resort".

P.S. If you still miss the ocean as I do, you might have to think about investing in a water feature, small or large...but that's another whole topic for a future posting!

Pamela

Contact pam@avallondesign.com if you need help designing and planning your new "Home Resort". AVALLON DESIGN is a full service Interior Design and Outdoor Design firm. Pamela is an IIDA Professional Interior Design Consultant since 1976. Photo contributions care of Pamela, AVALLON DESIGN clients, CALIFORNIA BACKYARD, Chuck Smith clients, and vendor O.W. LEE FURNITURE.
Many thanks.
www.avallondesign.com
www.californiabackyard.com
www.owlee.com