• July, 2011
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Decor

all decked Out

by kate stafford

  During these warm summer months, bring the party outdoors.  

Flower Box

Get creative with your patio flower arrangements. Instead of plain pots, why not find some old wine boxes and convert them into flower boxes? Wine boxes with interesting graphics and art or just beautifully-aged wood have an unmistakable charm.    

'Round The Rug

Outdoor rugs bring out the familiarity of your living room to an outdoor seating area, so you can bring the family games outside after it cools down. An interesting geometric pattern adds life to your deck and also a pop of color. Pair with some oversized floor pillows and your summer spot is made complete.    

Collections

The most mundane of objects always look better when thoughtfully displayed. I love the idea of creating a conversation among objects by placing them in pairs or groups. Watering cans of varying materials and heights are my pick for the summer. Lining them up against a wall or on some stairs adds interest. Grouping them together in a cluster or on benches to create depth is another option.    

Yard art

Yard art is any quirky find that you come across in your design adventures that doesn’t have a place in your home. It could be an oddly shaped piece of pottery, an old architectural piece of a building, or a colorful coffee tin. Get creative!      

Floating Lights

A dreamy summer night would not be complete without some ambient light. Try stringing bistro lights above your seating area or making a collection of airy lanterns above your backyard table. A cluster of light adds summer charm and keeps conversations lingering.    

All lined-up

A solution for your unsightly outdoor clutter can be a clever shelving system. An old, industrial rolling cart can keep your gardening supplies together, for example. Keep some baskets nearby to catch all and keep your patio aesthetically pleasing and organized.      

Seating is key

Finding the perfect way to accommodate your guests and family on your porch can be tricky. It needs to last through the wear of the season, have an element of design and be comfortable enough to sit upon. My favorite find is a pair of fold-up, vintage, teak chairs. The clean lines of the wood bring a design element, while their shape makes them extremely comfortable.    

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