From The Inside Out  The resurgence
of interest in entertaining and relaxing in
outdoor living spaces is exciting as well as challenging. Creature
comforts and aesthetics are now as important for leisure living as they
are for interior spaces. Outdoor and vacation living should reflect our lifestyle and taste just as interior spaces always have. Gusto, flare, and a bit of whimsy seem to come easier when decorating outdoor spaces. Simply think of this area as a room with nature for walls. Then apply the same basic principles of design that are used to create livable and inviting interior spaces. The “make do” leisure or vacation spot filled with rejects and space-filling furniture left over from other places is no longer a desired trend. Well-built furniture and durable fabrics are highly important. They contribute to a leisure lifestyle that is carefree and attractive. An adventuresome approach to color combinations is enhanced by greater freedom of choice when designing an informal yet elegant leisure place. One of the most pleasant facets of the leisure lifestyle is that it creates an opportunity for a colorful, lighted-hearted existence. Ideally, it will provide an escape from the pressures and conventions of daily living. The watchword is low maintenance. So in planning our leisure living world, we need to take all elements into consideration just as we do for our other decorating. This applies to vacation homes, poolside areas, or open-air porches. A sense of harmony will develop if color, pattern, and style are coordinated. It is important to note that the interior and exterior color scheme should have a planned relationship. For example, if you have a beach house in driftwood gray siding, with cobalt blue doors and white trim, a good interior scheme could expand upon variations of these colors, and then carry assorted versions through to the patio, deck or porch. Variety in the form of texture and accent colors will add interest. Outdoor space should look and function as a continuation of the inner space. If an over-all scheme is achieved, the whole house will seem more pleasant and spacious. The plainer the outdoor elements, the better. This will allow maximum enjoyment of the natural patterns of sky, clouds, trees, and flowers. Harmony is best achieved with solid colors and simple-lined furniture. Contrasts, however, can be added through the well thought out use of more sophisticated stripes, florals, and geometrics. Outdoor fabrics come in an expanded variety and color palette. Canvas is durable and practical for outdoor living. There are many fabrics now that are water proof or drip dry and feature prints, jacquards, and intricate weaves. They are suitable for exposed or covered spaces.  Today’s leisure
furniture comes in a variety of styles and materials.
Comfort is a key element. Teak is a most versatile and weather
resistant choice. It comes in very elegant styles. Grade A teak will
give value for your investment. Please be sure it is constructed from
harvested plantation trees and not the rain forest. Wrought Iron is an
interesting older standby now available in a variety of finishes and
design styles. Quality Wrought Aluminum comes with a powder-coated finish using polyester solids that are ten times thicker than paint. Cast Aluminum is created from wood molds that allow for intricate design details. Other choices include redwood, rattan, bamboo and of course the ever popular wicker. Favored Wicker colors are white, dark shutter green, black, and chocolate. Wicker is available in weatherproof construction that is practical, durable and indiscernible in many cases from the original. Wicker is available in weatherproof construction which is practical, durable and undetectable in many cases. It is easily cleaned with soap and water. Also available is Loomed Wicker, a breakthrough never-rot, never crack extruded resin material. These choices all form great backgrounds for adventuresome solids and prints. Accessories are the signatures of your personality. It is important to coordinate color, pattern and style with practicality. Sculpture, urns, artwork, towels, mats, and cushions, along with dishes and tableware will add interest and harmony to your surroundings if they are well planned. Simplicity is also an important consideration. Remember that the watchword is low maintenance and the purpose is enjoyment. Our leisure environment should provide a sense of retreat from our over extended lifestyles. Life is too short to be caretakers of the wrong details. |
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Charlotte Iseldyke
