Posts filed under 'Garden Decorating Ideas'
A trellis is pleasant and chic, indicative of the flowers that bloom all around it. Add a splash of summer fun into your winter gloom by bringing that friendly garden piece inside! Even before the heat of the summer has cooled, we already miss the fresh air, the ambiance and the peace that is inherent to that magical season. Rather than leaving it all behind for a cold and depressing winter, we can capture some of that beauty and feeling for the rest of the year. A trellis indoors? I know it sounds crazy, but is it really? Crazier than leaving this gorgeous piece of furniture out in the cold? I think not.
Decorate with taste
A garden trellis can be left as is or decorated elaborately for a stunning addition to any room. Silk flowers woven through the latticework really captures the garden decorum. Spell out a friendly message with satin ribbons piped through the openings. Change the colors and sayings with each holiday.
Mirror mirror on the…trellis
Strategically placed behind selected windows of a trellis, mirrors can increase the light in a room, and create a delightful mirrored image pattern, as well. If you have a plain mirror with no frame, a trellis is the ideal backdrop. For a salon effect, cover both sides of a trellis screen panel with a full-length mirror. This will give you a full view from each angle.
Center of attention
Because a trellis is not your typical decorating piece, you can easily make a simple display of this beautiful wooden ornament. Standard accent lighting focused on a trellis makes a bold, avant garde statement that tells the world you are what’s in. For more variety, use colored bulbs in light or dark hues (depending on your surrounding furniture and wall color).
Practical makes perfect
Would you believe an indoor trellis could even be practical? Insert decorative or functional hooks within the crisscrosses and hang everything from baseball caps to coffee mugs. Here’s an idea to encourage reading during the winter. Affix a bookshelf to the latticework. Place the trellis on top of a large area rug. Fill the shelf with your favorite books, and snuggle up on the cozy rug with some hot cocoa and the latest best seller.
An indoor trellis means something for everyone. Enjoy the warmth of cedar wood and the comforting presence that says spring is just around the corner. Share your unique trellis ideas with all of us!
October 21st, 2007
This month is the Jewish celebration called Sukkoth. What this means is Jews all over the world will be enjoying a few days out on their patios, eating, entertaining, and even sleeping. All this attention to porch decks sort of got me hungry for some redecorating (not to mention all the delectable smells that are wafting into my window!) What with the school year settling in, and winter on it’s way, though, I know I don’t feel like spending a whole lot of cash on my patio, of all places. Not to be beaten, the decorator inside came up with ten ways to spruce up your patio for less than $100.
So, regardless of your affiliations, join in the celebration, and give your patio a summer closing bang.
1. Chairs: Gliders are some of my favorite furniture items because they’re both functional and fun! Stress just seems to melt away in the soothing calm that emanates from a peaceful evening in a glider. The Sling collection is sleek and trendy, and the executive pieces are beautiful. Check out these stackable dinning chairs for panache and space conservation.
2. Kids count too: A curved bench is quaint and goes over great with the kids at lunchtime. If you prefer the straight and narrow, benches are available without the curve as well. And a junior Adirondack chair is only one of the cutest pieces of furniture you will ever see.
3. If you enjoy the look and feel of wood, an Adirondack ottoman brings that turn of the century sentiment into modern day terms.
4. For $27 you can throw a cozy cushion on to any seat, and increase both the comfort and style of your patio furniture. Folding chairs can also be decked out with flexible foam cushions in attractive colors that brighten up your patio.
5. Tables make excellent additions for their practical application and instant style. The English garden table is a sophisticated piece, and is wonderful for entertaining guests. If you already own wrought iron patio furniture, the Savannah dining table will fit right in. Even a simple round, square, or rectangular end table made from solid cedar wood gives a new feeling and loads of personality to the entire area.
6. Umbrellas add character and shade to a lounge area, and colors are neutral enough to match nearly any furniture set. If you have an umbrella already, consider an impressive cast iron or aluminum stand designed with intricate patterns in contemporary black powder coating (this protective coating prevents rusting, chipping, and fading, and is a must in my book).
7. A pleasant cedar birdhouse not only dresses up your deck, but also invites feathered friends to join the party. I enjoy a nice serenade even on the busiest afternoons, and my kids simply go wild at the sight of these winged wonders.
8. Planters are terrific redecorating tools because they add a new element, greenery, into any area. Whether you are at the top floor of a high riser, or down in a desert valley, planter boxes enable you to have the lush garden you’ve always dreamed of.
9. Light up the night: An elegant lighting fixture can really transform a dark night into a glowing evening relaxing on the patio. Outdoor lighting options come in many shapes and sizes. Pendants, landscape, sconces, and posts are a few of the hundreds of lighting options that are all available for less than $100.
10. Finally, rest your weary feet on an attractive and oh so comfortable cotton rug. In a variety of colors and sizes, 100% cotton, prewashed rugs are even machine washable. So you don’t have to feel bad about leaving them outside.
These are just my humble suggestions on how to really end the patio season with a bang. Tailor them to fit your personality and needs. Regardless of style preference, patio layout and expenses, everyone deserves a little something. After all, ’tis the season to be jolly (oh, wait, I think I’ve got the wrong holiday).
September 24th, 2007
Am I the only one who, until recently, had never heard the concept of fire pits? This is one of the coolest little inventions I’ve seen in awhile. It’s a neat, self-contained bbq grill with loads of benefits. Here’s a breakdown of this fantastic new style of grilling (tips included!)
Safety
Fire pits keep the coals, fire, and soot contained in a safe area. Located in the center of a wide circular table, fire pits are difficult to reach for short (child-sized) arms. The adult version, on the other hand, can tend to food, and replenish stock with ease.
Appearance
I don’t know about you, but watching my food cook on an open fire at the center of my table while I sit back in a comfortable chair with a nice drink in my hand, well that sounds like a nice little chunk of heaven to me.
Practicality
Good grills are expensive and require maintenance, gas, and storage during rainy seasons to be kept at optimum performance. Fire pits, on the other hand, are self-contained, require little maintenance and clean up is a simple task of replacing the cover when you’re finished.
Versatility
Finally, fire pits are not just great for cooking steaks and dogs. Fill the pit with chunks of ice, and you’ve got a deep cooler for keeping a large supply of drinks cold and at the ready.
Patio tables from every style family come with these modern day wonders built-in. I’ve personally seen these fire pits in the classy Nassau style, trendy modern sling, and elegant Monarch full party set, and I know there are plenty more. Renovations are keeping me focused primarily on the inside of our home. But once in awhile, well, you know, I just can’t resist. Fire up those puppies because the summer won’t last forever!
August 18th, 2007
One of the biggest selling points for this new house was the porch. Or should I say porches. There was a balcony porch upstairs off a bedroom, a small porch off the kitchen downstairs, and, the piece-de-resistance, an enormous entertainment patio off the dinning room. Though these weren’t pressing areas to be dealt with, after lots of hard work and creative budget decorating, I decided to treat myself to a little fun!
I turned my attention to the entertainment patio, and immediately I envisioned a luscious garden with rose bushes here and exotic alstroemeria there. My husband reluctantly pointed out that we are on the second floor, and concrete flooring is not entirely conducive to flourishing greenery. A complication, but nothing I can’t deal with! Growing up in suburbia, I spent many weekends tending the garden with my father. As such, I’d developed a small green thumb (and nine other small fingers as well!) as such, I knew a few tricks that just might turn a concrete jungle into a floral paradise.
The solution, of course, would be planter boxes. Lots of planter boxes. I came up with several beautiful ideas based around plants and flowers of my choice. Here are a few of the ideas I used.
I placed a 10″ planter box in each corner of the patio and filled them with dwarf conifers (perfect for smaller gardens with beautiful bronze, golden, or glossy blue and green shading). In the center, I put two 20″ boxes with one corner touching each other (almost like a figure 8 ) filled with Lilies of the Nile. Then, I got white-veined ivy to weave along the railing. I’m hoping this will soften the metal bars. Finally, I sat a potting bench in the farther end of the patio so I have a place to work on my flowers. I positioned it right next to the waterspout, and connected a hose with a multi-function nozzle attached. Remember to spray plants lightly when watering. You don’t want to blast them with a sharp or heavy stream.
On the smaller porch and upstairs balcony, I used long and shallow planter boxes with colorful chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, and floss flowers respectively. I chose these flowers for the beautiful colors, and for their ability to attract butterflies! The simplistic wood material of the long planter boxes even enhanced the vibrant colors of the flowers they held. Don’t forget to use lots of colors, that’s what flowers are for!
This was by far one of the most relaxing areas I had to decorate. I was able to bring my kids outside to play as I worked, and I even taught them a little about plants and how they grow. You can use these ideas to dress up your patio, porch deck, or balcony. As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to contribute.
August 12th, 2007
“It’s hung there on the front porch
Since this old house was built
It’s where the old men whittle
And the women fleece their quilts
It’s held four generations
Through whatever life could bring
That ol’ swing
That ol’ porch swing”
When I was little, my parents had a metal double bench swing set. You know, the type where the benches faced one another. I spent hours of my life on that toy, swinging away with not a care in the world. As a teenager, I always wished they would trade in that ‘kids toy’ for a nice cozy and romantic porch swing. My wishes were never granted, though. Well, a few months ago I visited my parents, and what did I see in the backyard? My brother and his wife curled up on a big beautiful white wicker Biloxi swing, cushions and all! Well, it was my dream come true, just a decade or so too late! Oh well, better late than never.
Porch swings are a blend of sweet sentimentality, lazy summer day wiling, and fun childhood adventures. The all-purpose furniture, swings can be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. You can just as easily picture the following two scenarios: a heart warming scene with a loving couple in their seventies enjoying a slow sway on the swing and a angelic toddler curled up fast asleep as the wind rocks her and the swing gently back and forth.
Porch swings come in wood, wicker or steel to satisfy all tastes. Then there are those miniature city world domination swing pergolas. Have you seen these pieces? Basically, this is a porch swing supported and flanked on three sides by lattice or other free standing structural walls, all done in a stunning cedar wood. A porch swing that comes with its own milieu? This is the swing fit for kings!
Maybe I’m being overly sentimental, but in my eyes, porch swings are the place where memories are born. Who doesn’t remember (or remember daydreaming about) cozying up on a porch swing somewhere with a spouse, child, friend, or pet? The setting could be a crisp autumn afternoon, or a late summer evening, the feelings are there all year round. Made of wood, wicker, or steel, the sentimentality courses regardless. My hammock is a haven, but my porch swing is my sanctuary.
August 5th, 2007
Aluminum Sling furniture is light-weight, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. These items are perfect for lounging by the pool, or for those who like to move their patio furniture around. Their light weight makes sling aluminum easy to transport, while the mesh material allows water to pass through the furniture ensuring that you won’t be sitting in a puddle!
Avalon Collection
By far, my favorite aluminum sling collection (though the Corsica is an extremely close second), the Avalon Collection has added a stunning twist to all their pieces. Avalon combines the comfort of sling, the finesse of aluminum and the pleasant look and feel of wood to create a spectacular set of outdoor furniture. Dine, swivel, or just relax with this exceptional collection.
Corsica Collection
This French revival collection shares the same beauty, style and comfort as the wonderful Avalon Collection, with the delightful addition of an optional tan/bronze combination. Wave-like seating allows for perfect support and comfort. This collection has gotten comfort and style down to a science.
Executive Collection
Just as the furniture in an executive conference room connotes power while simultaneously providing comfort and style, the Executive Collection offers these same features. Deep seats, wide arching arms, and sleek table and chair design, all crafted with a tasteful flair, create the atmosphere of prestige and confidence.
Milan Collection
Remember that zany adrenaline-pumping move called The Wave? Well, I can’t say why exactly, but this furniture set reminds of that feeling! The Milan Collection is smooth, cool, and comfortable, and yet charming all at the same time. The Milan sling lounger, the swivel and dining chairs, and the fire pit dinning table with woven design are prime examples of the easy going, sling back characteristic of this remarkable collection.
April 23rd, 2007
The Catalina collection makes me think of a beautiful long-haired kitten, purring majestically. On the other side of the spectrum, when I hear Monte Carlo, I can’t get the revving of engines out of my head!
Monte Carlo Collection
This designer set is the exclusive choice for those interested in keeping up with the latest and greatest furniture styles. The Monte Carlo Collection features an artsy chair design and oblong or round tables to match. Bar height set is the perfect place for chatting about the up-to-the-minute styles over a smooth latte.
Catalina Collection
You’ll simply be overwhelmed by the quiet beauty inherent within the Catalina Collection. Like its name, this collection is unassuming, yet charming, sophisticated, and breath-takingly beautiful. A stunning addition to any patio, garden, or home.
Grand Monacco Collection
Finally, I’ve saved the best for last. The Grand Monacco collection offers a stunning table and chair set. Granite tile tabletop and both swivel and armchair availability, all decked out in a strikingly beautiful bronze finish creates the feeling of majestic dinning and boundless leisure time. Indulge yourself in one of life’s truly outstanding comforts.
April 16th, 2007
I’m a sucker for a good romance, and Casablanca is definitely one of my favorites. That might have been what got me hooked to the next collection. Or maybe it was the snazzy design, not really sure!
Casablanca Collection
“Annina: Monsieur Rick, what kind of a man is Captain Renault?
Rick: Oh, he’s just like any other man, only more so.” -Casablanca (1942)
You might say the same thing for the Casablanca Collection. It has the usual tables, chairs, and chaise lounges. It is just like any other outdoor furniture set…only more so. This circle-in-the-box pattern is definitely an out-of-the-box design. Whether in black or bronze, you’ll agree that purchasing any of these Casablanca Collection items is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Barcelona Collection
You’re really going for the gold with this outdoor furniture set. Elegant and tasteful, the Barcelona Collection has a unique style that exudes a pleasant feeling of comfort and ease. Its sophisticated style is only enhanced by the deep black and attractive bronze colors in which it is offered. Relax in the Barcelona swivel rocking chair or invite some friends over for a pleasant dinner around the five or seven piece set.
Santa Monica Collection
Now you can share “Santa Monica Nights” (with David Hasselhoff or your own special someone!) with our dreamy Santa Monica Collection. This collection boasts an exceptionally attractive design, rich with beautiful intricacy and detail. The red granite tabletop option really adds an extra dimension of elegance and charm. And something you’re sure to fall in love with are the Santa Monica glider items. Cozy up with a loved one on the loveseat glider, or blissfully glide your troubles away in the two-piece ottoman and chair glider. Either way, it can be your own little slice of heaven right in your backyard.
April 1st, 2007
Moving right along the site, I found myself in the next category of aluminum patio furniture; all welded cast aluminum. I learned, to my surprise, (never mind my chagrin for not knowing what this term meant) that all welded furniture has everything regular cast furniture has, and more! All welded pieces provide that much more durability, weather-resistance, and general life expectancy for the furniture. Things were just looking better and better.
Monarch Collection
You will certainly feel like royalty with the impressive Monarch Collection. The beautiful cutout sun design is regal in its own right, and angled chair backs provide comfort and ease. Enjoy a quiet afternoon with your significant other with the Monarch chat group or entertain a large group with the seven-piece set. Either way its majestic beauty and plush comfort will put you in a class of your own.
Scroll Collection
Wide and deep seats and pretty cutout butterfly pattern are just a few of the things that make this collection score high on many people’s lists. Throw a cushion on for cozy lounging or spread out while you eat a good meal (or after) with the roomy and stylish Scroll Collection.
March 27th, 2007
Aluminum furniture actually comes in a variety of forms. Patioandhomefurniture.com has cast aluminum, aluminum swing, and all-welded aluminum furniture collections. I was amazed to see that each category had its own benefits and all contained sets brimming over with comfort and class. I’ll start from the basic cast aluminum collections and end off with the crescendo of the aluminum swing (bet you’ll be “ooo”ing and “aah”ing by the end, I sure was!)
Nassau Collection
This collection is versatility at its best. From the basket weave pattern that will match nearly any décor and setting to the back wheels, convenient for transport, Nassau has truly taken every consideration as far as comfort, style and convenience are concerned. Bronze chaise lounges are the perfect combination of comfort and class, so you can really lay back in style, and marble-topped chat tables provide an uncommonly beautiful atmosphere. Rest, dine or lounge in these fabulous aluminum wonders.
Palm Back Collection
This company makes none of the high-ended claims that are so common in today’s market. The Palm Back Collection offers, and delivers, simple sophisticated beauty from each and every item. Such ease permeates the very core of this stylish collection. What’s more, these pieces are as practical as it they are classy. Special powder coating will ensure that your set will stay pristine and rust-free forever!
March 19th, 2007
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