Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs
It is important to include layers of height to your outdoor room. Except for the patio umbrella, everything tends to be the same height, giving a "flat" feel to the décor. Don't be afraid to use unconventional items to achieve this. I have an inexpensive metal baker's rack that I use outside. It helps lift plants up to eye level, as well as candles and any outdoor accessories that I want to highlight.
Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs
If you plan on using your outdoor room quite frequently at night, use white plants and flowers,and touches of white in your accessories. This helps to brighten up the area and garden.
Pick up real dishes (not plastic) at the dollar store or an outlet store. The same goes for glasses. Make your table outside as pretty as your table inside.
Pots of plants will bring instant color to your outdoor room. Plus, you can move them around at will depending on your mood or outdoor activity. Be sure to pick up colorful plants that work for the spot they will be in. Don't ignore colorful foliage, like coleus, which comes in many colors and can do better than some annuals. The pot you put them in should suit your outdoor décor as well. Try to be consistent as to style or color.
Coleus photo courtesy of Old House Attic
With some simple sewing skills, you can make your own pillows or "slipcovers" for your outdoor furniture using outdoor fabrics.
Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs
For slipcovers, put the fabric together like a pillowcase, with one end open to slip over an everyday outdoor folding chair. You've dressed up an inexpensive folding chair and coordinated it with the rest of your outside décor.
Just like when you are decorating inside your home, save your accessorizing until last. Look and see where there is an empty spot and fill with either pots of plants or accessories. You don't have to fill every blank spot; just like inside your home, your eye needs a place to rest.
Copyright 2008 Creative Home Expressions
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