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copyright ©1999-2004 |
let's
take
it outside
make an outdoor living space by
Kelly Beachell Gasner | 1
2 3 4 continued from page 1 Now assess your space from a designer's viewpoint. Architectural elements are important things to consider when you're planning your outdoor room -- they provide the basic structure and boundaries of the space. A concrete slab may not seem too promising, but with ivy-covered trellis walls and a canvas awning it could become the garden reading room you've always fantasized about. If you're lucky enough to have a swimming pool, adding a palm-covered palapa, a pillow-covered lounge chair, a few tiki torches, and an in-pool fountain could transport you to Tahiti every day after work. You can use all the existing features of your space to help define your room, support its purpose, and work as impromptu furniture or architecture. You can also use structural elements or plants to conceal ugly views. It's all about how creative you can be, and how you highlight the best features and camouflage the bad ones as you plan your outdoor room. define a
purpose What are the other possible uses of your space? Maybe it's first and foremost a place to unwind with a cocktail after a long day -- but could it also be a place to host a romantic dinner for two? Adding a few chairs to a cozy breakfast nook transforms it to an ideal place to host a tea party for the girls. If electricity is available, it's also a great place to plug in a laptop and set-up the ultimate telecommuting office or study space. Make the most of the gorgeous weather by using your outdoor room as often as possible, and for as many purposes as the available space will allow. create the
space ---------------------------> lounge . nourish . host . laze . home.
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