SUMMER SUN DECOR!

There are great ways to decorate the outdoors for summer time!  Many casual and intimate styles are seen in today’s outdoor patio and furniture sets with accent cushions in terracotta oranges, lemon yellows, apple reds and ocean blues!  These accent colours are an exciting way to bring decorative appeal to any outdoor area of a home.

 The move towards creating a comfortable outdoor space is becoming popular in both hot and temperate climates because people want to entertain more outside.  There is a trend in creating an outside room that looks like an extension of one’s home which can be achieved with a few simple decor elements!

Home Link Design has selected a few of its favourite outdoor products that can help in creating different decorative styles in any outdoor living space:

• 1. Fireplaces: Outdoor fireplaces are becoming focal elements within outdoor living areas. There are many custom designs and styles that can be constructed to suit any patio size. Fireplace structures create the feeling of a living room in any outdoor patio area.
• 2. Candles: Lanterns and candle votives are an excellent way to create mood at night time. Try placing different heights of candles on a large tray or glass bowl on top of a table. Also, try placing floor lanterns with candles in a corner to create a decorative look to a floor section of a balcony or deck area.  
• 3. Lighting: Add lights to an umbrella or tree! This can be a creative and artistic way to create a dramatic look at night. There are many different styles of outdoor lighting that can be purchased at your local hardware or patio store. 
• 4. Outdoor Pillows: Bring life to any outdoor patio set with throw pillows! This is a great way to accent or update an old set with bright coloured accent pillows. There are many colours available today but choose an accent color that reflects the style and look you want!
• 5. Pots & Floor Vases: Adding large pots or tall vases in a patio area will create interest and design. There are different styles of pots and vases available. Try to choose varying sizes that can be grouped together in a corner. Also, selecting large outdoor pots can make a dramatic look and feel within any outdoor space! Pots come in different colors like; black, stainless steel, cream, brown and other tones.
• 6. Outdoor Area Rugs: There are many outdoor carpets that can be used with patio sets and outdoor sectional furniture pieces. Placing an outdoor area rug can be an excellent way to create an intimate conversational setting. Try to select an area carpet that coordinates with the color choice of throw pillows and umbrellas in your outdoor decor.
• 7. Outdoor Decor: The patio area has not only become a place for entertaining, but also a place to relax. Sometimes the easiest way to create a comfortable area is to add cozy elements with decor elements. A few simple items like adding a basket with magazines next to a chair; placing a set of matching placemats with plastic place settings; incorporating trellises with flowers; adding bamboo sticks in a tall floor vase; or simply adding a privacy floor screen to a sitting area can be unique decorative touches to any outdoor space.
• 8. Water Features: The calming sound of water is always comforting in any setting. Therefore, adding a water feature with either a water fountain or wall feature is a great way to create an oasis outside. There are many water features available in hardware stores today. Some examples can be as simple as creating a small pond with rocks or placing a pot with a water pump inside. Today there are wonderful waterfall features that can be mounted on a wall to create a cascading effect.
• 9. Mirrors: Placing a mirror on a fence or gazebo area can instantly transform a space. This is an easy trick for creating a larger space in any outdoor patio. A mirror will both reflect light and create an open feel!
• 10. Fire Pits: Creating a fire pit is an easy way to add interest to a backyard. There are fire pit kits available in many hardware and gardening stores. Also, there are movable fire pits that can be placed on top of decks and balconies instead. Whichever one you choose, a fire pit will definitely create an interesting and intimate outdoor experience for you and your guests!