It's that time of year again, it's the first long weekend of the summer and we are all going crazy getting out our patio furniture and buying plants! I was out today and noticed lots of traditional iron furniture but in bright ice cream colours, alongside the resin and the wooden sets. The stores are full of colourful bamboo lanterns, Morrocan inspired items and the usual array of garden animals, buddha's and plant pots. Something new I saw is plant pots that are lit, dual purpose is always handy and saves you money! Each year I add something new to my outdoor space whether it's more plants or an extra chair or two. Last year it was turquoise adirondack chairs, this year I am spray painting my old bistro set yellow to "funk" it up for my patio. I have sprayed my lanterns many times and this year they will be turning yellow too. It's my colour of the moment! As the summer is so short we all really want to make the most of our time outdoors, lounging in the sun, dining al fresco or gardening. Your outdoor space can be treated just like the inside of your house, break it down into zones, somewhere to relax, somewhere to eat and play. Add lighting for all activities, solar lights, paper lanterns and candles. You can co-ordinate it to flow from the indoors out. My favourite colour in my house Metropolis (CC-546) from Benjamin Moore is also the colour of my deck. I have white siding and dark brown/black patio doors providing sharp contrast and then a pop of colour with the yellow. I always choose my plants for my resin planters with a colour scheme in mind, I know, I am getting a bit OCD these days! Great melamine dishes and glassware can brighten up your table, use outdoor rugs to define a space and make sure you have an umbrella for shade. Anyway it can be fun putting it all together, the options are endless, have fun with it! Have friends and family over, entertaining is more relaxed and carefree in the warm weather outside. Why not start this weekend, I am we are having a family birthday party, good food (cooked by my husband on the BBQ!), great drinks and a co-ordinated backyard space!!!
Here below are some great ideas to accesorize your outdoor space......