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Friday, May 13, 2005
  Articles on this page: • Boundaries Blurred Between Outdoor and Indoor Living Areas
Boundaries Blurred Between Outdoor and Indoor Living Areas The boundaries nowadays between indoor and outdoor living areas are becoming blurred. Backyards are becoming prime living spaces, a trend that allows families to add living space without the exorbitant expense of a home renovation. If you're considering creating your own outdoor room, the first thing you need to consider is comfort. If you’re not comfortable in a space, you won’t use it. A shaded area is so much more welcoming than an area exposed to the elements and helps you avoid negatives like heat and sun glare. A great way to add shade is by installing a canopy over your outdoor living space. Canopies don't have to be costly. The Easy Gardener® Sun Screen Canopy™ is a great new product on the market. This retractable shade system cools patios, decks and sunrooms. A 12 foot by 16 foot patio or deck can be shaded for less than $400. Any do-it-yourselfer can install the shade system using everyday tools. All you need are the Sun Screen Canopy Hardware Kit and Sun Screen Canopy Fabric Kit (available in lawn and garden centers, hardware stores, or by calling 1-800-EASY-INC). The fabrics come in solids and stripes in five popular colors and are made from 100 percent weather-resistant polyester. The fabric is machine washable and guaranteed for up to five years of outdoor use. Designed as a modular system of fabric panels, Sun Screen Canopy hardware attaches easily to existing balconies, patios and arbors. If you don't have a structure, you can build a simple frame following the instructions inside every kit. Once you get your Sun Screen Canopy up, start thinking about what you would like to do with the "room" underneath it. Just like an indoor room, an outdoor room requires planning. Rooms can be elaborate or simple; it just depends on your taste. Nowadays, there is more available in terms of outdoor furnishings — just shop around and look for things you find inviting. A unique picnic table, decorative chaise lounge or ultramodern outdoor grill will set the tone of your room. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Try using items that weren’t necessarily meant for the outdoors, like colorful throw pillows. Remember, since the area is covered, you will have a little more leeway when it comes to furnishings. This year, add to your living space by creating a fabulous outdoor room. If you just take the time to properly plan and shade your area, you'll find yourself enjoying the great outdoors more than ever.  RETURN TO TOP |
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