This blog a special post from our friends at Alair Homes – custom home builders and renovators with offices across the lower mainland and North America.
It’s patio season! And since many vacation plans have been shelved and staycations are on the agenda, chances are, we’ll be spending a lot more time on our porches, patios, and in our backyards this summer.
“COVID-19 is making people look at things in different ways, and we’re starting to think about how we can utilize all the space in our homes, and that includes the exterior” says Ami McKay from Interior Design firm Pure Design Inc.
When it’s time to maximize and update your outdoor space, McKay offers her tips on making your environment as warm, welcoming, and stylish as possible.
Keep the palette neutral
If you think of outdoor furniture 10 years ago, you probably think either heavy wrought iron or the brown plastic, woven to look like wicker. Today, that colour palette is changing, with more colour options and wider variety of materials.
“I recommend you keep colours light and natural,” says McKay, who uses a lot of whites, beiges, and creams in her own decor, choices that are also elegant and timeless. “Think natural and bright, which can help create a warm and inviting space.”
Think about materials
There are many weather and water-resistant materials on the market – Perennial, Sunbrella, Bella-Dura are a few examples of sturdy yet stylish choices.
But we’re also seeing furniture and decor can be used both inside and out, providing flexibility and variety.
“Outdoor spaces are definitely looking more elevated and more like living rooms. I use the same cushions inside and outside. I also love to bring indoor rugs outside. We did a sit down dinner with lots of rugs outside recently and it was really lovely,” says McKay.
Decor and furniture made with indoor fabrics and materials will, of course, need to be brought in at evening’s end, and you’ll also need somewhere to store them indoors. Two things to take into consideration before you buy.
… read more at AlairHomes.ca