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May 2008 - Wil Herold
That time of year is finally here – the season all Canadians live for. That brief time when more and more of us venture out and take advantage of the warm weather and the space in the backyard, otherwise known to designers as “the hidden room.” So why not make it truly special?
It just makes sense to turn a backyard into a summer oasis and soak up every bit of the outdoors as possible. Some people go all out and create an actual outdoor living room. But even a few patio chairs and some bright cushions can do a lot for this space. It’s also an opportunity to be really creative so don’t be afraid to use colours in vivid, electric hues. They’re fun and you don’t have to worry about them clashing with your indoor colour scheme.
Think of things that add to your indoor comfort and bring them outside. Roll up some blankets and towels and set them out in a wicker basket in case it gets cold. There are great portable stereos you can hook your iPod into so you have great music on tap. If you want to create a theme, use a playlist and hand-pick the music for the whole night. Or how about party crackers? When night starts to fall, I like party lights instead of candles, but if you prefer candles, make sure they’re not left unattended and keep a bucket of sand on hand in case of accidents.
Consider buying a simple bistro-style dining set so you can enjoy your morning paper and coffee outside. This provides the perfect setting to devote a few moments to yourself – even on a weekday – before you head off to work. You’ll feel very European!
Several manufacturers are making patio sets with pieces that are more like sofas and very comfortable for entertaining or for just basking in the sunlight. Poly-resin weaves are the most practical and Sunbrella makes great fabrics that stand up to the harsh glare of the sun. There are also clever convertible pieces that look like sculptures until you break them apart into a set of chairs and a table. Not only does this option look cool but it leaves room for you to enjoy other furniture, such as lounge chairs. Just bring out the table set when you have guests. Nuevo is currently making a great line of these pieces, which are sure to become a popular trend; expect to see other companies following suit.
Gazebos are also great for dining outdoors and offer protection from rain and insects.
They’re available at most large chain stores or you can buy outdoor fabric and create your own.
Even if you’re on a limited budget, it’s easy to make outdoor entertaining more enjoyable. Use brightly-coloured dishes, pitchers and glassware. These will add a tropical flare and make your gathering just plain fun. Make ice cubes in trays with fun shapes and have some board games on hand. Don’t be afraid to be imaginative; whimsy is a key ingredient to any good time. Just be sure to have mosquito repellent (both Matter and Avon make great products) and sunscreen on hand all the time.
Just picture yourself enjoying a great book, having a cat nap or a glass of wine with friends. All these pleasures are even sweeter when you’re outside soaking up the warmth of a sunny day. Summer goes so fast, so take advantage of your hidden room and really live “la dolce vita!”
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