Perk Up Your Patio and Outdoor Space

Any outdoor space, from a small patio garden to a bountiful balcony holds the potential to be picture perfect.

Want to learn more on perking up your patio? Be sure to pick up the June 2007 issues

of
Better Homes and Garden,
What's Up Annapolis,
Lawn & Garden Retailer
and Better Homes & Garden DIY

where Kathy Peterson gives more great ideas about outdoor decorating.

OR pick up a copy of my latest book: KATHY PETERSON'S GREAT OUTDOOR DECORATING MAKEOVERS and visit www.KathyPeterson.com for more info.

Perk Up Your Patio!

Ask yourself: How do I want to use my backyard? Do you want to entertain, relax, cook, or is it a place to have a cup of coffee in the morning? Here are some of the latest trends in outdoor living design.

Curves & Colors: This is the year of colorful cushions and curvy details in lawn furniture. Chaise lounges are all the rage and who could resist a little R & R on a comfy reclining chaise by the pool or on a shady patio.

Deep Seating: Deep seating is the "buzz" word in the outdoor decor industry and boy is it lush! Deep set comfy and thick cushions create the look of deep seating. Everything from outdoor ottoman's, recliners, sofas and more are coming from the inside of our homes to the outside. It's all about comfort and casual living outdoors.

Texture: By adding plants, outdoor rugs, cushions, accessories and fabrics you can add a lot of texture to your outdoor space. Manufacturers of outdoor rugs say that you can literally pour bleach on an outdoor rug and it won't affect the rug. Wow! That's pretty amazing but then again I think outdoor decorating is pretty amazing.

Outdoor Kitchens: Cooking outdoors is an old time summer favorite but outdoor kitchens are now very vogue. In fact, if you add an outdoor fridge, dishwasher, pizza oven, fireplace and granite counter tops to an outdoor kitchen, you could possibly increase the value of your home by one third. Keep in mind, a full blown outdoor kitchen can be pretty pricey but if it's in your budget it's definitely something to think about especially if you love to cook and love outdoor living.

Outdoor furniture has come a long way. So get inspired in June to perk up your own patio and inspire your outdoor space.

And remember to add your own personal layers to your outdoor space. Vintage items can add character while carrying your interior colors of your home to your outdoor space will connect the outdoors to the indoors!

Happy Outdoor Decorating!
Kathy Peterson Inspired www.KathyPeterson.com

EDITORS & WRITERS: Please contact KathyPeterson at kp@kathypeterson.com for permission to use Perk Up Your Patio content.