The Heat is On, Summer, take us away!

It’s the season we all love. The sun is out, grills are firing up, grass is green, flowers are in bloom and water is splashing.

Who doesn’t appreciate some sunny vitamin D?! It’s good for the skin, the soul and the spirit. Spending time at home offers some of the best lazy days of summer and having the perfect outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining is a bonus.

Regardless of the size of your space or the area, giving it attention can bring you such joy and comfort. Whether your space is poolside, street side, garden side or a balcony, your area can provide that “happy place” vacation experience right in your own backyard.

There are many options to give your deck or patio a look all its own and extend your living space through several months. Outdoor retreats should be an extension of your home and a reflection of your lifestyle and interest. Small balcony spaces can provide a garden enthusiast room for herbs and flowers while a front porch will offer a room with a view to sit and enjoy your neighborhood. Each space can be suited especially for you and your surroundings.

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Take a peek at some of our favorite ideas!

A front porch offers a sweet space to greet neighbors and guests. The mocha wood tone of the shutters and ceiling with the powder blue house provided a beautiful canvas to add the essentials to complete this small narrow space. A swing dusted with comfortable accent pillows add color and texture while two bronze metal chairs provide extra seating. Antique blue buckets loaded with fresh hydrangeas add life and the use of twine to hang the swing is a simple added touch. The variety of pillows and bold rug are suitable for the outdoors and give just the right touch to finish this comfy porch.

This adorable front porch certainly has the “staycation” effect. This custom made attention getter daybed will be a favorite nap snatcher for mom or dad. Covered in a comfy collection of eclectic pillows and a soft cushion, it will be a favorite for the whole family. The added bonus is this throw back to circa 1970 wicker “throne”. We love this seating mixture and conversation starter! Ready and waiting for company or a nap!

A courtyard is the perfect spot to add a cozy gas fire pit. The brick pavers along with a brick privacy wall anchor this functional space. We loved the ceramic garden stools, chosen to add more color and character, they can also function as side tables to a seating group. The fire pit is constructed from cultured stone and granite and allows room for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. A bronze water feature is mounted to the privacy wall and provides movement and soothing sounds which add just the right ambiance to this formal spot. The green hedges will provide a touch of low maintenance landscaping.

The subtle gray color scheme of this home needed a bold touch of color and the teak furniture did the trick. The kitchen in this home was certainly extended by adding a four top dining table on this side porch. The black window color was extended onto the rug and potting containers which pack more punch. A black ceiling fan was added to provide additional air circulation and bright pink and yellow flowers create more texture. Since this space is covered, we opted to add big bold artwork to a large wall to create a point of interest along with a geometric outdoor area rug.

A screened in porch is a delight in anyones book and this space delivers! Clustering four rattan club chairs around a gas fire pit offers a terrific seating area, this space has a tall ceiling which also enabled us to use a large ceiling fan. Again, anchored with a bold outdoor rug and accent pillows, this space comes alive. The added bonus is a wall mounted television perfect for entertaining or simply quiet nights at home watching Jeopardy.

Covered pavilions offer many amenities, these spaces are the perfect spot to entertain family and friends. Beautiful stone wood-burning fireplaces nestled in front of a sectional seating arrangement with flat screen televisions are a perfect space for grilling, hanging out and watching the game. All fabrics and furnishings are outdoor rated and UV protected which will insure durability. The natural materials of wood and stone inspired the color and pattern choices of the finishes. Materials were thoughtfully chosen to compliment and not compete with the surroundings of these stunning spaces each fitting effortlessly into their environments. Each area has been accessorized with rugs, pillows, dinnerware and sculptures that bring that indoor touch to the outside.

Outdoor dinnerware and stemware is the perfect addition to any outdoor dining space. Durable and easy care, this small classy detail adds a touch that sends the message that you are ready to serve your guests in style.This courtyard features white patio pavers accented with simple pea gravel and a stunning cedar pergola. Privately hidden, this gem boast a load of character. Custom wood raised planters flank the sides of the patio for added privacy and a fun child’s swing hanging from the rafters adds an extra bonus to this small space. A dining table for six and occasional seating for four provides additional room for quaint dinner parties. The textures are complimented with rich teakwood and subtle textiles. Namaste.