Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Wicker Patio Furniture and Your Garden Patio Space

Designing Your Outdoor Space

In creating beautiful outdoor spaces, many people today are looking for high quality, decorative garden patio furniture, including wicker patio sets and sets made of wrought iron, cast iron, cast aluminum, or wood. They are also seeking out patio décor, including outdoor rugs, lighting, candles, and other items to create elegant and inviting outdoor spaces, rich in ambience. In today’s environment, it is the wicker patio furniture and cast metal sets that are the most popular, trendiest sets to be found on the market.
 
In fact, outdoor patios and garden settings, in general, have become extremely trendy today. This reflects the fact that, despite our flailing economy at the time of this writing, people have generally become wealthier over the last three decades. And while wealth has increased, so, too, has stress. People today feel more stress than ever before. This increase in both wealth and stress has inspired more people than ever in recent history to create works of art in their outdoor spaces--places where they can relax, rejuvenate, and indulge in the beauty of their patio and back yard. Gone are the days when the back yard was mainly a place to put up a swing set for the kids and the patio was merely a place for outdoor food grilling. Nowadays, gardens and outdoor patios are spaces for entertainment and rejuvenation!
 
Some of the things to consider when creating your own patio or garden setting include:

* What is your intended purpose for this outdoor space? Is it strictly for personal use or for entertaining? Is it for dining, conversation, lounging, or all of the above? The answers to these questions should dictate your furniture purchases.

* How much space do you have? Be sure to prepare a space plan, complete with measurements, in order to make the best use of your space. You’ll want to ensure the proper flow of the space, and be sure to purchase furniture in the right sizes to make your patio comfortable, rather than too cluttered or too sparse.

* What is your style and what kind of setting do you want to create? Are you going for elegance? Homey? Modern? Traditional? Knowing your style and keeping it in mind will help you tremendously in choosing just the right pieces of furniture and patio décor.

* What is your color scheme? Is it warm, soothing colors, or cool, modern colors? If your space has walls, columns, or other paintable surfaces, what color do you want the backdrop to be? Adding plants, flowers, decor, and furnishings will give you the opportunity to create a complementary color scheme or to add accent, contrasting colors. Patio furniture cushions are a great way to add spashes of color!

* How will you accessorize your space? Your wicker patio or metal furniture should be practical for your purposes and aesthetically pleasing. But adding the final touches can take your space from “fine” to “fabulous!” Add rugs, outdoor lighting, statuary, plants and flower pots, wall hangings, etc. If your budget permits, outdoor fireplaces, fountains, waterfalls, cobblestone walkways, garden arbors, etc. are stunning, (though costly), features.
 
* Light and sound. Your lighting scheme can really make or break your patio and garden setting. Add floodlights on trees and garden statues, or add luminaries to border a walking path. Adding wind chimes or a waterfall can dramatically enhance your setting and help to create an enchanting environment.
 
The bottom line is, have a plan and go with what feels right to you. Think it through before you shop! The right mix of garden patio furniture, colors, accessories, and ambience-inspiring features will allow you to create a truly magical space for yourself, your family, and your friends. Enjoy!

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