Your summer kitchen
One approach to making your summer room perfect is to start by thinking of your needs and what you love to do. If you could add any room to your home, what would it be, and what would you use it for?
The downside of summer living is building up unwanted heat in the kitchen from cooking dinner. The best solution is to take it outside. Don't limit the grill to weekends and burgers and brats. Explore the many grilling recipes out there to expand your repertoire. While you're doing this, set up your patio as an outdoor cooking station that's ready to go whenever you're ready to start cooking. Set up a sturdy table for prepping veggies and meats and a selection of lightweight, outdoor serving dishes. The variety of colours and designs are endless and add to the space aesthetic. (Just as you would indoors, make sure the surface is clean before you get started.) Use colourful crates to keep grilling tools, potholders and outdoor dishes and glassware organized and handy. Finally, pick up some bright-coloured pots that match your decor style and plant rosemary, parsley, basil and other herbs so they're within easy reach to add fresh flavours to your grilled fish and chicken, as well as those tasty summer veggies. These potted plants also make for beautiful, easy centrepieces.
Your summer living room
Transform any outdoor space into a relaxing oasis that's perfect for unwinding and summer daydreams. Your key piece is a comfortable outdoor couch you can really sink into. It's always best to start with a neutral-coloured cushion, then work the accessories and accent pieces, including side tables, brightly coloured throw pillows and outdoor lanterns to make the space feel extra homey and just like an authentic living room. These décor pieces can be switched out each year to make your outdoor space feel fresh and new. With an easy assembly gazebo, you can also keep the space cool and comfortable in the heat of the day. Finally, if your patio faces an open or public area, a row of evergreens planted in large colourful pots will transform it into an intimate space with a perfect touch of nature.
Your summer dining room
Your summer party room
Dining outside is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy food as well as the company of your family and friends. When you choose a patio table, choose one with ample seating, and keep things comfortable and colourful with waterproof cushions. Umbrellas can throw shade on a sun-drenched deck or patio, making daytime dining (or your morning coffee time) more pleasant and easy on the eyes. If you're looking for something different, a patio umbrella outfitted with lights on the underside will let you linger over dinner longer.
With the right pieces, you can set the scene for any gathering of friends and family. Start with ample seating. Add to the traditional living room setup with an outdoor cushioned bench, and position some accent chairs and tables in a nook or two for conversation clusters. A patterned outdoor rug also helps to delineate spaces on a large patio or deck. A fire pit always creates a natural centerpiece and gathering spot. Some designs take this up a notch and incorporate the soft glow of fire right into a tabletop, making it easy to talk long into the summer night. As a finishing touch, be sure to have a wireless speaker and playlist ready to set the mood with music.
Summer 2017 pei-living.ca
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