Summer has finally arrived and it is time to expand your living and entertaining space to the outdoors. 

When it comes to decorating your outdoor space just think of it as your great room.  Section your patio/deck into three different areas: eating, conversation and relaxation.

Once you have figured out how you are going to use each space, it is time to pick out furniture.  Before purchasing the furniture, do some measuring of the space so you know exactly what will and will not work in the space.  This will help keep you from over spending and buying furniture that will not fit. 

There is patio furniture to fit everyone’s budget.  You have your choice of plastic, wood, glass, stone, wicker, and wrought iron.  Make sure to mix it up a bit.  You do not want everything to match.  By mixing and matching, the materials will make your room more inviting to your guest.

Now that you have selected you furniture, your next step will be to position them.  Use the plans that you had drown up earlier as a guide.  Do not get stressed out if the plan changes a bit.  Make sure the eating and conversation areas have the best views and the relaxation area is off in the quite corner of your yard. 

Once you have found the perfect layout it is time to dress up the space with lighting and accessories. 

           Eating area:

To add color and style to this area focus on your place settings.  Buy placemats, glasses and dinnerware that compliment each other.  Do not be afraid to venture out and buy something that is a little more exciting then you normal dinner ware.  To save money later on when its time to change the colors go with an umbrella that is a neutral color.  To define the space put an outdoor area rug under the table.  Just like in your dining room, you need light; you can add that to this space by hanging an outdoor chandelier if you have the ceiling space or buying outdoor lamps.  For a more romantic feel, they make great lights that go around your umbrellas, either around the pole by the table or around the top.

            Conversation area:

Adding color here will be easy and fun.  Buy or make toss pillows in fun patterns and colors.  There is a great selection of outdoor fabrics that is sure to match anyone’s color scheme.  Also bring in a few fun accessories like candle holders vases or planters.  You can also add an outdoor area rug to this space if you do not go with a fire pit/bowl.  Adding a fire pit/bowl will add great warmth, ambient lighting and a conversational piece.  However, do not forget about other lighting.  You may need to bring in some outdoor lamps to this area as well. 
           
            Relaxation area:

You want to keep this area calm and relaxing so keep this in mind while you are accessorizing this space.  Add color to your hammock or chaise lounger with pillows or a throw.  Add low lighting that will add a calm and relaxing feel.  Try some ground lighting or a lamp with soft low lighting.  Accessorize with plants and a calming water fountain.  Whatever elements calm you make sure to incorporate them into this space.

To add a touch of color through out and to add cohesion to the space chose planters that compliment your color scheme and add flowering plants and greenery.  Keep your color scheme in mind when choosing the color of your flowers.

To make a great outdoor space just remember to think of it as another part of your home.  This will make the space more enjoyable.

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