Outdoor living spaces
chair or a swing with exterior cushions, mood lighting with vintage candles or lanterns, and some accessories with character. Add an outdoor carpet and you created an outdoor living room, great for early morning coffee or evenings by candlelight.
Patio fix For the plain concrete slab patios, my suggestion is to add potted plants. Greenery is the simplest way to add life to a drab stone pad. If your patio is next to your house’s exterior wall, use this to your advantage. Hang mirrors or a trellis on this wall and you instantly transformed the space. You can use this exterior wall as you would an interior wall; place a console table for convenience. You can even create a wall of plants by building a vertical garden up the wall and planting herbs, strawberries, or other plants that require less dirt.
Gravel yard You don’t have a defined space in your backyard? Use fine gravel and contour the space with unique paver stones. Use colorful furniture such as a turquoise metal dinette set or a yellow patio table with matching chairs to bring character to your gray space. Add cushions and potted flowers and a little corner of paradise awaits you.
BBQ heaven You have a deck with your patio table and chair and your BBQ in one corner. Everything looks too plain and lonely. My suggestion is to use your deck to beef up this space. Add to your BBQ space side walls with counter space; bring an outdoor sink into play if you can. I recommend building with treated wood or using metal cabinets. Add an undercounter mini-fridge and you instantly create an outdoor kitchen.
Back of the garden retreat If you have a wilder backyard, clear out a space under a shady tree to create a hidden retreat. Seed grass and keep it low, or add flagstones with grass around the stones. By adding a two-seat bench or a small table with two chairs, you just created a romantic getaway to enjoy with your loved one. Front yard appeal There is no good reason why you cannot use your front yard to maximize your outside living space. If your yard permits it, carve out an area next to your front walkway, build a privacy fence, and lay down a brick pad. Add some outdoor sitting and voila! Here is another great space to drink your morning coffee and enjoy the neighborhood with a front-row seat.
Fire circle If your town allows it, create an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Create this space with more than a few people in mind since you might want to invite family and friends. The surface can be made of anything you wish, rock screening, crushed stone, pavers, or even keep it grass. As long as it is level, the space will appeal to all. Keep the fire pit wall low enough that you can still see the fire if sitting.
— Tayna Bardati is an Interior Designer and Home Staging Expert in Bromont (www.creationstayna.com), follow her on Facebook @ Creations Tayna Home Staging, or on twitter #deco21girl.