Using fire and colour to enhance outdoor living spaces
Dear Debbie, We are planning our backyard and would like an area set aside for relaxing as well as some gardens and maybe a water feature. What makes sense and is not too time-consuming to keep up?
We both work, no kids yet, love to entertain. Brigitta Dear Brigitta, For many, gardening is part of the thrill of outdoor living, it’s creative and relaxing to plant and weed and have fresh cuttings to take inside.
But if you aren’t a gardener at heart, then look for containers to set up around the sitting area. They come pre-planted and generally only need watering and some trimming to remain healthy and in bloom.
Fireplaces are as enchanting outdoors as they are inside. There are many styles, and I found one that would suit your love for entertaining.
Brown Jordan’s Flo fire table has space to set down drinks and snacks, and can also be used as a footrest.
It’s five feet long and is constructed of a mix of cement and fibre that is both stronger and lighter than concrete. It’s finished with a protective wax coating.
The stainless steel EcoSmart burner is set below the tabletop to protect the flame from wind. Check out their versatile eco-styles at brownjordanfires.com.
Please note that outdoor fire restrictions differ by region, so always check your area laws before you buy. Dear Debbie, I find it most pleasurable to stick to nature’s variety of greens, greys and woody browns in my garden.
But I came across a garden with just one splash of colour (red) shown in a pair of garden chairs and it really brought the scene alive. What do you think about monochrome? Daphne Dear Daphne, The monochromatic scene you describe, or more precisely, a blend of neutral shades, is lush and glorious.
But as you discovered, adding one shot of bright colour enhances the neutrals and makes all the shades stand out.
Red is a notorious scene-stealer, and whether it’s introduced in a border flower or on furniture or exterior house trim, it works beautifully.
You can add red pillows to a wooden chair, even a red shade umbrella. Continue to love your neutral grasses and bushes, and then add one or two pops of colour.
You’ll love it.