Try these affordable designer hacks
An outdoor space can easily be transformed into a backyard entertainment oasis. Amenities such as pools, outdoor kitchens, firepits, gardens and outdoor living and dining areas can add a lot as far as homeowner outdoor enjoyment. Whether you live in a city, suburban or rural setting, there are a number of ways to increase your outdoor enjoyment and entertainment.
The popularity of bringing indoor features such as kitchens and spas outdoors remains more popular than ever. Investing in your home’s outdoor environment can not only allow you in essence to expand the environment of your home, but allow the “inside to go out.”
Creating outdoor appeal, may also increase one’s sense of calm and allow you to enjoy your home outdoors year round.
Looking to kick-start your outdoor environment? Here are some ideas to help get you started.
1. Outdoor firepits. Firepits can either be made using brick or stone or simply a fire bowl. Outdoor firepits
Good design doesn’t have to be expensive to look expensive. Further, just because a decor item costs more doesn’t necessarily mean it is better or higher quality. The trick in achieving a look for less is in many cases to look for affordable alternatives to blend into your existing decor.
Here are some affordable designer hacks.
1. Use ottomans and benches instead of case goods when possible. For example, instead of placing a large cabinet against a wall, why not opt for a bench or ottoman instead? Need a piece that can store items inside? Consider a console.
2. Add lighting. From lamps to even ceiling pendants, lighting doesn’t have to break the bank and can add affordable and instant glamour.
3. Consider traditional rug alternatives. While all-wool rugs may be desired, a poly blend or even an remain popular because they can be enjoyed yearround.
2. Outdoor kitchens. Looking to bring the indoors out? There is no better way to do that, than with an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen creates an instant hub for outdoor entertaining.
3. Pools, spas and saunas. While prices can vary relating to their cost and maintenance, pools, spas and saunas remain popular outdoor entertainment amenities. Spas and saunas in most cases are portable allowing you to move outdoor rug will be less expensive.
4. Consider textured material such as faux fur and hides.
5. Shop for pieces that aren’t all wood. For example, a piece of furniture that may be a mix of wood and glass or wood and wicker will come with a less affordable price tag.
6. Place small pieces of them to a different home or location if needed. identical or similar art in a pattern or series as an alternative to a single large-scale artwork.
7. Look for living room or family room seating alternatives to sofas and chairs such as a chaise, overscale ottoman or bench.
8. Use mirrors as alternatives to traditional artwork.
9. Go homemade! What would be more special than making something yourself?
10. Add affordable accents such as greenery or books. Whether real or artificial, greenery can be an affordable way to add accents to your space. Books also top the affordable accessories list.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com.
4. Pool and tree houses. Not just child’s play, these outdoor living spaces can be used for both entertaining and lounging.
5. Outdoor living spaces. Think of your backyard as an outdoor living room by making the space feel as comfortable as possible, infusing everything from outdoor sofas to chairs.
6. Outdoor dining. There is something that is quite appealing as it relates to dining alfresco. Set up a dining zone that is separate from your living zone. Options include rectangular or round tables in addition to more modern high-boy seating.
7. Gardens. Not only do gardens add to the overall appeal of an outdoor space, a garden can also add lots of interest and color as well.
8. Sun protection. From trellises to covered patios and umbrellas, sun protection may play an important role.
9. Outdoor children’s entertainment. Outdoor entertainment shouldn’t just be for the adults but the entire family. From basketball hoops, trampolines and swing sets there are a number of ways to keep every member of the house happy and entertained.
10. Outdoor fabrics. When looking to incorporate outdoor upholstered seating, outdoor fabrics will add to their longevity.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs .com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs
.com.