| Issue #3- April 13, 2007 |
Patio Perfection
As spring slowly morphs into summer, we can finally look
forward to being outdoors again. That means equipping your outdoor patios
and decks with cozy furniture for all of those hot summer days, lazy
nights and family barbeques.
When choosing décor for your outdoor furniture, the first step
is deciding what kind of material you would like to use. There are many
to choose from – wicker, wrought iron, cast aluminum and teak,
just to name a few. Your options are endless and each material has its
own unique style, transforming your outdoor space into your own personal
paradise.
Wicker is the ultimate material for cozy, living room-like outdoor furniture.
Wicker is ideal for those looking to make an outdoor space comfortable
and inviting. All-weather wicker is available at most outdoor furniture
stores, where it’s easy to find a slew of different styles to
choose from, including, sofas, loveseats, rockers, lounges and ottomans
– pieces you would normally find in your living room, made especially
for the great outdoors. Wicker furniture offers the best of both worlds
– the comfort and appearance of a cozy lounging space, with an
old-world, southern hospitality feel. Hildreth’s Home Goods Stores
in Southampton and East Hampton carry a wide selection of all-weather
wicker furniture. For more information, visit www.hildreths.com.
Wrought iron furniture is a classic choice for any outdoor space. You
can turn your patio into a Parisian getaway, creating a bistro-like
feel with ornately decorated chairs and tables. The sleek, old-world
elegance of wrought iron can bring an air of sophistication to a patio
or deck, while still enabling you to choose furniture that can withstand
all the elements. Check out all the different styles at Out of the Box
in Islip Terrace. To view their outdoor furniture, visit www.outoftheboxli.com.
Cast aluminum is an ideal choice for outdoor furniture, not only because
of its sleek, modern appearance, but also because of its weatherproof
qualities. Cast iron can withstand scorching summer temperatures and
won’t rust after those electric summer thunderstorms. To view
a vast selection of the latest styles at the best prices, visit Sundown
Ski and Patio or log on to www.sundownpatio.com for locations and hours
of operation.
For those who like the natural feeling that wood furniture offers, teak
is an excellent choice. Teak furniture, also a classic option, has been
used in outdoor spaces for centuries, adorning the gardens, terraces
and patios of stylish homes all over the globe. The warm, deep glow
of teak adds grace and beauty to any space, and is able to endure any
climate. Check out the extensive collection of teak furniture at www.patio.com
for ideas.
While most outdoor furniture comes in sets complete with a table and
chairs, you can also look into other types of furniture to complete
your outdoor living space, such as lounge chairs for poolside sunning,
benches instead of chairs for a more “homey” feel, or even
full-sized couches to offer yourself and your guests the comfort of
home. To purchase outdoor furnitiure made from recycled plastic, visit
www.kaufmnnallied.com. This new product is maitenence free and comes
with a twenty-year warranty.
After selecting the perfect outdoor furniture, it’s time to accessorize,
using cushions, umbrellas and side tables. The possibilities are nearly
endless. Do you want warm, beach-like colors to accent your poolside
oasis? Or maybe your tastes run a little darker, and you’d prefer
rich blues or reds. Whatever style you choose should reflect your personal
style, with a little added flair – something that will beckon
you and your guests outdoors.
For those after-dark get-togethers you know you’ll be having this
summer, adorn your outdoor space with lights to illuminate your fabulous
new furniture. Creating a lighting scheme outdoors will further entice
you to spend as much time possible outside while you can, before the
soothing days of summer leave us once again.
Now is the time to start planning your outdoor décor so that,
once summer hits the Hamptons, you’ll be ready.
– Genevieve Salamone
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