Outdoor Decor

As the conept of outdoor living spaces has evolved over the past decade, exterior decor has followed suit. Outdoor rooms are being given the same design considerations as interior spaces, and the structural and decorative elements available to outfit them offer the same level of style and comfort that indoor rooms boast.

While garden structures are generally considered utilitarian, they can also set the overall tone of an outdoor room by creating privacy, adding swaths of color and texture, and signifying a distinctive style. Water features, furniture, decorative accessories and lighting build on this theme, making spaces not only more functional but also more comfortable, personal and inviting.

Decorative elements can be chosen to match indoor decor, creating a sense of unity and flow between interior and exterior spaces. Or they may be selected to create an entirely different kind of experience that distinctly separates it from the house. Many homeowners prefer to tie outdoor spaces to the garden, emphasizing natural materials in their choice of furnishings, water features and decorative accents. The great thing about designing an outdoor room is that the sky is your limit. As long as funishings can weather the elements, just about anything goes.

Sidebar: Weather-Worthy Fabrics

Standard upholstery cusions and fabrics don't wear well outdoors. Outdoor cushions must be quick drying and mildew resistant. Likewise, fabrics should be quick drying and treated for UV, mildew and stain resistance. The most common outdoor fabrics are solution-dyed acrylic and vinyl-encapsulated mesh. Both come in a wide range of colors and patterns for easy styling and color coordination.

For longevity, store cushions indoors during winter, spot-cleaning fabrics with mild soap and warm water. To remove mildew, spray on a solution of 1 cup bleach, 2 cups mild detergent and 1 gallon water. Allow the solultion to soak in, then rinse thoroughly. For tough stains, use a fabric stain remover.