Posts Tagged ‘exterior design’

The Many Many Many Usecs of Vines in Your Garden

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009


If you have a fence that is standing out in your lush garden, growing a vine over it can be a beautiful, not to mention quick solution to your problem. Vines are a great, low maintenance way to decorate your garden, and they look great almost anywhere! Whatever your needs are, there is a vine to fulfil every need.

If you are looking for something to go on the ground, there are many varieties of ground vines to suit your needs. Ground vines grow fast and strong along the ground. They are very easily directed, so you can even use them to make a border around your garden, or just have them weave through plants.

Another popular vine is the “twining” vine, which refers to the way they climb up lattice or any equally porous surface by sending out small tendrils to loop around whatever is nearby. These are great for climbing up trees, or any type of mesh or fence. They require a lot of direction in their early stages, and as they grow, will require little care.

Of all the types of vines around today, one of the most recognizable varieties is Ivy. Most people have seen Ivy growing somewhere, which is no surprise since it is so adaptable and it can grow pretty much anywhere. Beware, however, as Ivy can grow very quickly and very uncontrolled, and can take over a wall of a home in a matter of months.

If you are looking for a natural way to improve the architecture of your home, or simply want to go green, vines are the way to go! A great way is with Virginia Creeper, a “twining” vine that can grow up a wall of any home in a matter of months. Make sure to keep your eye on it, though; while it looks great when its where you want it, it can very easily take over your home.

So no matter what you want to do with a vine, you should have no problem getting it to grow. You should always do your research beforehand and find out about any negative qualities the vine has (such as its ability to destroy buildings, as is the case with Ivy) and researching how fast the vine will grow, especially if you plan on using it on your home.

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Finding The Right Outdoor Area Rug For You

Friday, March 27th, 2009


Outdoor area rugs? Though this may sound incongruous, an outdoor area rug can add a real sense of style to any outdoor area where people congregate. Play areas and patios can both benefit from outdoor area rugs.

First, you need to consider the price when choosing an area rug for outside use. You want to find one that fits your budget and has style and is durable. Do your research before shopping so you will be able to find the perfect meeting place between price and quality. Many stores that sell cheap area rugs are selling rugs that will disintegrate after a year of use. On the other hand, don’t get caught up in buying a rug because of its name brand. Many name brands sell rugs that are not of the highest quality in their lower end markets.

If you are using an area rug outdoors under an umbrella, gazebo or other covered area then your area rug will last longer than if it was exposed to the weather continuously.

If the rug will be placed in an area that is exposed to the elements and receives direct sunlight you will be more limited in your choices. Some materials fade when exposed to sunlight while others dry and crack after getting wet. Stay away from these rugs and purchase one that is specifically for outdoor exposed areas.

Measure your space before shopping for your outdoor area rug. Consider where the rug will be placed and what the rug will be used for to help determine the correct size. You do not need to by a rug that covers the entire area. A smaller rug can add sizzle to your area by contrasting with the existing surface.

Some people choose outdoor rugs to fit with their landscaping or home design. Curvy landscapes, the angles and design elements of your home, and the design style can all help you determine what type of rug will look best. Outdoor area rugs come is a large variety of patterns and colors. For example, with a linear landscape and modern design style you will want to look for bold geometric patterns in a rug.

It’s important to incorporate the colors of your outdoor furniture into your rug. The colors will help compliment the furniture and balance out the look. If you are trying to pull in colors from your landscape instead you may want to use brighter colors on the rug.

If your rug will be placed in an area that is prone to high traffic you want to take this into consideration when purchasing it. In cheaper made rugs the backing will come apart when exposed to wetness and moisture over a short period of time.

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How To Choose And Use Outdoor Area Rugs

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009


Outdoor area rugs? Though this may sound incongruous, an outdoor area rug can add a real sense of style to any outdoor area where people congregate. Play areas and patios can both benefit from outdoor area rugs.

First, you need to consider the price when choosing an area rug for outside use. You want to find one that fits your budget and has style and is durable. Do your research before shopping so you will be able to find the perfect meeting place between price and quality. Many stores that sell cheap area rugs are selling rugs that will disintegrate after a year of use. On the other hand, don’t get caught up in buying a rug because of its name brand. Many name brands sell rugs that are not of the highest quality in their lower end markets.

The durability of an outdoor area rug is perhaps the number one factor to consider when shopping. You will need to take into account if the rug will be placed in a covered area or exposed area. Covered areas, umbrellas, shade sails, and gazebos all provide protection to outdoor area rugs. This will give you more of choice when picking out your rug.

If the rug is exposed to all outdoor weather you may have a problem with the colors fading from direct sunlight or the fact that the backing will become crumbly and fall to pieces shortly after you purchase it.

You will want to get a measurement of the area you will be covering. Make sure you know where you will be placing the rug. Don’t purchase a rug to cover the entire area. A small rug will accent your area fine.

Some people choose outdoor rugs to fit with their landscaping or home design. Curvy landscapes, the angles and design elements of your home, and the design style can all help you determine what type of rug will look best. Outdoor area rugs come is a large variety of patterns and colors. For example, with a linear landscape and modern design style you will want to look for bold geometric patterns in a rug.

It’s important to incorporate the colors of your outdoor furniture into your rug. The colors will help compliment the furniture and balance out the look. If you are trying to pull in colors from your landscape instead you may want to use brighter colors on the rug.

Lastly, what will your rug be used for? If it will be in a high traffic area it will need to be more durable that a rug used only for design. By considering all of the above elements you will be able to find the perfect rug for your outdoor space.

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Patio Perfection: Patio Furniture

Friday, March 20th, 2009


The patio is also a part of the home as the rooms found inside the house. To make it look beautiful is just as important. Besides, if there’s no more place to go to inside, going outdoor is the way, so you might as well make it comfortable and inviting. Decorating the patio can be a lot of fun.

Patios can be cozy, inviting and ready for family fun with the simplest of decorating ideas. When you want to decorate your patio, you will want to choose patio furniture that fits your style, your purpose and your budget. Patio furniture comes in a wide range of materials, designs, patterns, and pieces.

Having an enclosed patio is faster to modify. You can just put your regular home furnishings and you’re all set to enjoy your new living space. If you have an open or exposed patio, this takes more consideration in choosing your furniture. They have to be made of sturdy materials to avoid immediate wear and tear, and should be waterproof for the rainy days.

The patio is an extension of your house but it can have a totally different theme than the rest of it. For a modern, trendy style, decorate your patio with lush cushioned chairs. Throw a beanbag or two and colorful over-sized throw pillows on the side. Have a wooden small table for the complete hotel lounge look. Reading a book or hanging out with friends will be more fun! A patio with an adventure feel to it needs some nature-inspired furnishings, so you will feel like you’re on vacation to some tropical island. A wicker chaise, wooden chairs and floral prints will do the look. Add fresh flowers and potted plants, and getting a tan at home is as good as on the beach.

You can put more stuff in your patio adding to the usual tables and chairs ensemble. Settees, daybeds, rocking chairs and ottomans are also ideal decorating pieces. Go for things with excellent materials that can keep your furniture standing for longer periods even if the weather isn’t nice all the time. A resistant fabric is one to keep in mind.

There are so many patio designs that finding one to implement is real easy, especially if you already have a theme or motif in mind. You can use plants and flowers for a covered patio and area rugs too. Rugs are great complementing items that add color and style to the space. If your patio floor is concrete, well, you have a soft material to rest your feet on. You can even throw in smaller but cushiony area rugs for additional seating placements.

Make your patio a real part of your home. Outside or extension shouldn’t be considered “the others”. Be as generous to your patio as you are with your home’s rooms. For all you know, the patio might just turn out to be your favorite living space of all.

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