Outdoor Spaces (Design Is in the Details Series)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Add decorative details to create an outdoor oasis brimming with your unique style and taste.

The interior of a home has always been a haven for personalized design. And so are the outdoor spaces that surround it. To create a warm, inviting atmosphere in these areas, you need to pay the same attention to detail as you do when decorating a room. The first step is to determine an appealing overall look. Do you envision a calm and serene setting with Zenlike order and natural understated elements? Or would you prefer a Mediterranean getaway with brightly colored flowers planted against a backdrop of sun-soaked stone and rich terra-cotta?

Introduce details to the structural surfaces that frame the space and act as a backdrop for plantings, furnishings, and accents. A small fountain embedded in a stuccoed wall, a loosely arranged flagstone floor set among creeping thyme, and a series of overhead beams covered in wisteria are examples of how surfaces can harmonize with other design elements to wonderful effect. Furniture, accessories, and lighting also play an important role in setting a tone. Look for carts, chests, and side tables that provide storage as well as countertops for preparing and serving al fresco meals. Flowing fountains, stunning fireplaces, and arching arbors are among the countless features that transform a lackluster landscape into a marvelous retreat. Picture the perfect outdoor room and imagine the many ways you would use and enjoy it. Be certain to include places for socializing, entertaining, and dining as well as quiet areas in which to rest and relax. Let your open-air spaces enhance your lifestyle.

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