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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) – For people who live in colder winter climates, the thought of being able to get outside and enjoy their yard and garden is almost overwhelming at this time of year. As you count the days until spring, why not start planning how you’ll use your outdoor space this year.
“People want to be able to use more of their outdoor space, and they want flexibility,” says Deb Anderson, president of By The Yard Inc., makers of maintenance-free outdoor furniture. For example, you might have a bench tucked away under some trees in the back of the yard that you can disappear to when you need a quiet place to think, as well as a seating area near your perennial garden where you and a friend or two can admire the flowers while sharing each other’s company.
A look at decorating and gardening magazines shows that the way Americans use their outdoor space is changing. Outdoor entertaining is a trend that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. While once a humble gas or electric grill next to a picnic table on the deck or patio constituted an outdoor cooking setup, today it is not uncommon to find outdoor kitchens that include pizza ovens, industrial-grade appliances and granite counter tops.
From new and innovative materials to groupings that are tailor-made for entertaining, outdoor furniture has come a long way, too. Minnesota-based By The Yard manufactures furniture made from recycled plastic milk jugs that is stylish, attractive and virtually maintenance-free. The plastic lumber is colorfast, so it never needs repainting, and it is impervious to all types of weather from freezing temperatures to blistering heat. It can withstand moist or dry climates. “We’ve tested our products in Alaska, the Arizona desert and the Florida Keys and after 30 years they still look great,” says Anderson.
When planning your outdoor room, approach it the same way you would a decorating project inside your home: spend some time thinking about how you’ll use the space. Will you be entertaining large groups, or just a few friends at a time? Do you want to eat outside, or do you prefer furniture grouped for conversation?
For example, envision a typical get-together from start to finish: for cocktails, guests can sit and chat at the bar-height tables and chairs from By the Yard. For dinner, adjourn to the dining table. With tables in various shapes and sizes, you can entertain a crowd all at one table, or get people to mix and mingle by using a couple of smaller tables. Enjoy dessert in Adirondack chairs in the garden. The “Tete-a-Tete” combination of two chairs connected by a table offers a place to set coffee.
Choose a color scheme for your outdoor room that can be reflected in the small touches that make a room special. In this case, since the room is outdoors, that might mean candles or other outdoor lighting for when you use the space at night; decorations like potted plants and weather-proof rugs; and colorful, but unbreakable outdoor table settings.
You can coordinate your furniture to your color scheme as well. All 70 pieces from By The Yard are available in six colors, including white, brown, green, grey, sandtone and weathered wood. A quick spray with the garden hose is all it takes to keep this furniture looking new.
Take full advantage of the hot summer days and balmy summer nights this year in your new outdoor oasis.
Visit www.bytheyard.net to see the complete collection of outdoor furniture. Courtesy of ARA Content
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