The IDEA Publishing
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt
The_Home_IDEA
The Home IDEA

The Home IDEA

Your Source for the Best and Newest Thinking for Your Home and
All You Do in It!

7 Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal

9/6/2019

Comments

 

Whether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house. Consider these ideas – some big, some small – for bringing new life to your home’s look.


7 Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal

(Family Features) Whether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house.

Consider these ideas – some big, some small – for bringing new life to your home’s look from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Swap Out Your Front Door
As one of the first things a guest, passerby or potential homebuyer may notice, the front door is the gateway to your home and a likely opening impression. Upgrading to a heavier, bolder door or simply repainting the existing threshold can capture positive attention. Alternately, swapping out hardware for a more eye-catching look is an easy way to achieve a fresh facelift.

Create Seating Areas
A welcoming home is typically an attractive one, and there are few better ways to create a cozy vibe than a seating or gathering area on the porch. Whether it’s the classic porch swing or chairs and a coffee table suitable for the outdoors, a small zone ideal for conversation and camaraderie can help create an at-home appearance.

Plant Shrubbery
Billowing trees and blooming flowers are certainly eye-catching accessories outside a home, but many varieties require intense care to grow the way you envision and may adhere to seasonal weather patterns for optimal appearance. For a quicker result, shop around for fully mature shrubs and plants that can withstand elements throughout the year.

Rethink the Mailbox
It may not be as exciting of a project to undertake, however, giving your mailbox a fresh look helps it stand out and – especially if it’s directly in front of your home – may turn an ordinary object into a worthy attractant. Your work may be as simple as updating to a newer model or as thought-out as constructing a small rock wall around the base.

Add Stonework
For a project that can give your house a new look altogether, consider incorporating stonework or a stone veneer for a natural appearance. If changing your facade isn’t in the plans, less complicated ideas like pavers, brick sidewalks and landscape rings are ways to introduce a classic touch.

Paint (or Repaint) the Exterior
Changing the exterior paint color of a home is one of the most popular renovation projects, and one of the first that comes to mind for many homeowners. Simply altering the colors of trim, gutters and other accent pieces may be enough for some homes, and repainting the exterior doesn’t have to mean a new color altogether – consider a brighter shade or simply a fresh coat to help your home pop.

Update Lighting
Light fixtures come in all shapes and sizes, and many times the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While updated porch illumination may not drive home a potential sale, it’s a subtle touch right as guests arrive. Adding smaller lights in previously unlit areas like around landscaping (consider solar-powered for easier maintenance) can help your hard work shine.

To find more ideas to increase curb appeal, or to find a certified remodeler near you, visit RemodelingDoneRight.com.

SOURCE:
National Association of the Remodeling Industry


KEYWORDS

  • advice×
  • color×
  • colors×
  • curb appeal×
  • door×
  • doors×
  • front door×
  • hack×
  • hacks×
  • home×
  • homebuyers×
  • homebuying×
  • home improvement×
  • homeowner×
  • homeowners×
  • home value×
  • home values×
  • landscape×
  • landscaping×
  • lifehacks×
  • lighting×
  • outdoor furnishings×
  • outdoor furniture×
  • outdoors×
  • paint×
  • paint color×
  • painting×
  • patio×
  • patio furniture×
  • real estate×
  • Realtors×
  • remodel×
  • remodeling×
  • renovating×
  • renovation×
  • renovations×
  • resale×
  • resale value×
  • seating×
  • tips×
  • visual appeal

RSS Feed

Comments

Tips to Keep Your Patio Looking Great This Summer

7/2/2019

Comments

 
Picture

Summer is here, and with the season comes plenty of time outside in the yard. When the weather is pleasant, you want to be able to enjoy a beautifully maintained outdoor room, but nature's elements and natural growth can leave your yard looking overgrown or old. There are, however, a few things that you can do to maintain your outdoor space on a weekly and daily basis to help keep it looking fresh and inviting.


Mow Carefully

More than likely, you'll need to mow your lawn at least once or twice per week, according to this source. When you mow your lawn, make sure that you double check the height of your blades so that you avoid scalping your grass. Also, be careful around smaller plants in the landscaping. It's easy to mow over a seedling if it's just starting to sprout. Usually, you should mow grass about 2-3 inches high. This lets you stimulate growth by cutting it back without taking so much of the top off that the roots aren't protected. For small plants and seedlings, put wire fences around them so that you don't accidentally cut them down with an edge trimmer.

Beware of Sun Damage

Rays from the sun can do a lot of damage to almost every piece of metal and plastic that you have outside. After a few years, you will likely begin to notice that your patio furniture is a lighter color than it was even a couple of seasons previously. One of the simplest solutions is to use patio furniture covers. According to this source, protecting property, such as patio furniture, is dependent somewhat on climate, but in general, lightweight covers do best. That way, whenever you're not using you're furniture, you can easily put the covers on to protect furniture from the sun and storms.

Stain

Wood
Staining wooden decks and furniture is the type of job that most people try their best to put off because it can be labor intensive. It can take some time to sand and apply protectant to the wood, but it looks great when it's finished. A coat of paint or sealer can also prevent wood from warping, helping you protect your property for years longer. There's even a simple test to know when to apply a new coat of stain or sealant. According to this source, you should just drop some water on the boards to see if it beads up. If it doesn't, the wood needs some TLC.
 
When you're looking for a few ways to make sure that your outdoor space always looks its best, there are a few simple techniques that can make a great impact. More than likely, you're already doing some of them, but you might need to tweak them to get the best results.

If you’re redoing your outdoor space, why not update your indoor space while you’re at it? Take a look at these tips for taking the headache out of a remodel!


KEYWORDS

  • advice ×
  • backyard ×
  • deck ×
  • decking ×
  • decks ×
  • hacks ×
  • home ×
  • home maintenance ×
  • homeowner ×
  • lawn maintenance ×
  • lifehacks ×
  • maintenance ×
  • mowing ×
  • outdoor furnishings ×
  • outdoor furniture ×
  • outdoors ×
  • paint ×
  • patio ×
  • patio furniture ×
  • project ×
  • projects ×
  • resale ×
  • resale value ×
  • stain ×
  • sun ×
  • tips ×
  • water ×
  • water damage ×
  • yard


RSS Feed

Comments

5 Easy Ways to Add Colorful Curb Appeal

1/30/2019

 

Before the dull and dreary days of winter set in, you still have plenty of time to update your home’s curb appeal with these ideas for applying pops of color that add a cheerful touch to offset the oncoming gray weather.


5 Easy Ways to Add Colorful Curb Appeal

(Family Features) Before the dull and dreary days of winter set in, you still have plenty of time to update your home’s curb appeal with pops of color that add a cheerful touch to offset the oncoming gray weather.

Get a Step Up with Railings
Chipped, tired railings can make a home look outdated and unkempt, but making those pieces look new again is a relatively quick and easy project. If paint has chipped or there’s damage to the wood or metal, you’ll need to sand and repair before adding fresh paint. Keeping the railing monochromatic in a color that complements the rest of the house’s paint and trim creates a clean look. If you want to add some variety, use a secondary shade in the same color family and apply it to the main posts or the spindles.

Create DIY Doormats
The entry is a focal point of most homes, so sprucing up the front of your house can make a big impact. An affordable and unique way to create a “wow” moment is to craft a DIY doormat with spray paint. A chevron pattern is an easy way to make a statement by simply using painter’s tape and two different colors of spray paint. Consider an option like Krylon ColorMaster Paint and Primer – 25% More, which comes in 60 colors for indoor and outdoor use and offers more product to perfect your project.

Put the Spotlight on Light Fixtures
Small splashes of color can go a long way, especially with a feature like exterior light fixtures. For safety purposes, it’s a good idea to remove the fixture completely before starting your project, and be sure to turn off the power supply before disconnecting electrical cords. For light fixtures to stand out against a neutral-colored home, try spray painting them a bold hue, such as bright yellow, for a burst of color. 

Pretty Up Planters
A pot filled with vibrant blooms is an easy way to bring some brightness to your home’s exterior, but one alternative that works year-around is to make the planters themselves the focal point. You can update any planter or pot with the right spray paint, like Krylon Fusion All-In-One Paint and Primer, which adheres to plastic, metal, wood and more. It provides a high-quality finish resistant to rust and fading without the need for sanding or priming. After your planter is dry, you can fill it with the vegetation of your choice, such as evergreens, which are hardy enough to last all season long.

Refresh Patio Furniture
Over time, patio furniture loses its luster. If it’s still in good shape, you can bring it back to life with a fresh coat of spray paint. All the angles can make it difficult to cover every surface, so choose a product that promotes easy application, like Krylon COLORmaxx Paint and Primer. Available in a wide variety of colors, it features a big push-button spray tip for application in any direction, including upside-down. Remember to tilt furniture back and apply color to the feet and legs for an all-over finish that’s ready to weather the season.

Explore more ideas to give your home a seasonal color boost at TodayWeSpray.com.

SOURCE:
Krylon

KEYWORDS

  • advice ×
  • color ×
  • colorful ×
  • colors ×
  • Family Features ×
  • home improvement ×
  • outdoor furnishings ×
  • outdoor furniture ×
  • paint ×
  • painting ×
  • patio ×
  • patio furniture ×
  • project ×
  • projects ×
  • spray paint ×
  • tips

RSS Feed

How big of a deck do I need?

7/3/2018

Comments

 
How_big_of_a_deck_do_I_need
How big of a deck do I need?

As the major outdoor living trend sweeps the nation, decks are getting bigger. But with television shows featuring 3,000-square-foot monster decks, the average homeowner is left to wonder, “Just how big of a deck do I need?”



(BPT) - As the major outdoor living trend sweeps the nation, decks are getting bigger. But with television shows featuring 3,000-square-foot monster decks, the average homeowner is left to wonder, “Just how big of a deck do I need?”

Atlanta, Georgia-based deck builder Frank Pologruto says it all comes down to how homeowners intend to use their space as each “zone” of the deck will require a general square footage.

“People want somewhere to cook, and then eat, and then have a conversation, and you start adding up these areas and you realize you can’t do all this in a 16-foot by 12-foot deck,” said Pologruto, the owner of Decks & More.

Dining — 320+ square feet


Outdoor kitchens and dining areas are growing in popularity, but do require significant space. A grill with some counter space for cooking and a large table and chairs for dining will take up around 320 square feet of deck.

Seating — 250+ square feet


Adding an additional seating area, whether a quiet morning coffee spot or an after-dinner conversation pit, will require more space. A conversation area for about six people will add another 256 square feet to the deck. Adding a fire element to the seating area, will require not only the space for the actual fireplace or fire pit, but also appropriate distance between the fire and any seating.

Pool or hot tub — 150+ square feet


Homeowners looking to include a water feature like an in-ground pool or hot tub can expect it to require additional deck space. A four-person hot tub could take up as many as 100 square feet of deck, but Pologruto cautions homeowners to build in plenty of room to walk around, and enter and exit the hot tub, bringing the total to between 150 and 200 square feet.

Parties — 15 square feet per person


As a general rule, Pologruto said homeowners should determine how many people they expect to host on their deck and estimate about 15 square feet of deck per person. To comfortably fit around 20 people, the deck will need at least 300 square feet of open space.

“Remember though, if you plan to have 50 people over, they won’t all be out on the deck at the same time, so plan for your deck to hold about 30 people,” he said.
Cost

With the added square footage comes a bigger price tag — $25,000 to $250,000 depending on the size.

The deck material will also affect the final cost. Pologruto uses traditional wood boards and high-end ENVISION composite decking by TAMKO Building Products, and says if homeowners are already preparing to spend the money to build a large deck, they should go the extra step and upgrade to a composite board.

“If you’re smart and have the money, do the composite — it just makes more sense,” he said.

Overall, from his experience, Pologruto said most homeowners don’t need a 3,000-square-foot deck, and should be able to fit a small dining area, arbor, hot tub and separate seating area in about 750 square feet, although some of the decks he builds are more than twice that size.

Planning to include the right amount of space will leave you with the most comfortable outdoor living area to suit your needs.


KEYWORDS

  • backyard ×
  • BPT ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • budget ×
  • budgeting ×
  • comfort ×
  • cost ×
  • deck ×
  • decking ×
  • design ×
  • designs ×
  • entertaining ×
  • heat ×
  • materials ×
  • money ×
  • outdoor cooking ×
  • outdoor furnishings ×
  • outdoor furniture ×
  • outdoor kitchen ×
  • outdoors ×
  • Outdoor Space ×
  • parties ×
  • party ×
  • planning ×
  • seating ×
  • Summer ×
  • weather
Comments

Add Life to Outdoor Spaces

2/20/2017

Comments

 

Once the structural elements and hardscape features of your outdoor living space are in place, it’s time to turn attention to the details that really bring the area to life.


Add Life to Outdoor Spaces

(Family Features) Once the structural elements and hardscape features of your outdoor living space are in place, it’s time to turn attention to the details that really bring the area to life.

Vibrant textiles like cushions, pillows and rugs can all soften the look of a space while adding colorful charm, but another effective place where you can introduce plenty of character is the landscaping.

Often, homeowners treat the landscape and the architectural components of an outdoor living space as distinct design elements. Making the landscape seamlessly integrate into the area not only transforms the way the space looks, it enhances the outdoor ambiance.

Create Climate Control
One of the first considerations is the functional benefits landscaping can bring for needs such as shade. Quaking aspens and birch trees are beautiful and fast-growing options, or for a more traditional look, some maple trees grow quickly and certain varieties create a dazzling display of color. Another popular option is the Bradford pear, but this tree can be brittle and is prone to splitting so choose it with care. Flowering trees such as the tulip tree or dogwood are other fast-growing options. If a tree is impractical for your space or simply not your style, you might instead consider large flowering bushes, such as the lilac or Rose of Sharon.

Keep Prying Eyes Out
When it comes to privacy, there is also a multitude of options. Ornamental grasses come in a surprising array of colors and looks, and many grow high enough to shield a private lounge or eating area. Alternatively, you could consider a lush climbing vine paired with a trellis. Dwarf trees and shrubs also lend privacy when planted in close proximity. Another stylish option is to put oversized planters into play. Fill them with the vegetation of your choice for an instant eye block topped with live plants. For an outdoor kitchen, make these vessels do double-duty by making them the basis for your herb garden.

Set Boundaries
If your outdoor space doesn’t have a clearly defined perimeter, you can easily introduce borders using a line of shrubbery or bushes. Low-growing options can help maintain an open feel while adding some definition to the area. Creating specific boundaries not only lends an aesthetic touch, it can help guide traffic patterns; for example, encouraging visitors to keep to a stone path.

Go Low Maintenance
If you’re leery of adding too much work with plants that need frequent care and attention, there are several options that require little effort. Succulents are a great way to add texture, interest and color to a planter or table-top pot. For more color, opt for low-maintenance perennials that require little water. After your initial planting and fertilizing, you’ll need to water during dry spells in the summer, but for the most part, they’ll require little extra attention through the year until it’s time to trim them back for winter.

Consult with experts at your local nursery or garden center for advice on the trees and plants that work best in your climate zone, and find more tips for creating your ideal outdoor living space at eLivingToday.com.

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space
No matter the season or the region, outdoor living is more popular than ever, as homeowners look to “bring the indoors out” and create spaces that are true extensions of the home. The newest designs in outdoor living spaces do not simply feature the look of the indoors, but the functionality as well.

Regardless of the size of your deck – or budget – these simple tips from the experts at Trex can add interior function to your outdoor oasis:

Absolute Al Fresco
While grilling and al fresco dining are longtime hallmarks of backyard entertaining, outdoor kitchens are now finally living up to their name. From storing seat cushions to keeping drinks cold, today’s outdoor kitchen accessories can make outdoor spaces look as put-together as the rest of the home. Among the newest advancements is the Trex Outdoor Kitchens collection, which features outdoor cabinetry and functional elements such as trash bins, ice chests and storage drawers that eliminate the need for back-and-forth trips inside the home.

Railing Redefined
Even railings have taken on a more functional role in today’s backyards. One of the most popular trends is “cocktail railing,” which provides a flat surface for drinks and plates. By using a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail, you can achieve a look that complements your home’s deck while making great use of space.

Lights, Please
Lighting is another “bright” idea for adding versatility to the outdoors. Lighting systems that incorporate deck lighting and other exterior lighting work together to create ambiance that can be adjusted for any setting. By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture.

Material Matters
Just because people are spending more time on their decks doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for maintenance. Wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites, are especially popular due to their low-maintenance features. Unlike wood, composite decking such as Trex Transcend resists fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with soap and water. The latest generation of composite decking also features wood-grain patterns and rich, saturated colors that look and feel more natural than ever before.

For more information and outdoor living inspiration, visit trex.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (patio with orange cushion chairs)

SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com

  • backyard
  • Family Features
  • features
  • firepit
  • furniture
  • hardscape
  • home
  • home improvement
  • house 
  • outdoor cooking 
  • outdoor furnishings
  • outdoor furniture
  • outdoor kitchen
  • outdoors
  • Outdoor Space
  • patio
  • pergola
  • resale

Comments

Deck Design Made Easy

10/4/2016

Comments

 

While outdoor living season may be winding down, there’s no better time to start planning your dream deck. These 5 quick tips make creating your outdoor oasis exciting and easy.

Deck Design Made Easy

Start planning now for a beautiful outdoor living space

(Family Features) While outdoor living season may be winding down, there’s no better time to start planning your dream deck. Prep work is a big part of the process – much of which can be done now and throughout the cooler months to get your backyard retreat ready for next spring.

The following are quick tips to make creating your outdoor oasis exciting and easy:

Get digitally inspired
The Internet is a great place to get your creative juices flowing. There are countless online resources to help homeowners create and plan their ideal outdoor living space. A great starting point is perusing the outdoor living projects posted on social media channels, such as Houzz and Pinterest. For more inspirational images and valuable information, check out the websites of home and garden magazines, contractors and decking manufacturers.

Dive into design

Designing a deck starts with the same questions as planning interior rooms, such as whether it will be used for relaxing, grilling or socializing. Determine how to incorporate those activities into your space by exploring the possibilities with online apps. Trex, the leading manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, offers several ready-to-build Deck Design Plans representing today’s most popular and versatile designs. Once a user selects a design, the tool provides the details of the deck’s dimensions and materials needed, as well as an overview of the design’s benefits so that homeowners can be assured they are selecting the ideal layout for their planned outdoor living activities.

Decide on details
When planning, have fun exploring the many design elements that are available for customizing your deck. You’ll need to decide early on if you want to incorporate features like built-in seating, planters and storage, as well as add-ons such as a pergola or outdoor lighting, which can add comfort, character and convenience to your outdoor living space.

Incorporate railing
As one of the most visible parts of the deck, railing can provide design inspiration and should be considered from the outset. Available in a wide array of styles, shapes and materials, you can tailor your railing to personalize and frame your outdoor space. To help simplify the selection process, Trex introduced a Decking & Railing Duos guide, which offers customized, designer-curated railing looks. This feature provides a user-friendly way for homeowners to explore the latest trends and find a perfectly paired look for virtually any outdoor living space.

Understand costs and value
To ensure your dream deck remains within reach, keep costs in mind. Several factors will affect the price, including the size and shape, along with any extras you incorporate. When evaluating expenses, think beyond the initial material and labor costs and peer into the future. With wood decks, the costs of sanding, staining and painting add up over time. Over the life of a composite deck, the reduced maintenance costs of simple soap and water cleanings add up to a greater return on investment – not to mention the value of all the time spent enjoying the deck rather than maintaining it.

For more information and inspiration for getting the deck planning and designing process started, visit trex.com.

SOURCE:
Trex

  • backyard ×
  • deck ×
  • decking ×
  • decor ×
  • decorating ×
  • family ×
  • Family Features ×
  • home improvement ×
  • outdoor cooking ×
  • outdoor furniture ×
  • outdoor kitchen ×
  • outdoors ×
  • Outdoor Space ×
  • patio ×
  • remodel ×
  • remodeling ×
  • wood



Comments

Smart, Stylish Designs for Outdoor Kitchens

6/2/2016

Comments

 

By incorporating the right design principles, an outdoor kitchen can be the place where you and your guests enjoy delicious meals for years to come. Big or small, you can get started on your outdoor kitchen design by understanding these basics.


Smart, Stylish Designs for Outdoor Kitchens

(Family Features) Kitchens are moving outside. And they’re doing it in a big way. According to a recent study from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), outdoor kitchens are expected to be a top design trend in 2016.

“An outdoor kitchen can drastically improve the value of a home,” said Alana Busse, designer and NKBA Central Coast and Valleys chapter president. “They also bring people together. Whether, it’s simply your neighbors coming over for a weekend barbecue or a big family gathering, everyone loves being outside.”

Big or small, the basic principles of outdoor kitchen design remain the same. Get started by understanding these basics:     

Get the right heat
It all starts with the grill – the centerpiece of the outdoor kitchen. Russ Faulk, chief designer and head of product for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, which makes outdoor kitchen equipment, suggests basing your selection on the cook you aspire to be, not the kind you are now. Remember that there are no uniform depths, heights or widths when it comes to grills, so future upgrades can be a challenge.

More homeowners are also expanding their cooking capabilities with specialized products offering different types of heat. Smokers, pizza ovens and charcoal or wood-fired grills, such as Kalamazoo’s Gaucho Grill, are options to keep in mind as they can enhance the outdoor cooking experience.

Assess the space
Faulk recommends thinking about how you envision the relationship between your indoor and outdoor kitchens next.

If they are relatively close together, an outdoor kitchen can utilize the indoor kitchen’s capabilities, such as prep space and storage. Conversely, a fully independent outdoor kitchen with refrigeration, warming cabinets and cabinetry is more self-reliant, but will require more space and connections for gas, water and electricity.

Grill placement is also a key decision. If you entertain often, Faulk recommends keeping the cook in the party by positioning the grill perpendicular to the dining area.

diagram of outdoor kitchen

In the zone
You’ll get the most out of your outdoor kitchen when you have different functional zones designated, Faulk said. Plot out where you will position four key zones – wet, cold, hot and dry – to make prepping, cooking, serving and cleaning much easier.

The cold zone should be next to the wet zone. This will simplify moving food from the cold zone refrigerator to the wet zone sink to wash and get ready for grilling in the hot zone.

Also plan for uninterrupted counter space, or landing areas, for placing platters and utensils while cooking. Grills should have at least 24 inches to one side and 12 inches to the other. Sinks should have 18 inches on both sides for room to wash food or place dirty dishes.

Be sure to dedicate enough space for each zone and think about the relationships among them for cooking and serving activities.

Left outside
Being outdoors means your refrigeration and cabinetry will need to be equipped to handle the elements.

When considering refrigeration for an outdoor kitchen, Faulk stresses food-safe rated options. With these products, meats won’t go bad and drinks will stay cold, even when it’s above 95 degrees outside.

Cabinetry should be equipped to handle rain and protect the items inside. Weather-tight cabinets have seamless rain gutters around the door and drawer openings to help divert water.

By incorporating the right design principles, an outdoor kitchen can be the place where you and your guests enjoy delicious meals for years to come. For more design tips, visit kalamazoogourmet.com.

Photos courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet:
(Main image) Outdoor kitchen with Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Grill
(Secondary) The functional zones of the outdoor kitchen, from left: hot, dry, wet and cold

SOURCE:
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Comments

5 ways to beautify your deck without breaking the bank

6/2/2016

 
Picture


(BPT) - Are you ready to put your deck on the best-dressed list this summer, but hesitant to dent your savings? With these simple design ideas, you can make your deck the perfect place for summer festivities.

1. Accessorize with railings.
An easy way to give your deck a beauty boost is to update the railing. The decorative details of this safety feature are easy to overlook during the initial deck building process. Thankfully, with today's products, it's easy and affordable to turn this eyesore into an accessory.

For example, by replacing outdated railings with those that complement your deck boards and home's exterior trim, you can create an outdoor living space that's a well-styled extension of your home. If you have a non-traditional deck, cable rails or mixed medium infills like tempered glass panels may be your style. Or, if you want to mix modern with traditional elements, consider letting guests lean on attractive, but affordable aluminum rail systems like MoistureShield Pro.

"The sleek lines of aluminum railing are the perfect counterpart to today's contemporary spaces," says Brent Gwatney, senior vice president, MoistureShield Composite Decking. "They're a less obtrusive railing option and give decks a high-end, custom feel without the high-end price tag, and tend to be backed with long-term warranties."

2. Block the sun beautifully.

Another way to balance form with function is to shade your deck in style. Fortunately, there are a number of beautiful, low-cost ways to block the sun that go beyond the patio umbrella.

Pergolas are a popular way to shade your space without breaking the bank. You can vary the direction of the beams to create interest, weave fabric panels across the top to create a cozy respite or use the structure to frame a view.

Screening trellises are another affordable option for relief from direct sunlight. They can disguise an unsightly view, soften your deck or provide an attractive backsplash for an outdoor kitchen, while adding shade and privacy. You can even bend high performance decking materials, like composite decking, to curve around existing trees to let nature act as your canopy.

3. Plant a deck-adent garden

Deckscaping is a timeless, low-cost way to turn your outdoor living space into a backyard beauty. Placing shrubs or a curving flowerbed along the perimeter of your deck can soften its edges and add colorful accents. Alternatively, bringing planters on deck with a mix of annuals and perennials can quickly turn a bland deck into a garden retreat full of seasonal blooms.

If your deck is small, consider keeping floor space free with a gorgeous overhead garden. Hanging flower baskets and trellises with climbing vines are simple and affordable space-savers that can make covered deck spaces resemble a spa-like retreat.

4.
Dress your deck to impress

To finish your deck and give it that one-of-a-kind feel, outfit it the same way you would an interior room, thinking about color and texture. While this may sound expensive, there are plenty of practical, budget friendly ways to make your deck a stylish extension of your home.

You can easily spice it up with painted furniture and fun accents. Pretty and durable accent pillows made from outdoor fabrics are an inexpensive way to add pops of color. Or if you find an outdoor fabric that you love you can make bench cushions to give your outdoor seating a cozy feel. Accents like an outdoor rug can tie it all together by adding texture underfoot, keeping dirt from being tracked inside your home, and defining areas for different uses.

5. Light up your evenings in style


Finally, don't neglect how your deck looks when the sun goes down. With the right lighting, you can extend your hours outside and keep your deck as charming in the nighttime as it is during the day.
From subtle post lights that cast a magical evening glow to understated recessed lights and rail strip lights that help guide guests' steps, today's deck lighting choices are both functional and affordable.

And, with the emergence of energy-efficient LEDs, you can use them liberally with little effect on your monthly electricity bill. So, let your imagination roam with nighttime illumination options to add after-dark ambience to your outdoor retreat.




    Archives

    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016


    Categories

    All
    AC
    Accent
    Accents
    Accessories
    Accident
    Acrylic
    Advertising
    Advice
    Aesthetics
    Affordability
    AFUE
    Aging
    Aging In Place
    Air Conditioning
    Air Quality
    Alarm
    Alarms
    Allergens
    Allergies
    Allergy
    Ambiance
    Animal Dander
    Apartments
    App
    Appeal
    Apperance
    Appliances
    Apps
    Architecture
    Art
    Artistic
    Asthma
    Attic
    Automation
    Backup
    Backyard
    Bacteria
    Bandages
    Bar
    Bargains
    Bars
    Basement
    Bath
    Bathing
    Bathroom
    Bathroom Upgrades
    Bathtub
    Batteries
    Battery
    Bedding
    Bedroom
    Bedrooms
    Bills
    Birthday
    Blankets
    Bonding
    BPT
    Brandpoint
    Brandpoint Content
    Budget
    Budgeting
    Building
    Buyers
    Cabinets
    Cameras
    Candles
    Carbon Dioxide
    Carbon Monoxide
    Carpet
    Cars
    Case Study
    Ceiling
    Celebrations
    Ceramic Tile
    Character
    Charger
    Checklist
    Cheer
    Children
    China
    Choices
    Chores
    Christmas
    Clean
    Cleaner
    Cleaning
    Clean Up
    Closet
    Closets
    Clothes
    Clothing
    Clutter
    CO
    Cold
    Collectibles
    Collecting
    Color
    Colorful
    Colors
    Comfort
    Composites
    Concrete
    Connectivity
    Construction
    Consumers
    Contacts
    Contemporary Kitchen
    Contractor
    Contractors
    Convenience
    Conversion
    Cooking
    Cooling
    Cordless
    Cork
    Cork Floors
    Cost
    Costs
    Counters
    Countertop
    Countertops
    Couples
    COVID
    COVID19
    Crafting
    Crafts
    Creativity
    Credit
    Crime
    Curb Appeal
    Cypress
    Damage
    Dangers
    Deck
    Decking
    Decks
    Declutter
    Decluttering
    Decor
    Décor
    Decorating
    Decorations
    Design
    Designer
    Designs
    Detail
    Dining
    Dining Room
    Dinner
    Dinnerware
    Disabled
    Dishware
    Dishwashing
    Display
    Disposal
    Dispose
    DIY
    Do It Yourself
    Do-it-yourself
    Donations
    Door
    Doorbell
    Doors
    Downsizing
    Drainage
    Drill
    Driveway
    Dryer
    Drywall
    Durability
    Dust
    Dusting
    Efficiency
    Electrical
    Electric Bill
    Electricity
    Electronics
    Elements
    Emergency
    Empty Nest
    Energy
    Energy Bills
    Energy Efficiency
    ENERGY STAR
    Entertaining
    Entertainment
    Entryway
    Entryways
    Environmental
    Equity
    European
    Exercise
    Expert
    Exterior
    Fabrics
    Fall
    Family
    Family Features
    Family Gatherings
    Farmhouse
    Fashion
    Faucets
    Features
    FEMA
    Finance
    Financing
    Fire
    Firepit
    First Aid
    Fitness
    Fixtures
    Flair
    Flashlight
    Flood
    Flooding
    Floor
    Flooring
    Floral
    Flowerbeds
    Flowers
    Food
    Front Door
    Function
    Functionality
    Furnishings
    Furniture
    Games
    Garage
    Garage Door
    Garden
    Gardening
    Gas
    Generator
    Gifts
    Glass
    Grass
    Green Living
    Green Thumb
    Grill
    Grilling
    Guest Bedroom
    Guest Room
    Guests
    Gym
    Hack
    Hacks
    Hail
    Halloween
    Handicap
    Handicapped
    Hardscape
    Hardscaping
    Hardware
    Hardwood Floors
    Hardwoods
    Hazard
    Health
    Healthy
    Healthy Living
    Heat
    Heating
    HELOC
    HGTV
    Holiday
    Holidays
    Home
    Home Automation
    Homebuilding
    Home Building
    Homebuyers
    Homebuying
    Home Buying
    Home Decor
    Home Entertainment
    Home Equity
    Home Equity Lines Of Credit
    Home Equity Loan
    Home Fitness
    Home Furnishings
    Home Gym
    Home Improvement
    Home Insurance
    Home Maintenance
    Home Office
    Homeowner
    Homeowners
    Home Project
    Home Repair
    Home Security
    Home Technology
    Home Theater
    Home Value
    Homevalues
    Home Values
    House
    Housework
    HSPF
    Hue
    Humidity
    Hurricane
    Hurricanes
    HVAC
    Hygge
    Ice
    Idea
    Ideas
    Improvement
    Indoor Air Quality
    Info
    Information
    Innovation
    Inspiration
    Insulating
    Insulation
    Insurance
    Interior
    Interior Design
    Investment
    IPhone
    Island
    Islands
    Kids
    Kit
    Kitchen
    Kitchen Cabinets
    Kitchen Upgrades
    Labels
    Labor
    Landscape
    Landscaping
    Laundry
    Laundry Room
    Lawn
    Lawncare
    Lawn Maintenance
    Leak
    Leaks
    Lifehacks
    Lifestyle
    Light
    Lighted Elements
    Lighting
    Lightning
    Lights
    Linens
    Linoleum
    Lithium
    Live-edge
    Living
    Living Area
    Living Areas
    Living Room
    Living Space
    Living Well
    Locks
    Look
    Love
    Low Cost
    Lumber
    Luxurious
    Luxury
    Maintenance
    Makeover
    Management
    Man Cave
    Mantel
    Marble
    Marketing
    Marriage
    Masonite
    Master Bedroom
    Materials
    Mattresses
    Meals
    Media
    Medicine
    Medium
    Metal
    Minimalism
    Mirrors
    Mistakes
    Modern
    Moisture
    Money
    Money Management
    Mortgage
    Mortgage Loan
    Mosquitoes
    Motivation
    Moving
    Mower
    Mowing
    Mudroom
    Natural Light
    Natural Products
    Nature
    New Construction
    News
    NewsUSA
    Noise
    Office
    Online
    Online Tools
    Onsuite
    On-suite
    Open Bath
    Open Space
    Organization
    Organizing
    Outage
    Outdoor Cooking
    Outdoor Furnishings
    Outdoor Furniture
    Outdoor Kitchen
    Outdoor Living
    Outdoors
    Outdoor Space
    Paint
    Paint Color
    Painting
    Paitning
    Pantry
    Paper Products
    Parties
    Party
    Patio
    Patio Furniture
    Pergola
    Personal Finances
    Pests
    Pets
    Phone
    Photos
    Picnic
    Pictures
    Plan
    Planning
    Plants
    Plates
    Playroom
    Plumbers
    Plumbing
    Poisoning
    Pollen
    Porch Pirates
    Portable
    Power
    Powersaw
    Powertool
    Powertools
    Prep
    Preparation
    Prepare
    Pressure Washing
    Prevention
    Process
    Programmable Lighting
    Project
    Projects
    Property
    Property Value
    Property Values
    Propery Value
    Protection
    Quarantine
    Quartz
    Quiet
    Range
    Real Estate
    Realtors
    Rebates
    Reclaimed Wood
    Recommendation
    Recycling
    Referral
    Referrals
    Refrigerator
    Refurbishing
    Relationships
    Relax
    Relaxation
    Remodel
    Remodeling
    Renovating
    Renovation
    Renovations
    Rentals
    Reorganizing
    Repairs
    Repurposing
    Resale
    Resale Value
    Resources
    Retirement
    Return On Investment
    Reviews
    Robotics
    ROI
    Roof
    Roofing
    Room
    Rugs
    Safe
    Safety
    Savings
    Saw
    Scandinavian
    Seasonal
    Seasons
    Seating
    Security
    SEER
    Seniors
    Settings
    Shades
    Shelves
    Shelving
    Shopping
    Shortcuts
    Shower
    Showers
    Siding
    Simplification
    Sink
    Sinks
    Skylights
    Sleep
    Sleeping
    Small Appliances
    Small Lighting
    Small Spaces
    Smart
    Smart Appliances
    Smart Devices
    Smart Garage
    Smarthome
    Smart Home
    Smartphone
    Smart Products
    Smart Thermostats
    Smart Tv
    Smoke Alarm
    Snow
    Social Media
    Solar
    Solar Energy
    Solutions
    Sound
    Space
    Special Occassions
    Spices
    Spray Paint
    Spring
    Spring Cleaning
    Stain
    Standby
    State
    Steps
    Stone
    Storage
    Storm
    Storms
    Stove
    Style
    Summer
    Sun
    Supplies
    Table
    Tech
    Technology
    Teens
    Television
    Temperature
    Texture
    Textures
    Thanksgiving
    Theater Room
    Themes
    Thermostat
    Thrift Stores
    Tile
    Tiles
    Time
    Time Saving
    Tips
    Toilet
    Tools
    Tornado
    Touches
    Toys
    Trees
    Trending
    Trends
    Tub
    Tubs
    TV
    Update
    Updating
    Upgrades
    Upscale
    Utilities
    Utility
    Vacuum
    Value
    Vanity
    Vegetables
    Vegetation
    Ventilation
    Video
    Vinegar
    Vinyl
    Vinyl Tile
    Virtual Design
    Virus
    Viruses
    Visual Appeal
    Wall
    Wall Decor
    Wallpaper
    Walls
    Warmth
    Washer
    Water
    Water Damage
    Water Heater
    Water Heaters
    Weather
    Weatherproofing
    Weeds
    Weekend
    Wellness
    WFH
    Wind
    Window
    Windows
    Window Treatments
    Winds
    Wind Storms
    Winter
    Wireless
    Wiring
    Wniter
    Women
    Wood
    Wood Flooring
    Work At Home
    Work From Home
    Workout Room
    Workshop
    Workspace
    Wreaths
    Yard


    Interested in Publishing on The Home Idea?

    Send your query to the Publisher today!






    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt