As the weather gets nicer, we tend to gravitate to the outdoors. Although, sometimes the outdoors, around our homes, may feel uninviting and underutlized because it’s been overlooked and ignored as comfortable living space. It’s good to rethink how you want these spaces to work. They can be turned into wonderful outdoor rooms, and, you don’t have to build or add on a thing.
It’s great to transform an unattractive area into a place of comfort and beauty. This is a small enclosed court yard, open to the sky. The fireplace is wonderful for cool nights and a beautiful focal point in the space. Add a pretty umbrella or some canvas overhead draping for shade on warm days… ahhhhh, an oasis of calm.
By simply adding some “element friendly” furnishings, flowers, plants, a few accessories and don’t forget a water feature, for that “refreshing sound-of-water therapy”, the space is as warm and welcoming as any interior room (maybe more so).
It’s great to find extra living space in your own yard. It may become your favorite summer escape to read a good book and sip fresh lemonade.
What are some of your favorite outdoor spaces to relax in… Porches, gazebos, floating in a pool, under a big shade tree?
Happy Mother’s Day to all you great Moms! You deserve a special place to relax in!
1. Oooooh, I love a good before/after shot! That looks fabulous! Is it your house, or a clients?
W/little kids, I spend lots of time outside, although I wouldn’t describe our outdoor living area as an “oasis of calm”. But it’s fun. The key for me is a big outdoor storage box for toys. Although toys add a splash of color to the yard, it can get out of control!
Happy Mother’s Day to you too! (Although I guess it’s over now…I propose we make it a week instead of a just a day!).
Susan
by susan — 5/12/08 at 7:05 am #
2. Thanks so much Susan,
I agree, Mother’s should get more than 1 day of pampering…a week or two would work for me too, LOL.
No, this isn’t my house. I wish it were. The small courtyard was so inviting with the changes and furnishings, I thought you might like to see it.
Your outdoor space sounds wonderful to share with your family. I love the outdoor toy box for kids toys. Keeps things neat and cleaned up, but accessible when the kids want to play. Think of all those toys as brightly colored flowers all over the yard, Ha.
Have a great summer and enjoy the outdoors with your family.
by Cathy — 5/12/08 at 12:12 pm #
3. Pretty transformation! It’s amazing what a few simple changes can do. The wicker furniture reminded me of something I saw last night at a home store. It was one of the sets of wicker that withstands the elements. You know, it’s not real wicker, but it certainly looks real. I told my husband that I’d like to have a set and he reminded me of the bad experience we had in the past with wicker furniture. It looked nice on the porch for a year or so — and then it began to deteoriate. I noticed that you have wicker chairs on your front porch (or deck). Do they hold up well? Perhaps it would be better if I found something in iron for my front entry. I could still decorate an iron chair or settee with bright, tropical pillows and still get the same effect, couldn’t I?
by Janice — 5/15/08 at 1:20 pm #
4. I too loved your before and after pictures. I recently put in a 600 sq. foot paver patio in our backyard, along with french doors that can be opened up to really allow a seamless flow from indoors to outdoors. And I truly feel it was the best money ($3500) I’ve spent when it comes to home improvements or home decorating. I love it! I love to go out there after work, have our dinners out there and on my days off enjoy hanging out with the kids outside. My next addition to the patio will be some sort of water feature. Thanks for the blog and please keep including pictures for ideas.
by Jennifer — 5/16/08 at 11:04 am #
5. Hi Janice,
Yes, a big change. Natural wicker does not hold up well in the elements. You might get a few years before it starts to show deterioration. There are many synthetic all-weather resins etc. that hold up well in the elements. More expensive, but lasts longer. I do have wicker on my porch. If it’s out of the sun and rain, it does better. There are lots of great patio and outdoor furniture to fit any style of decorating. Yes, some great iron/aluminum powdercoated, (painted) pieces you might want to look into. They would look great with your tropical pillows. Go online and look for some ideas.
Let me know what you find.
by Cathy — 5/16/08 at 2:42 pm #
6. Thanks so much Jennifer,
Your new patio area sounds delightful and relaxing. Yes, you may have to put some money in to get the space comfortable, but think of all the enjoyment you’ll get in return….a mini vacation any time you want it.
You’ll love a water feature…adds soooooo much to the “relaxing quotient”… like mini vacation next to the water.
Enjoy your wonderful space with your family.
by Cathy — 5/16/08 at 2:51 pm #
7. Now that’s a before and after….great job….love the colors…
by Julie — 5/16/08 at 7:43 pm #
8. Hi Cathy:
My daughter saw a room she really liked in Teen Zone at a fabric store yesterday. She is almost seventeen years old. I’ll try to explain in, assuming you don’t own the book and hope that you can give us a few ideas on how to accomplish it. It is very, very light blue and then chocolate brown. She would need a rug (we have light cream carpet), and is putting her twin bed under the window with shelving around it, and we need some ideas for wall art. Thank you whether you have time to help us or not.
by Lindsey — 5/16/08 at 8:03 pm #
9. By the way, I attached a photo of the room from the book.
by Lindsey — 5/16/08 at 8:04 pm #
10. Hi there,
I was just wondering how long it takes to become an interior designer? Also, what are the pros nd cons of this occupation?
Thanks.
by Sammy — 5/16/08 at 8:22 pm #
11. Yes,Julie, the colors are nice and relaxing. Just like the space.
Talk to you soon.
by Cathy — 5/19/08 at 3:07 pm #
12. Hello Lindsey,
I did not get the photo you sent from the book. Could you try to upload it in ‘customer finds’ at the top right sidebar. Click on ’submit yours’ and go from there. I’ll wait to comment until I see it, or if you can expain more of what you want to do , I’ll take a shot at it without the picture.
Looking forward to talking with you.
by Cathy — 5/19/08 at 7:33 pm #
13. Thank you very much for deciding to work with me on the basics, as we can not really spend money for a designer after spending money on our daughter’s bedroom design. The inspiration room is light blue and chocolate brown. I will attach photos of her current room (the walls are green). She already has brown bedding and cream sheets, but would need paint, shelving (my husband would build), and paint, as well as rearranging the room. If you have time, we would GREATLY appreciate it if you could create some sort of layout if I describe the room design? Thanks, Cathy!
by Lindsey H. — 5/19/08 at 8:05 pm #
14. Hello Sammy,
Thank you for asking about becoming an Interior Designer.
First, I would ask you if you have a passion for this work. If so, are you a creative thinker, detail oriented, well organized, problem solver, multi-tasker, able to work with budgets, a people person. These are just a few characteristics needed for this type of work.
Second, get the education necessary to learn all you can in the field. A Bachelors degree is preferred or even a Masters will work well in your favor.
Third, work in any job related to interior design while you’re in school or not, and keep a portfolio of ALL of your work.
Some Pros…
* The ability to create a beautiful and functional environment for someone.
* The work is always different, never boring.
* You’re only limited to your own creativity (as budgets permit)
* Most of your clients become your friends.
* You get to work with beautiful fabrics, furnishings and fixtures.
Some Cons…
* Pressure of meeting deadlines.
* Problems can arise with the many details that have to be interfaced.
* Exhausting at times.
* Lots of extra work that you will not be compensated for.
* Deal with many mix-ups with trade people, etc.
As with any profession, there are good and bad aspects. It you really want to do this and have a passion, then all of the Pros will outweigh the Cons.
I am continually learning and always will, because change is always at the forefront. A never ending supply of creativity will always keep the field exciting and new. It’s a great field to be a part of.
Good luck to you.
by Cathy — 5/19/08 at 8:39 pm #
15. Thank you, Cathey! I am considering becoming an interior designer, but my only concern is being able to support my family with the lower salary.
by Sammy — 5/19/08 at 9:18 pm #
16. And by the way, the pictures of her inspiration room are in ‘customer finds’. Thanks.
by Lindsey H. — 5/20/08 at 10:02 am #
17. Hello Lindsey,
I was able to view all the pictures you sent. Also the inspiration room. Thank you. Since she wants the lt. blue walls and brown bedding, we will work with that. You have one wall with mostly closet and entry door. Paint those all white as well as other trim in the room. The twin bed will go under the window and your husband will build white cabinets and bookshelves to fit the wall area around the window. I saw a brown and white Damask pattern fabric in the inspiration room. Find some fabric similiar to this and have a functional roman shade made for the window, pillows for her brown bedding and as your ‘art work’ on the right side wall, make 2 large bulletin boards in the same fabric. You can hang a tall mirror between the two if you want.
(go up to the archives in the right side bar, click on Feb. 08 and look for a post I wrote, titled ‘New Room for a Young Lady”. ) I did something similiar in this room. The bulletin boards not only act as artwork they are very functional as well. You can read how I made them as well.
Add some lt blue pillows to the bed. Maybe a large lt. blue 8′ round shaggy rug or Flokati rug centered half way under the bed. On the other blank wall add a dresser with a big round mirror to repeat the shape of the rug. Maybe hang a funky refurbished chandelier, painted coral in the center of the ceiling. Add a few coral colored pillows to the bed. Add some contemporary swing arm lamps onto the bookcase on either side of the bed. Paint the backs of the bookcases the coral color as well.
…Stop me if you’ve had enough! Anyway, can you see how this can come together. It’s alot to throw at you but, pick and choose what will work for you.
Let me know what you think and we can ‘tweek’ it anyway you want.
Hope I gave you a few ideas to consider.
by Cathy — 5/20/08 at 7:44 pm #
18. Hello again Sammy,
Yes, I hear you. Go to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, http://www.bls.gov. and click on the occupational outlook for Interior Designers. This will give you a great overview on the total outlook for I.D. It’s a great source for this kind of information.
You may not get rich in the field, but you’ll be enriched in your life.
Take Care and keep me posted.
by Cathy — 5/20/08 at 8:02 pm #
19. Thank you, Cathy! I really appreciate the ideas. I never thought about incorporating coral. Will that go? If you have any extra time, is there a possible way you could draw out a quick sketch of the room as you see it, so we can picture it? I would greatly appreciate it. She really likes the room and the ideas you have given. I’m still thinking about the coral, but it all sounds good. If you think of any other ideas, please let us know. Thank you for all of your help with my daughter’s room. We will take your tips to heart and will post the final pictures. Thanks again!
by Lindsey H. — 5/20/08 at 9:07 pm #
20. Hi again Lindsey,
Your welcome. I threw in the coral color for a smaller dose of ACCENT. You can use it or not. Sometimes I like to see how adventurous you are.
Your choice…it could look great! I’m not sure I could draw a space plan for you. I tried to explain the space plan in my comments. If you’re not clear on something let me know. I’ll see what I can do.
Good luck with the transformation. Let me know how it turns out.
by Cathy — 5/21/08 at 12:01 pm #
21. Okay. I was just wondering if you could draw it so that we would have something to look off of, but it is totally fine if you cannot. Thank you for your advice. We appreciate it. Besides the mirror and bulletin board, do you have any other ideas for wall decor. I saw your post about the flowers you took pictures of and posted. My daughter loved that idea, and I sent her out to get some great shots (she loves photography). I’ll post how it turns out as soon as the room is finished.
by Lindsey H. — 5/21/08 at 6:24 pm #
22. Hi Again Lindsey,
Sorry again for not drawing a space plan for you. Unfortunately my time does not allow me to do as much as I would like too. If you need some clarification on anything, let me know.
I love the idea that your daughter is taking pictures to mat and frame for her room. They will mean alot to her and help decorate her room. You might hang them on either side of the round mirror. 2 on each side. One over the other. Maybe use some thick brown mats to pull that color onto the wall. Keep the photos lighter for contrast. White frames maybe.
I hope all turns out well for you and your daughter.
I’d love to see the room.
by Cathy — 5/22/08 at 9:49 pm #
23. Thank you, Cathy. I completly understand that you are too busy. We would be hanging the pictures on the opposite wall of the vanity/desk and mirror. Thank you for your time and I will definitely post the end result. Thanks again.
by Lindsey H. — 5/23/08 at 10:02 am #
24. I live than a hundred miles from your store. Is there any way to shop your line on the Internet? You look like you have some interesting items and I would love to see more. Maybe you have a catalog?
by peggy — 6/3/08 at 9:31 am #
25. Hi Peggy,
At this time, HomeGoods does not offer a service of online shopping. However, we may in the future and suggest signing up for our emails to keep you up to date.
In addition, With the over 10,000 items delivered to our stores each week it would be virtually impossible for us to carry a catalog.
We appreciate your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 6/3/08 at 4:17 pm #
26. I am looking for a clay “Chiminea” that I can put on my new deck. I won’t use it for heating but for purely decorating effects. I plan to put sandbox sand in it and add some candles in glass containers. I really want a chiminea that is smaller than most that I have seen on line that produce heat. I don’t even want a stand I would like it just to sit on my deck and be about 3-4 feet in height. Any suggestions?
by Nancy — 7/3/08 at 2:51 pm #
27. We understand that you have been trying to locate an item for your deck. As an off price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise, In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the bookcases, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Sincerely,
JoAnn
Homegoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 7/5/08 at 1:30 pm #
28. Hello Nancy,
Chimineas are great…adds to the ambiance of an outdoor space. They can be very functional, like a portable fireplace, or just decorative for candles. You are looking for more of a decorative chiminea. Other than checking online, check places like HomeGoods, Pier One, Cost Plus, pottery stores that carry Mexican pots and patio furnishings. Maybe even Home Depot or Lowes.
Has anyone out there seen these anywhere? If so, write in so we can help Nancy out.
Check back, we may get you some more ideas.
by Cathy — 7/5/08 at 6:59 pm #