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There’s no denying that making your backyard/deck/patio an extension of your home is a huge trend in homes right now, especially with more and more people opting to stay home than spend money on vacations.

If you’re like me, your backyard might look a little lackluster, nothing but some grass, trees and flowers - you know, the regular backyard features. We did add a hammock earlier this summer, which promplty got blown to bits by a big thunderstorm. But I’m determined to have a backyard that I can be proud one, one that is a summer oasis.

As I began looking for ideas, there were a few basic ideas of outdoor design that keep jumping out at me. The first: Keep connected. You want it to feel like the yard/deck/patio is an extra room in your home, so keep any improvements or additions close to the house. You don’t want to buy a pretty canopy tent and table and chair set and then set it up in the furthest corner of your yard.

Another rule (an absolute must for all outdoor decorating): Use low-maintenance materials. This also means materials that can stand up to the elements. You don’t want a lot of fussy stuff, go for sturdy wood and metal or easy-to-clean wicker. Buy weather-proof cushions or fabrics for any chairs.

There are a multitude of other things to consider when planning an outdoor space: What kind of lighting do you want? Will your outdoor space be a mutli-purpose room or have a specific function? And how extravagent do you want to go (a consideration with any home project)?

Here is one interesting link that can help you figure out which way you should go with your backyard space. I’ve already got quite a few ideas myself!

Happy decorating, Amy

http://www.design2share.com/design2share-qa/2007/5/28/outdoor-spaces.html

Paint, faux finish, texture — regardless of your wall finishing choice, you still need the final touches. Without artwork, photography or some other kind of focal point, your room will lack the personality and uniqueness that makes your house home. While poking around for some ideas, I found the a great set of video clips here that cover quite a few ingenious methods for wall decorating. They are also cost effective, which is always a great perk. Tell me what you think. Happy decorating and regards!

Obviously, the “green” trend is really catching on in the US. Nearly every industry is looking to cash in on being environmentally friendly. But, is there more going on in our subconcious than we know? I read an article earlier today which made me think being aware of the natural environment is only part of our desire to do better.

“Some researchers have found that natural surroundings help increase motivation. We think that this is a great argument for liberally decorating your house. This is because we think the source of this beneficial effect is the fact that you can identify with your surroundings. We are natural beings who need to be surrounded by recognizable forms.” (Feel Better Just by Decorating Your Home, Dallas Dougan)

This paragraph was impactful enough to me to reaffirm the green solution is the right direction for our future. One of the most effective ways to create a comfortable area is to add plant life. Perhaps this simple decorating tip is a more than just a hint that we need to always be thinking of our environment.

While I covered the topic of reducing clutter yesterday, I was reading today when one paragraph of an article caught my eye.

Simplified Elegance. Roderick Shade of New York City, selected by Architectural Digest as one of the top designers, thinks one of the most important trends in home design is “paring down.” People want fewer but finer things. Gone are yesterday’s McMansions. (Click here for full article)

With the whole green movement, minimizing is an important part. Do you think this is why this trend is happening?

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” croons Jack Johnson from our Curious George soundtrack. Maybe he is on to something. Seems like you can’t throw a stone without hitting something “green.” And, as far as I’m concerned, that is a good thing.

I am a huge fan of reusing furniture, accessories, fabric, clothes … you name it. Old draperies become my newest table cover, an old picnic basket becomes our favorite new craft carrier, my grandmother’s old writing desk is painted and becomes my sturdy little laptop stand, grandpa’s barn wood hangs our outdoor swing. The list goes on, and I’m sure you can add to it. The idea is finding pieces you LOVE and repurposing them in ways that fit perfectly into the functionality and feel of your home.

There is so much great quality used furniture out there, why always buy new? Not to mention the sentimentality that goes with owning something your grandparents used. To find these hidden treasures, peruse all the usual venues: your local antique or vintage stores, garage and estate sales, Mom’s basement or grandma’s attic, E-bay, craigslist and the like. Ask friends if they have anything they want to part with. You never know, that dusty piece of wrought iron in the garage may be your new quilt rack or funky wall hanging.

With a little ingenuity you can be reusing furniture and accessories in no time. And, if you aren’t into doing it yourself, there are plenty of places to buy vintage that is ready to use. Here are a few of my favorite blogs on old (but new to you) furniture, housewares and fabric and some fun shopping sites, too. Feel free to share your faves or any tips you have on this topic. Enjoy being green and regards!

http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2008/01/01/vintage-used-furniture-find-green-gold/

http://vintageindie.typepad.com/vintage_indie/crafting_diy/index.html

http://plump-pudding.typepad.com/plump_pudding/

http://mediazene.com/

http://www.gono.com/vir-mus/village/bwemporium/furniture/barn%20emp%20furniture.htm

http://www.vintagevending.com/