An Outdoor Lifestyle

The concept of outdoor rooms for outdoor living and maximizing outdoor spaces such as gardens and patios has really taken off in recent years. The reasons can range from shrinking square footage in modern housing to improved products for outdoor living, but we can all agree that the extra space provides added flexibility. Before you begin furnishing an outdoor room you have to decide how you want the space to function:

• A place to gather and entertain
• A private retreat
• A place for cooking and dining, or just dining
• A playroom for children and friends
• A multipurpose area where you combine different activities

Once you've narrowed down a purpose for your outdoor room, select a location. Depending on what kind of outdoor space you have, you may have just one option or be able to select from many.

If you have less space to work with, it will call for more efficient planning and creativity. You can turn that area into an exquisite outdoor room with special attention to function and form.

When you have plenty of space, you still have to pay attention to form and function, but you will have more leeway.

Choose a spot with a view if possible. If you don't already have a view, create one with plantings, garden sculpture, fountains and accessories.

Add drama to your location with your furniture and fabrics; consider crisp, bright colors.

Special thanks to our guest blogger Tamara Hyland of  Total Renaissance Construction.

Is New Carpeting on your Mind?

If you are considering buying new carpeting for your house and have not done so in a number of years, keep a few ideas in mind. Generally, people buy carpeting for their homes because the material is soft and warm, helps insulate from noise and is affordable. But, if you have family members with allergies, you might want to keep in mind that carpeting holds, dirt, dust and the mites that come along with the dust. If you have animals, carpeting will also hang onto those pet smells like urine. You probably know that the typical life expectancy of carpeting is around 10 years with average use, so you will need to re-carpet when it starts looking worn in even just a couple of rooms. 

Keep in mind that if you have a 2 story house and the stairs are carpeted, that the steps take a lot of wear and tear so consider buying a thicker carpet like a woven wool since they are quite durable for these areas. Do not buy a looped carpet for stairs since they can snag and the loops can open up.

If you are thinking of new carpeting, consider buying one with Low VOC's-volatile organic chemicals. This will help you keep your family more protected in the home environment when you install a carpeting made from natural products with fewer fumes and chemical free dyes.

Do not skimp on the carpet pad since a good carpet pad helps support the carpeting lying on top of it and provides strength and cushioning. A good quality pad will prevent the backing of the carpeting from coming apart over time. 

Think about how you live in your home before selecting a carpet since there are many styles to consider. A plush carpeting shows footprints and is best in low traffic parts of the home. Berber is a tough carpeting that is great for kid and pet areas since it does not show tracks and is very sturdy.  If you have high traffic areas, you might also think about installing a textured carpeting since it does not show tracks and reflects the light. High pile carpets like friezes are great for hiding footprints and dirt and are a bit less formal than a plush. 

It is also important to select a good quality carpet provider and installer.

Consider these things when shopping for and selecting a new carpet for your home. 

Thanks to our guest blogger, Tamara Hyland, of Total Renaissance Construction