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Get out in the Garden
Bring the Comfort of Home Outside By Jacqueline Rupp
. By calculating the longitude and latitude, he can create accurate dials, which actually tell the time, unlike the ones you buy at the store. Each has to be custom made for every customer's specific location.
When choosing the seating area, think about your indoor spaces first. "I like to carry some of the color scheme and furnishing styles that I use in a home's interior rooms and repeat it in the home's exterior rooms," says Donovan. "That keeps the 'flow' going, creating a sense of unity. For example, I am currently designing the interiors of a home using the popular black-painted, traditionally-styled wood cabinets and tables. To continue the look, I'll be using black, traditional metal and black wrought iron furnishings on the back patio and out in the backyard."
Another way to get inspired by the interiors is by creating an outdoor living room. Sheer, light, water-resistant material through a white fabric works well because it reflects the sun. Add furnishings such as wicker tables and chairs, an ottoman-style coffee table and big oversized pillows in a heavy-duty fabric. Don't forget to include the little touches of home, like candle holders, decorative bowls of fruit and coordinating serving trays.
Donovan also suggests giving concrete a more "finished" look by staining it or resurfacing it with stone or pavers. "Bring in planters of various sizes: large ones to hold small trees, then shrubs and flowers," she says. "If there is a wall or fence available, run plants up using a trellis system. I love adding wall fountains as well."
For nighttime entertaining, there are some special considerations. "Think safety first," says Donovan. "We don't want a guest getting hurt. Are walkways and steps adequately illuminated? Lighting can be positioned so it doesn't glare, but offers a soft glow. Also, other lighting should be used to gently accent interesting plants and water features. The best plantings for nighttime enjoyment include those with white flowers, so they show up in low light. Also, don't forget scented flowers."
