Showing posts with label Outdoor Furniture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outdoor Furniture. Show all posts

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Outdoor Oasis: Outdoor living at its finest!

If you're looking for some backyard envy.... you've found the right place!  A returning client was ready to convert their simple backyard into the perfect place to entertain.  They had several goals in mind while working through the designs; fireplace, summer kitchen, lots of seating areas, and access to the second floor of the home. Employing Wamhoff Development to help with design and construction, the project is finally coming to life!

 Just imagine, as you look through the photos below.... the only thing that existed before was the pool!

Here's a detail shot of the tile and stone work on the fireplace. On the covered portion of the patio, there's room for some comfy chairs and a sofa. On the exterior side of the fireplace, is a stone semi-circle perfect for a cool night around the fire. 

Close up of the tile design within the stone above the fireplace.  The inspiration for this tile accent was a sink the couple had purchased years ago while on vacation... you'll see it in a few moments :) The blue in the tile adds some cheerful color to the warm space. 

Here's a view from the seating area near the fireplace over to the summer kitchen.  The wall stone coordinates well with the existing brick and siding color of the home. 


Here's looking from the summer kitchen over to the fireplace. There's still some minor work being finished like the custom metal staircase!

The tile seen in above the fireplace also makes an appearance in the back splash in the kitchen.  On the other side of the summer kitchen is a spot for the amazing smoker.... I am really hoping to get invited to some of these parties! 

The couple had purchased a beautiful hand-painted sink from a trip to Mexico which works perfectly as their outdoor kitchen sink and looks amazing next to the deco tiles!

The space should be done within a few days.... just in time for some cooler weather!  Outdoor living is becoming such an important aspect of home design here in the south. Special thanks to Wamhoff Development for making this amazing space a reality!

Friday, June 21, 2013

Summer Solstice

Despite temperatures already reaching the mid-to-high 90s, today is the official first day of summer! Summer is the time to sit on the porch, relax and watch the sun go down. Don't worry we have some tips and tricks to get your outdoor space a great place to relax and enjoy the summer.

This is an amazing outdoor space Wamhoff Development and myself collaborated on. Can't overlook the custom Summer Classics furniture!

1) Outdoor furniture doesn't get the comfort of air conditioning

There are a wide variety of outdoor furniture companies that sell products in all sorts of price ranges.  Outdoor furniture and fabrics have to endure much more than just normal everyday wear and tear.  They have to endure rainstorms, hot hot hot temperatures, and chlorine or salt water from your pool or beach. Take a moment to assess what sort of beatings your furniture is going to take and check out different products and their reviews.  What may be great for high heat may not live as well in close proximity to salt water...

Check out Summer Classics for some of my favorite outdoor furniture!


2) Sunbrella, Sunbrella, Sunbrella

If you are getting furniture with cushions, but sure that it is OUTDOOR rated fabric. This will ensure that the color does not fade in the sun, mildew won't grow after a rain, dyes won't run after an afternoon swim and then lounge. Sunbrella is the most popular brand outdoor fabric, and it's my favorite. Their collections have lots of  great colors and patterns to chose from. Plus when they get dirty you can literally just hose them off!

 Gallery: Unassuming Awning

3) Know how to take care of your furniture

Outdoor furniture requires a little different maintenance than your indoor sofas and chairs.  For example, most manufacturers recommend vertically orienting your cushions after a rainstorm or good washing is the best way to dry the cushions.  Make sure to check manufacturers suggestions for cleaning and maintaining your new stuff.

Happy Designing!
Erika and Erin