Al Fresco Spaces - Making your Outdoors Magnificent

As our latest season, summer, is almost upon us, we are all a buzz to making our outdoor living space a haven.

Whether your home is on the market or not, your outdoor spaces should show as well as your indoor space.

If you are need of a bit of inspiration, here are a few tips, advice and ideas from my own outdoor spaces to yours.

Be inspired to eke out areas of your yard into "rooms."  This can be done by establishing an area for an activity, or by anchoring a space with a structure. A room is established by adding a gazebo, fireplace, garden or by simply adding a solid surface to your lawn with concrete patio pavers or decking.

Once your space has been establish, you can furnish and adorn your new room(s.) - Retailers have a whole host of wonderful outdoor elements to make your space shine. You can also get creative by repurposing flea market or household finds to add a special flavor to your décor.


1.) Fun with Rugs.Whether you pick-up an outdoor rug retail, or shop the web, rugs can anchor seating areas and add an element of sophistication to an outdoor space. I found this awesome rug company which sells just the most fabulous outdoor rugs made from recycled plastic - My favorite find is on order from Mariachi Imports for $75.00.


2.) Hot Seat. Ceramic garden stools are those awesome little barrel or vase shaped pieces that you've seen popping up in catalogs and stores. These hipster seats can be used as seating or display purposes, and come is an array of colors. My latest was found in clearance for $20.00 at HomeGoods.

3.) Old is Renewed. Re-purposing a pair of old windows I found curbside created a more interesting space. After a coat of spray paint, and hung with eye hooks and chain - These old window have a new view for around $5.00.

4.) Curtain Call. Although my iron gazebo came with muslin drapes, they would not withstand the weather and were boring white - My cobalt blue outdoor fabric panels from JCPenney were just the ticket for my blue-hued inspired decor; and all of 29.99 per panel after I waited for them to go on sale, and brought in a extra 15% off coupon! Score!

5.) Light it Up. Make sure to set the mood in your outdoor space with lighting. Either electrical or by candle, lighting is an essential element for your new space. I found my garden chandelier at a sample sale, but you can make your own by visiting Sunset Magazine's Site which has instructions to make your own.

Want more tips, the latest outdoor decor trends, and exterior home staging ideas visit my website at www.julea.com.  Make sure to visit my site BLOG too!

Since 1999, Interior Stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based design and staging business - Reinventing Space.  She specializes in giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether prepping their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.  Julea is a frequent segment guest on CLTV's "HomePlus" show.  You can also see Julea's work coming soon on HGTV's "My First Place."