How to Enhance Your Summer Outdoor Decor
Summer brings lots of cookouts with family and friends, which means lots of guests. It's a perfect time to expand your living space into the outdoors. Carter Oosterhouse, host of HGTV's "Carter Can" appeared on "The Early Show" Friday to show how you can do just that -- with style.
Oosterhouse said, "When creating an outdoor space you should think about bringing some of your inside elements out so it becomes an extension of your home. This is a great way to instantly add square footage to your home."
BLUR THE LINE BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUT
Break the boundaries of the walls of the house by bringing indoor elements such as drapes, rugs or mirrors to your outdoor oasis
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ITEMS YOU LOVE
Whether it's stringing mason jar lanterns across your fence, placing a collection of tulips on a side table, hanging a tire swing out back like the one you had growing up or hanging wind chimes from a few tree branches, your styling choices should reflect your personal taste
SEATING:
Oosterhouse says, "You want your family and guests to be as comfortable as possible on your outdoor patio or deck. Seating is key. You can easily get standard metal chairs, but you want your space to be inviting and accommodating for guests."
Oosterhouse chose Heatherroad furniture for his house in Michigan.
He said, "Available in teak, synthetic wicker, aluminum or stainless steel, it's made from either plantation grown or materials that can be easily recycled. It's also extremely durable which is important during cold Michigan winters and it adds style to the outdoors."
MAINTAINING YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE:
Oosterhouse says, "All furniture is different, but the furniture I like to use is from a company called Heatherroad, which are both sustainable and all weather wicker products. What's great about the fiber is that it does not become brittle when exposed to the sun and the synthetic fiber resists fading. The wood is plantation-grown, so it's durable and sturdy, so one tip I tell people is to really look into what the furniture is made from as it can really affect how long your furniture lasts."
LIGHTING:
Oosterhouse says, "This really creates the mood when the sun goes down. Try to match your outdoor lights with the style of your home. Basically try to get lights like the ones in your home, or make sure to get lights that light up the deck, and not the entire neighborhood. Now if you want to recreate your favorite vacation spot, you should hang string lights that we have from West Elm that are $25 bucks."
DINING SPACE:
Oosterhouse says, "Who doesn't want to have two different dining areas? A casual eating area outside just continues to build on the summer goodness. It doesn't matter where how big or small your outdoor dining area is as long as you have one. You really need to prep it with colorful place settings and real linens. Crate & Barrel has some great, brightly colored placemats and tablecloths for summer. I've chosen a teak table because it's one of the sturdiest woods out there, that can weather all kinds of temperature changes (it's the same wood used for boats)."
CABINETRY:
Oosterhouse says, "Consider using cabinetry outside. If the porch is enclosed use something from inside your house, if it's not then use something a little more durable. People want storage space and cabinets are great for outside. The piece featured from Amazon.com is eucalyptus wood, extremely durable. This cabinet duals as a storage space for glasses and dishes and a serving bar."
CREDITS:
SEATING:
HEATHERROAD.COM
CONTACT: DAVE PRECHT
1-888-860-8750
LIVING ROOM SEATING:
ETHAN COLLECTION
DINING COLLECTION:
SENECA COLLECTION
LIGHTING:
AMAZON.COM
Boston Warehouse London Centerpiece Lights
$24.99
Boston Warehouse Rome Centerpiece Lights
$24.99
Kenroy Home Belmont Outdoor Floor Lamp
$158.47
Royce Lighting Marrakech 1-Light Outdoor Table Lantern
$84.62
West Elm
Lantern string lights from $25
CABINETRY:
AMAZON.COM, CLICK HERE FOR PRODUCT.