Summertime and the Decorating is Easy
May 21, 2014
Maybe it’s a sign that I’ve become a naturalized Floridian after growing up in the Midwest. I love the heat and, as much as I enjoy the winter, in-season buzz when our part-time residents temporarily come home, it’s great when the pace chills – even as the temperatures rise – in the summer.
From an interior design perspective – another passion of mine – I’d love to share some tips on outdoor living. Now, we all want to conserve energy with the onset of the summer heat, so, promise, these design tips are almost effortless. Really, all you need is Robb & Stucky.
BEYOND TABLES & CHAIRS – Remember “patio furniture?” Back in the day – your granny’s day – this usually meant a table and four chairs punctuated with a fringed umbrella. Among the adventurous, a chaise was sometimes introduced to the mix. Fast forward to 2014. Today, we furnish exteriors the same way we do interiors. At Robb & Stucky, for example, shoppers choose from sofas, chairs, bars and barstools, and even rugs, lighting and accessories, in addition to the old dining set standbys. They are ALL beautifully designed to withstand the elements and enhance your design plan.
EXTEND YOUR SQUARE FOOTAGE – A well-appointed exterior space is really an extension of livable square footage. It enhances your property value. I love real estate upsides, don’t you? But for me, the real value in investing in exterior living space is the pleasure of enjoying the sights and sounds of nature on a daily basis. Robb & Stucky carries only the best outdoor furniture and accessory collections. This means all the comforts of beautiful interior rooms can be translated out of doors.
WHITE IS NOT A NO-NO – Companies like Sunbrella have broken the code on outdoor fabrics. These fabrics look simply fabulous and can withstand the elements. In fact, many Robb & Stucky shoppers consider Sunbrella fabrics for interior upholstered pieces. The color and pattern assortment is amazing, but you don’t have to rule out white. Clean Sunbrella fabrics with soap and water. You can even add a little bleach, if needed. I love a clean white palette punctuated with bursts of color on pillows and accessories.
GO WITH THE FLOW – The boundaries between inside and outside are breaking down. As you survey your home, think of your exterior spaces as an integral part of your overall residence. This means that your overall design plan must transition from indoors to outdoors just as it does from room to room. Outside is not another world. It’s all part of your universe, your home. Professional interior designers are experts at managing transitions. Beautifully!
