The busier and crazier our lives get, the more we value and seek down time outside and out of our homes. There is nothing like your first cup of coffee on a patio, deck or porch to start the day off with an attitude of calm, instead of the usual morning rush.
On the contrary, ending the day outside, whether alone or with others, surely adds a needed dimension to our lives to decompress from a busy day. At the very least, we can learn to shut off our days in nature’s wonderful antidote to the stress, for even a short amount of time.
According to new research from the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), more than 80 percent of American households plan to purchase outdoor furniture or accessories this year, up from 62 percent a year ago.
“Porches, patios, decks and balconies are among the most cherished spaces of American homes, and we want to spend as much time enjoying them as possible,” says Jackie Hirsch haut, AHFA vice president. “Many of us have so little time off that our backyards and balconies have become our primary refuge for relaxation.”
Since the end of summer is near, my thought is that you might be inspired to prepare your spaces for next spring and summer. Now is the perfect time to be searching for sale prices! I have selected the following furniture and accessories as a few of my favorites for the outdoors.
UPGRADED SEATING OPTIONS
Since product manufacturers are on the growing bandwagon of outdoor living, more and more furniture designs go beyond typical outdoor seating. Now, with companies such as Treasure Garden, we can create our own shade design with a vast selection of umbrellas and accessories.
The hammock is making a comeback, with cheerful colors and designs for all tastes and budgets.
More and more beautifully arranged furniture pieces provide an extra customization benefit that everyone looks for.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Remember not too long ago when gas grills were considered “fancy”? Well, now, almost the entire kitchen cam move outside! One of the most sought after appliances is a pizza oven. How fun would this be since everyone loves pizza?
BRING ACCESSORIES OUTSIDE
From lamps to rugs, to fabric selections, side tables and tabletop dinnerware, we see the inside moving outdoors with accessories.
Neither the size nor the financial outlay for our outdoor spaces actually matter. What good is the most elaborate high end pool and patio is no one ever uses it? No, it is about the nurturing experience and that can happen anywhere we let down, let go and just enjoy.
Remember, it’s summertime and the living (should) be easy.
Living and living life together,
Mitzi
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