www.roomplanners.com
roomplanners
coastal
take it outside with the perfect back yard!
ooh la la!
backyard bistro
nicoise salad pommes frites
furniture for small spaces
May 2011
bring resort-style living home
living
on the cover
The perfect deck or patio tops the wish list for most of us. With record gas prices, this may be the summer to make it happen!
(On a side note... if you’ve never tried out an Adirondack chair, make this the summer you do that too! They’re seriously comfortable.)
All written information herein is copyright ©2011 Room Planners Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without written permission from Room Planners Incorporated.
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Editor-in-Chief Loreen Epp
Food writer Wendi Hiebert
Contributing writer Dominique Waters
5
10 RECIPES
23
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BACKYARD BISTRO
Is there a more charming style for
outdoor furniture?
And it‟s perfect for small
patios and balconies.
12
2 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
Bistro fare!
Pommes Frites
Nicoise Salad
Laid-back and luxurious, natural materials inspire
resort-style elegance.
this month...
GOING COASTAL
TAKE IT OUTSIDE! Making the most of your
back yard.
sleep well tonight
what we do in bed Once the domain of the elderly and the
back-problem-prone, adjustable mattresses
have gone from not-so-cool to red hot.
According to recent research, 38% of us
want to incline or recline our head or feet at the touch of a button. It's no wonder, based on how
we live.
Nearly half of us (45%) use a computer while
we're on our bed; the same number of us who watch TV in bed, often as a family. Nearly two-
thirds (60%) of us read books in our bed and one third of us (33%) read to our children. All of that
makes an adjustable mattress a serious contender for next mattress purchase.
PHOTO COURTESY: Tempur-Pedic, TEMPUR
Advanced Ergo System™
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free issues?
SUBSCRIBE NOW! from our blog
celebrity homes
Mariah’s nurseries While Mariah Carey‟s bedroom was dubbed the most glamorous
room in her New York penthouse by Architectural Digest a decade
ago, the new nurseries for her twins, one each in Bel Air and
New York, have been dubbed tranquil and cozy.
But nursery photos featured in last month‟s Life & Style magazine,
show the singer's strikingly similar approach to room design for herself
and for her newborns. READ MORE.
Amid a battered remodeling market, bathroom makeovers are a bit of a bright spot.
Bathrooms, in
fact, are rivaling kitchens as one of the best places to invest
money in your home that you can't take
with you when you leave.
Bathroom budgets vary, but the average
spend is $10,000 - $15,000.
READ MORE.
room design layout
bathroom remodels on the rise
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 3
4 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
room design layout
pets get the luxury treatment Fido and Garfield will be well taken care of in new
homes. Demand is growing for dog showers (tiled or
painted to suit the pet‟s personality), built-in feeding
stations windows located lower to the floor (so pets will
have better outdoor views) and hideaways and sleep
areas built into laundry or foyers. READ MORE.
But if remodeling your home to make four-legged creatures happy isn't in your future, consider this low-
budget project idea from a recent Arm & Hammer
advertisement. Simply line the outside of your cat's litter box (or dog's food bowl) with bumper-style stickers
befitting their prevailing attitude or personality.
room design layout
one house, two homes There may be a silver lining to the housing crisis. Today‟s tough times are spawning a major shift in
thinking about home… namely, the trend to turn one house into two homes.
Adding a second, independent living area, whether a converted garage or basement, new wing or separate
structure, makes a lot of sense at a time when aging parents need to be cared for, retiring baby boomers
want to age at home, healthcare costs are soaring, single-parents wouldn‟t mind a second adult on the
premise and children are moving home after college in droves.
In a new book, In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny
Flats, author Michel
Litchfield explores the benefits, uses and
designs of this time-honored living arrange-
ment. Founding editor of Fine Homebuilding
magazine, Litchfield explores all aspects of multi-generational living
and dual living quarters on one property.
READ MORE.
kitchen design
kitchen priorities revealed Today's dream kitchen is remarkably
practical, according to a recent GenShift
2011 survey by Masco Cabinetry.
Among their findings? We‟ll be staying
our homes longer, but many of us are
concerned that our existing homes aren't
equipped for our future needs. We want
more dedicated storage for bulk food,
small appliances and waste/recycling… and dog food storage has overtaken wine food storage as a top „extra‟ in our
kitchen. Many adults and younger
children also expect that they‟ll live
together under one roof in the future...
and an open floor plan is vastly
preferred to a kitchen behind walls.
READ MORE.
Sponsored Feature
back yard
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 5
bistro It’s the perfect furniture style for patios, decks and balconies, especially small ones. (It’ll also transport you to Paris without booking a flight!)
Ahead, we partnered with American Country Home Store, our favorite source for original French-made bistro furniture, to inspire your very own, very charming, outdoor living space.
1 2 3
and our thoughts turn to our own artistic side, our romance life, accordion
tunes and La Vie en Rose.
Obsessed with beauty, famous for
comfort and the ultimate arbiters of good taste, the French have always
insisted that outdoor furniture look as good as anything inside.
With an impeccable tradition of quality, French furniture makers are
famous for the graceful shapes, intimate
scale, exquisite designs and quality of
their pieces... whether using wood, cast iron, colorful metals or exotic rattan.
Bistro furniture has inspired our own ideas about eating on patios and decks
in North America. Many of our most romantic notions about eating en plain air, in fact, have a French vibe... from
elegant Louvre chairs in Napa wineries
to folding bistro chairs in New York‟s Bryant Park.
With its light-weight design, bistro-style furniture lifts our mood, beckons us
outdoors and makes the perfect choice for small spaces.
Given that all outdoor furniture isn‟t created equal, when in doubt, we say
go French. Such elegance is actually
incapable of looking trendy, tacky or tattered over time.
Check out the backyard bistro ideas on the next page… and original, French-
made bistro furniture at
American Country Home Store.
3 big reasons to love small furniture
b BY NOW, CAFES IN PARIS HAVE
THROWN OPEN THEIR DOORS, pushed chairs and tables onto the sidewalk and are serving their
delicious bistro fare outdoors, or, en plein air.
Café, or bistro furniture is the hallmark of Paris sidewalk cafés, brasseries and the city itself. For more
than a century, Parisians (and want-to-be-Parisians!) have huddled around
charming bistro tables to eat, drink and discuss the events of the day. It
was also on bistro chairs that the likes of Picasso, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Sartre and other famous artists and
writers once perched to wax poetic.
Just one look at bistro furniture today
Small-scaled furniture
makes it easy to be bold
with color or to mix and
match table and chair
styles or colors. The look
is warm, intersting and very personal.
Lightweight, compact, folding or stackable,
bistro furniture is easy to
move around and store
when not in use. Move it
in or out of the sun, or to your own perfect spot.
Bistro chairs Perhaps the most famous chairs in the world!
Bistro tables At just 28-38” wide, they’re smart for small spaces.
Flower boxes and pots and hanging baskets. SO charming. Awnings + umbrellas Trust the French to make even shelter fashionable!
Gingham A much-loved checkered pattern that adds
provincial-style warmth to table linens.
The color red True; any color will work. But red is Paris. Hearty dinnerware As simple, but substantial, as the food it holds.
Designed for crowded sidewalk cafes, bistro
furniture is perfect for
balconies and small
patios or decks. Its
open, airy designs make the space look bigger.
Bistro folding chairs in
the famous Bryant Park.
6 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
Sponsored Feature
BISTRO BASICS Bistro chairs Perhaps the most famous chairs in the world!
Bistro tables At just 28-38” wide, they’re smart for small spaces.
Flower boxes and pots and hanging baskets. SO charming. Awnings + umbrellas Trust the French to make even shelter fashionable!
Gingham A much-loved checkered pattern that adds
provincial-style warmth to table linens.
The color red True; any color will work. But red is Paris. Hearty dinnerware As simple, but substantial, as the food it holds.
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 7
Bistro Metal High Table & Chairs
Bistro Folding Table & Chairs
Campaign Folding Table & Chairs
Castille Plus Table & Chairs Louvre Garden Terrace Chairs at Peju Province Winery in Napa Valley
FOLDING
This practical invention at the end of the 19th cen-tury and was an instant hit at French cafes. Simple folding chairs were easy to pack away (and still are!), allowing cafes to avoid fees for a permanent terrace! The light-weight design looks good anywhere (also indoors!) and in custom colors. Check it out in fjord blue, right.
8 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
FOLDING
The perfect companion to folding bistro chairs, folding tables are space– savvy and ideal for small areas (or for a private dinner for two)! They‟re easy to collapse, store in tight spaces or move where needed.
METAL
Inspired by garden chairs found in Paris squares during the late 1800s, Louvre chairs aren‟t as delicate as they looks! Sturdy enough for public places, their simple, airy design celebrates life in the garden or on a flower-filled patio or balcony. Color it cedar green for classic elegance, or carrot for fun.
METAL
They‟re known as opera tables and it‟s easy to see why. The elegant, light-weight lines of this elegant table makes it perfect for Parisian gardens, terraces and balconies… or in an elegant garden in your back yard!
chairs tables
planning your own back yard bistro
Sponsored Feature
RATTAN
Michael Thonet designed the first bent wood chair in 1859. French artists Renoir and Lautrec showed it in their paintings, and Picasso kept one in his studio. Paris cafes made them famous, especially rattan bistro chairs for outside, with a checkered weaved seat and back. Few are handmade in France today, but fine versions are made in the Philippines.
BRASSERIE
They‟re everywhere
in Paris! Small
café tables with heavy iron base and
marble top with brass edge (or laminate top with steel edge) are as sturdy as a
French lamp post! With a center pedestal base, it‟s easy to fit
plenty of chairs around it.
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 9
Dinnerware in French bistros is surprisingly simple and sturdy, suiting the food served in them!
That makes authentic French dishes, tableware and linens hearty enough to use outdoors
For fun, choose dinnerware with a French restaurant logo, like the very charming tableware shown here from la Brasserie du Square in France.
dinnerware
umbrellas cushions
NEW CATALOG ! Click here to receive the American Country Home Store 2011 catalog, shipping in June. planning your own back yard bistro
color Custom coloring outdoor furniture with a favorite hue (or hues!) makes it personal and interesting. Even in bold colors, the light, airy scale of bistro furniture is never overpowering. Avoid fading or rust with a top-grade steel and a rust–resistant powder coating.
No awning? No problem. Smaller bistro umbrellas are ideal for bistro tables. At 5- or 6-feet in diameter, they offer just the right scale and sun protection. Fabrics from the south of France add extra charm!
Sure, they add comfort outdoors, but bistro chair cushions are most loved for their color and character. Gingham and stripes are favorites… so are the famous French reds, provencal blues and tea stained hues.
10 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
nicoise salad
BISTRO BASICS
Pain perdu French Onion Soup Potato & Leek Soup Croque Madame Quiche Lorraine Nicoise Salad
Coq au Vin Beef Bourguignon Roast Chicken Provencal
Steak au Poivre and Pommes Frites
Apple Galette Tarte Tatin
Makes 2 servings
2 large potatoes (ex. Yukon Gold or russet)
1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
Salt
Preheat oven to 450ºF.
Cut each potato lengthwise into four slices. Cut each slice into 3 or 4 fingers. Place in a large bowl. Cover with cold water. Let stand 10 minutes.
Drain potatoes; pat dry with paper towels. Return potatoes to the bowl. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Using your hands, mix to evenly coat potatoes.
Spread potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast, uncovered, on the bottom rack for 15
minutes. Turn potatoes over. Continue roasting until golden brown, about 15 more minutes.
TIP: Paprika, chili powder, onion powder and/or
dried herbs can be sprinkled over potatoes
before roasting.
Makes 4 servings
4 to 6 cups mixed salad greens
1 lb mini potatoes, cooked
½ lb green beans, trimmed and
steamed
1 - 2 cans (5 - 6 oz/170 g each)
solid white tuna, drained and
separated into chunks
2 cups cherry or grape
tomatoes, halved
4 hard-cooked eggs, cut into
wedges
1/3 cup pitted black olives,
1 tin (approx 2 oz/50 g)
anchovy fillets, drained,
rinsed, patted dry and
halved lengthwise
1 tbsp capers (optional)
½ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 clove garlic, minced
Cover a large plate or platter
with salad greens. On top of greens, arrange potatoes, beans, tuna, tomatoes, and eggs. Sprinkle olives, anchovies, and capers (if using) over top.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, basil & garlic. Serve with salad.
TIPS: Instead of serving as an arranged
salad, gently combine potatoes,
beans, tuna, tomatoes and eggs
with some of the dressing, then
spoon over the salad greens.
Three medium potatoes, cooked
and diced, can be substituted for
the mini potatoes.
Tomatoes, cut into wedges,
can be substituted for the cherry
tomatoes.
Substitute Italian dressing or your
favorite vinaigrette for the dressing.
pommes frites
home-style french bistro cooking
Create a French eatery ambiance at home by serving friends and family a
bistro-style Nicoise Salad or oven-baked Pommes Frites (French fries).
Add a great bottle of wine and you‟ll have your guests saying “ooh la la”!
BISTRO BASICS
Pain perdu French Onion Soup Potato & Leek Soup Croque Madame Quiche Lorraine Nicoise Salad
Coq au Vin Beef Bourguignon Roast Chicken Provencal
Steak au Poivre and Pommes Frites
Apple Galette Tarte Tatin
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 11
home-style
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 13
going coastal What if escaping to a seaside resort were as easy as walking through your front door?
TOP. A hearty, weathered table with metal base contrasts a
delicate elegant chandelier, drapes and étagère. BOTTOM. What‟s more natural than sleeping next to a woven water
hyacinth bed with gently weathered frame? RIGHT. Washed-
looking shelves and antiqued pewter finish frame invite an open display of beautiful things. The simplicity of white kitchen cupboards and stainless steel show off the textured chairs.
14 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
SEASIDE SIMPLICITY AND STYLE.
Airy, open shelves are a lesson in
i If the next pages resemble the pages of Coastal Living magazine, it‟s no
coincidence. The popular periodical that celebrates life along the coast has
brought its pages to life with a line of seaside-inspired furniture.
Joining forces with Stanley Furniture,
the new Coastal Living Resort furniture
collection follows on the heels of this power duo‟s launch of a cottage-
inspired furniture collection in 2009.
“Like our magazine, our furniture is ideal for people who live, or dream of
living a coastal lifestyle,” says Heather Chadduck, Style Director for
Coastal Living Magazine.
“We want our Resort collection to
recall places our readers have been or
dreamed of being,” Chadduck says, noting that, based on the success of the initial cottage collection, the
company saw the potential for a more transitional look that mixed a casual
coastal lifestyle with more sophistication.
“Resort effortlessly marries the breezy
simplicity of shore life and the under-stated elegance of a five-star hotel,”
says Adam Tilley, Vice President of Product Development for Stanley
Furniture.
Tilley acknowledges that some of America‟s top resort interiors inspired
the simple elegance of the products, along with select international influences. The breezy, openness of
the design is often associated with Asian and Scandinavian design, he
explains, where clean lines and organic materials coexist, and modern
is soft and slightly modified.“The look is sophisticated and laid back, elegant and casual, old and new, all at
the same time.”
Tilley also cites the resort lifestyle
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 15
SEASIDE SIMPLICITY AND STYLE.
Airy, open shelves are a lesson in
itself, where destroyed jeans, designer shoes, black ties, bare feet, suntan
lotion and Channel No. 5 coexist... as providing additional inspiration.
The unique mix of worn-down,
seaworthy textures alongside elegant, clean-lined furniture does seem to be
a hallmark of the look. It‟s intended, no doubt, to induce downtime and
relaxation of the most understated, but luxurious kind.
Weathered driftwood, burnished boat
fittings, louvered shutters, coral and seagrass are all represented, along with subtle, but identifiable nautical
details that include a maritime-inspired X-motif and tarnished steel
accents. Woven water hyacinth and a coral matelasse fabric keep the look
rooted in nature, as do a choice of eight tactile, grain-baring painted finishes that channel nature‟s effects
on wood.
But there‟s no denying the presence of modern in the mix. Boxy cases on
antique pewter stands, contemporary stretchers, floating tops and Parson-
like bases add an industrial vibe that feels fresh and updated. A nearly-
white and nearly black wood stain are pure chic; countering the range of muted cottage-like tones that, though
weathered and grainy, look fresh on
such clean shapes.
Perhaps it‟s this perfect storm of clean
shapes with seafaring textures that make it so easy to mix the collection‟s
pieces and finishes in a single room.
The look is also easily dressed up or down. Chrome or glass accents suit
the simple shapes. Elegant chandeliers, simple drum shades or a maritime
lantern all seem at home here. Even the polished and antiqued hardware hint at the eclectic possibilities,
inspiring that look of sophisticated and laid-back, elegant and casual, old
and new… all at the same time.
16 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
TOP. A bottle shelf in an antiqued pewter finish gives this
serving table industrial functionality. A contrasting mirror
finish adds dimension. BOTTOM. A simple drum-shaped
pendant contrasts a casual, weathered table design and mix
of chairs. RIGHT. The cocktail table‟s weathered, grainy
texture stands out against a quiet, neutral background.
ABOVE. Modern shaping on the dresser is
warmed up with cottage-pull hardware. RIGHT. A leather collar holds the lamp table‟s legs to-gether; a coral-patterned bench hints at life by
the sea. RIGHT, BOTTOM. A flip-top table con-
verts from sofa table to writing desk to dinner
table. BELOW Concealing a pull-out-writing
shelf and drop-down top drawers, this media
chest goes anywhere. OPPOSITE PAGE. A wave-
front chest conjures up driftwood at the beach.
18 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
“Like our magazine, our furniture is ideal for people who live, or dream of living a coastal lifestyle.”
Heather Chadduck, Style Director, Coastal Living Magazine.
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 19
DRIFTWOOD. A fresh take on
cup pull cottage pull knob
fabrics & covers
paint colors materials
driftwood
sail cloth dune
sea oat
channel marker
morning fog
urchin
dolphin
sandy linen
hardware
Benjamin Moore
#OC-56 moonshine
Benjamin Moore
#OC-9
ballet white
Behr
#1850
white
Benjamin Moore
#OC-59 vanilla milkshake
wood finishes
stormy night
compliments of Stanley Furniture
woven hyacinth
matelasse chenille
styl
e g
uide
Benjamin Moore
#1597
pebble beach
coastal liv
ing res
ort
20 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
Benjamin Moore
#1576
ice cap
black & white prints
striped rugs glass vessels
pillar candles
ceramics
white flowers
silver lamp bases
picture books broad-leaf plants
Ceramics plates, vases and pots in solid colors, mat textures and simple shapes maintain the simplicity of the collection. Choose a mix of light and dark hues for a modern elegance.
From the sea itself, glass jars, tumblers and platters keep stones, seashells and everyday items in open view. Glass maximizes daylight; semi-sheer or simple drapes on windows let more of it in!
A shiny silver or chrome surface on a retro lamp (or an antiqued mirror surface on a contemporary lamp) add an updated elegance to Resort‟s distressed wood and metals.
Candles define the romance of resort life. Choose wide pillar candles in a variety of heights; with colors inspired by white and any variety of off-whites, from vanilla to cream to driftwood.
Born for wedding vows by the sea, white flowers add five-star elegance and luxury to an interior. Seen against green leaves, white flowers are also thoroughly modern and fresh.
What says vacation like picture books stacked on a nearby shelf or table! They reflect our interests (especially with bold titles on the spine!) and encourage us to lose ourselves in a favorite subject.
Reminiscent of awnings, beach towels and umbrellas, stripes are the ideal inspiration for rugs or linens; their simple lines look casual and modern, adding texture without taking over!
Simple black frames with a white mat board create a modern, unexpected elegance against weathered textures. Black-and white photos or scenes of nature are ideal.
They recall coconut and banana trees and warm-weather plantations in exotic locations. Simple green ferns or large palm fronds inside a pot or vase feel relaxed and nature-inspired.
accents
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 21
compliments of Stanley Furniture
Don‟t let its name
fool you: the Cape Comber console
table packs in 12
drawers for storage.
At just 14” deep, it‟s
ideal for a foyer,
hallway or smaller
guest room.
22 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
Hung or leaned,
this casually
elegant mirror
works anywhere.
Its simple design
works perfectly
in a contrasting
color to the
chest, table or
vanity below.
etagere 5 6
Woven hyacinth
adds tropical
ambiance to the
Water Meadow
bed. There‟s no
need to cover
up, or clutter up,
the woven side
rails with a bed
skirt.
Weathered shelves
and an antiqued
pewter frame are
simultaneously
warm and modern.
The Lake Shore etagere‟s open
design is ideal for
highlighting stylish
contents.
woven bed
Laid-back, but sophisticated, Coastal Living Resort uniquely marries wood stains with painted finishes, weathered textures with contemporary shapes and maritime with industrial influences. But there’s more than a pretty face on this collection. Casual, comfortable and elegant elements come together, along with some modern features.
… 9 things to like about this collection
1
Eight sea-faring,
weathered finishes
on solid wood and
white oak veneer
crate a relaxed,
natural warmth…
inviting a confident
mix of wood
finishes in a room.
This narrow
sofa table fits
behind a sofa,
in a hall or
bedroom. With
one or two flip-
open sides, it
transforms to
desk or table!
What‟s not to
love about a TV
chest with a flip-
open shelf for
DVD player, pull
-out writing desk
and extra storage
drawers that keep
clutter at bay?
8 finishes
about Stanley Furniture Founded in 1924, the Stanley Furniture Company is a leader in the design of residential wood furniture for every room in the home. Located in Stanleytown, Virginia, the Stanley Furniture brand targets the premium price segment of the residential market, delivering sophisticated design, hand-applied finishes, intricate construction details and the tasteful use of fine materials from around the world.
There‟s plenty of
worthy dining chairs
in this collection,
but the Heritage
Coast chair is
uniquely casual and
elegant, mixing
shapely lines with
weathered textures.
The louvered
design of the
Cape Comber panel bed is
inspired by
white-painted,
shutters; the
hallmark of
coastal decor. 8 9 7
3
4
side chair panel bed
picture mirror
flip-top table 2 media chest
console table
CLICK HERE to find the Stanley furniture store nearest you.
compliments of Stanley Furniture
F www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 23
For most of us, an outdoor
room is just a dream. Maybe
that‟s because the ones we‟ve
seen look like a major project …
complete with overhead ceiling, four walls and a full-fledged
kitchen.
True, an outdoor room does need some privacy. It also needs good sight lines, traffic paths and comfort,
just like an indoor room. But none of that requires building a separate structure.
Ahead...be inspired.
Get the look and feel of an outdoor room by planning your backyard with two priorities: a little shelter
and a great focal point!
making the most of your back yard
take it outside!
An outdoor room doesn‟t
need four walls. But it does
need enclosure. A private,
or sheltered area is key to
achieving the look and feel
of an indoor space.
IF YOUR HOME ISN’T BLESSED WITH EXTERIOR WALLS that
naturally create an enclosed courtyard, not to worry. There are other
ways to create a little shelter.
Erecting a structure across from, or adjacent to the exterior wall of
your house (such as a railing, trellis screen, tall fireplace or cluster of
tall plants) will create the look of a wall, adding privacy and defining
a floor plan for placing furniture and cooking. Carefully positioned, it
will also create the appearance of a second room from inside your
house... and block your view of neighbors (or their view of you!), a
busy street or other unwanted sightlines.
Check out these clever options!
shelter
ARCHITECTURE can enhance outdoor
living. An L-shaped patio with fireplace integrated into one of the home‟s exterior walls, creates a feeling of privacy and
shelter.
TIP!
The larger your yard,
the more comfortable
at smaller, sheltered
area will feel.
24 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
how to
enclose your yard... Privacy and shelter in the
great outdoors is unexpected, bringing the protective warmth
of indoor living outside.
PLANTS & UMBRELLAS are the most popular way to create enclosure. Clustering trees and shrubs creates an organic wall of privacy. An over-sized umbrella feels like a ceiling.
A TRELLIS is inexpensive and
creates a wall with benefits! It works overhead too and
can be attached to the
house for stability. Add climbing plants for
shade.
LANDSCAPING with shrubs or trees will shelter
a quiet eating or sitting area. A tall swing also creates the look
of an exterior wall.
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 25
A FIREPLACE WALL can be stand-alone, increasing privacy and providing a place to gather chairs around. a stone
HALF WALLS made of stone pavers define a living area
and create a feeling of permanence. Add a stone top to create a bar overlooking the yard
or create an L-shape and integrate a grill!
PHOTO COURTESY: Belgard Hardscapes
FLOWER BOXES build up the height of a simple railing, adding privacy.
Just like indoor rooms,
an outdoor room needs
something great to look at
and a reason to exist,
even if it‟s just to
gather „round.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ROOMS look most inviting when objects
are anchored around a focal point (or made into one)… avoiding a
random scattering of furniture around a big spaces.
Focal points don‟t have to be big, costly or impressive; they just need
to guide our eyes (and us) to where we want to be and what we want
to see. A large tree, fire pit, fireplace, fountain, dining table or cozy
seating area are all possibilities. Anchoring, or reinforcing your focal
point with a change of flooring material, plants or bold color will
enhance it.
Check out these clever options!
focus
RUGS made for outdoors, or interesting floor tile
patterns are more than great to look at; they
anchor a seating group or table and chairs.
TIP!
A focal point doesn‟t
have to be a single
thing; it can be a group
of things, or an area.
26 MAY 2011 www.roomplanners.com
A STONE PATIO contrasts the lawn around it, anchoring the table and chairs, and providing the groundwork for a surrounding wall.
FIREPLACE
WALLS aren't just a source of
shelter; they‟re the perfect focal point, day and night. Surround with comfortable chairs!
PHOTO COURTESY:
Eldorado Stone
how to
create a focal point Focusing attention on a very
specific place creates a feeling of security, permanence and
connection to nature.
POOLS & TREES are natural focal points, especially when framed with brick, paving
stones or flowers, and lit from below!
POTS & PLANTERS clustered together create a focal point. They also help anchor larger items, in this case, a pair of Adirondack chairs.
www.roomplanners.com MAY 2011 27
SEATING
AREAS in a structured living
room or dining room arrangement draw us to them, creating a natural
focal point.
COLOR CONTRASTS define a key area. Dark deck boards
contrast the ground around it, draw-ing us to the seating area.