Tag: outdoor entertaining

2020 Outdoor Furniture Design Trends For Your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
navy and white coastal theme - outdoor furniture decor inspiration lake house
Photo courtesy of Martha Dayton Design.

With Spring quickly approaching, revamping your lake house decor might be on your mind. Of course, warmer weather means hosting family and friends on your outdoor patio, and as such, you may be wondering if your current outdoor furniture is sufficient or if it’s time for an upgrade. If this is you, we’ve got you covered with the outdoor furniture design trends of 2020.

Leaders in the outdoor furniture industry such as Brown Jordan, Sunbrella, and Summer Classics have all shared their cutting-edge insights about these trends on their respective blogs. We’ve synthesized the top trends from these companies’ reports and are here to share with you the latest color, material, product, and design trends for the year. We hope these inspire you to get started on redecorating your outdoor area at your lake home!

Color Trend – Say Goodbye to Saturation

While bright, bold colors were in style a few years ago, the theme that’s been emerging over the past few years is color-infused neutrals. Rather than aiming to wow your guests with bright neon pillows, you’ll instead find that fabric trends are headed in a more muted direction.  These faded shades create a softer look that complements the outdoor furniture’s material, rather than overshadowing it.

neutral wicker patio farmhouse style - southern living decor inspiration
Photo courtesy of Southern Living Magazine.

To highlight this trend, Brown Jordan named Peche (French for “Peach”)– a dusty pink color, similar to rose gold– the color of the year in 2019. This color has also featured prominently in 2020 designs. Of course, peche is not the only neutral color that’s trending this year. Blue, especially a bluish-gray color called chambray, is still a classic, can’t-go-wrong color for pillows and cushions. Further, luxury umbrella retailer Shadowspec has named dark green as another trending color in 2020. Especially at a lake house where grass and trees abound, featuring green fabrics in your outdoor designs creates a look cohesive with nature.

Material Trend – Create Texture Variety

This year, don’t be afraid to mix different materials when it comes to your outdoor furniture. Whether you’re combining a concrete dining table with wicker seats or a teak sofa with an aluminum end table, the goal is to evoke an exciting, textured look. However, it’s best to be cautious about which materials you choose to combine. To avoid a junky, haphazard situation, start by focusing on two elements and exploring different combinations.

lake house boat house - outdoor furniture decor inspiration
Photo courtesy of John Bessler.

Currently, some of the most popular products in 2020 are natural materials such as wood and wicker. Lucky for lakeside dwellers, these materials fit seamlessly with the shoreline in your backyard. They also create an exciting sense of texture that already exists in nature. Another popular content to mix into your designs this year is concrete. On its own, concrete appears strictly industrial. However, when combined with contrasting materials like fabrics and wood, it takes on a more dynamic look.

Product Trend – In Keeping with Comfort

The trend of outdoor kitchens has been on the rise for the past decade, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. As lake homeowners continue to host gatherings in their outdoor kitchens, whether it’s a small family get-together or a large party of guests, furniture manufacturers have kept up by creating large dining tables to accommodate the lifestyle of entertaining. This way, every guest can have a comfortable seat at the table.

daybed hayneedle summer - outdoor furniture decor lake house
Photo courtesy of Hayneedle.

Based on this trend as well as other popular products, it’s clear that comfort is the name of the game in 2020. Luxury furniture retailer Summer Classics lists barrel chairs as a new outdoor furniture trend this year. These chairs, designed with a broad, curved back rather than a traditional box frame, are made for ultimate relaxation. If you’re looking to dive right into the comfort theme of 2020, consider investing in a daybed. Hayneedle, an online home furnishings retailer, names daybeds as one of the top outdoor furniture trends this year. What better place to relax and take a nap than on a plush daybed surrounded by your beautiful lakefront property?

Design Trend – Stick to Simple

modern luxurious sofa outdoor inspiration
Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

Quoted in the luxury lifestyle magazine Arizona Foothills, the chief brand curator for Brown Jordan notes that furniture with modern, clean lines is the trend for 2020. This simplistic style has been recently popular in interior decorating, and now, it’s making its way to outdoor designs as well. High-end retailer Summer Classics agrees, and they have incorporated this style into their 2020 collections Elegante and Claro. Both of these lines showcase unembellished elegance, underscoring the beauty of a simple, linear design. Additionally, Shadowspec names minimalism as a big outdoor furniture trend in 2020.  Especially in the outdoor space of a lake house, choosing a minimalistic style will beautifully blend with your natural surroundings rather than overshadowing them.

We hope these 2020 outdoor furniture trends give you inspiration for your lake house designs. The use of stylish color and content will add fashion to your home and your life!

What’s in a Flame: The Latest Trends in Outdoor Fire Pits for Lake Houses

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Thom Filicia.

A prominent rising trend in home design over the past few years is the outdoor fire pit. A perfect source of both functionality and ambiance, what’s not to love about these patio favorites? Especially with the upcoming winter season, fire pits evoke pleasant ideas of comfort and warmth. It’s easy to envision roasting marshmallows, laughing, and chatting around the outdoor fire pit with family and friends, as the view of the lake sets the perfect backdrop. It’s practically an image in a brochure for lakeside living. When looking into buying or maintaining your fire pit for your lake house, it’s important to consider the type of style that suits your space. To offer some inspiration, we’ve pulled together some ideas for your outdoor fire pit based on current trends.

The Natural Look

Photo courtesy of DirectBuild.

Many lake homeowners are purchasing fire pits that emulate the way that a natural fire might look. Instead of elevated pits that rest on metal legs, the latest trends look as though they are built into the ground. These fire pits are both elegant and natural with a low height, often built with boulders around the circumference to feature natural materials in the design. “It’s not your typical fire pit,” says Lori Moscato, president of Casual Elegance Designs. “It’s always a great look, and it’s different than your neighbors.” However, while the look is ultra-realistic, Moscato maintains that there’s nothing wrong with a gas flame. Due to the low flame height, easy maintenance, and quick cleanup, gas fire pits allow you to focus less energy on starting the fire and more energy on enjoying the ambiance. “It adds value to outdoor living space and the home,” she notes.

Low Dining with Lighting

Photo courtesy of Custom Outdoor Essentials.

The emerging popularity of fire pits is part of a more significant trend that brings the inside-outside. For example, homeowners are incorporating more outdoor TVs, dining tables, and kitchens into their designs. Rachel Mendoza, international marketing manager of EcoSmart and Brown Jordan Fires, says, “with smaller lot sizes in many parts of the country, builders are providing a finished outdoor living space to provide the homeowner with maximum usable square footage— indoors and outdoors.” Specific to fire features, lake homeowners are opting to gather around an outdoor fire pit rather than around the fireplace in their living rooms. As a result of this transition to outdoor spaces, fires and dining tables have merged to create the fire pit table. Essentially, this is a standard dining table with a fire pit built into the center. Mendoza endorses their effectiveness: “Firepit tables are multifunctional as they provide warmth and table space to set down food and drink. The effect creates the perfect setting to sit around and enjoy great conversation.”

Durable Materials

Photo courtesy of Star Fire Direct.

When it comes to choosing an outdoor fire pit for your lake house, the material you select depends on your patio aesthetic. For a minimalist, perhaps industrial look, consider fire pits with steel bowls. A bonus of this sleek material is that everyone gathered around the bowl has access to the heat. For a more natural look to complement the woods in your backyard, teak is an excellent option. Mendoza notes, “teak is classed as the most premium wood on the planet. Beyond its beauty, teak is extremely durable, stable, and weather resistant.” Finally, if you’re a little unsure about what type of look you’re aiming for, Mendoza recommends looking for a fire pit made of concrete. She adds that this material has a “natural and raw tone that seamlessly integrates with all furniture settings.” To begin your search, you can check out the EcoSmart and Brown Jordan Fires collections.

Regardless of what material you choose, your outdoor fire pit is sure to be a source of warmth, both literally and figuratively. Mendoza adds, “In today’s hectic world, the simple pleasure of relaxing in front of a flickering flame melts the stress away and allows your mind to unwind, be at peace, and recharge.” Besides providing much-needed heat in the winter months, the presence of a fire pit is all about creating memories with friends, family, and guests at your lake house. So grab a basket of blankets and gather around the fire for good times.

Want to learn how to build your own fire pit? Check out this article HERE.

Prep Your Patio for Grilling Season

Posted on Staff

Article Contributed by: Sarah Miller, Lawnstarter.com

Smoky ribs. Juicy burgers. Corn on the cob, dripping butter. You can almost taste it. We’re coming up fast on grilling season, and food cooked outdoors is the best!

But you likely won’t be able to enjoy that delectable meal if you’re surrounded by weeds, dirt, bugs and peeling paint.

When lake season hits and you’re ready to crack a cold one with friends by the water and eat outside, make sure your patio or deck looks as good as your food.

Clean it Up

Chances are, your patio is covered in dirt, dust, mud and more from winter weather. A pressure washer is often the best way to remove the grime.

If you don’t own one, no need to worry: you can rent one from most home and garden stores.You can use this tool on all types of patios, including concrete, wood, and brick.

Make sure to remove all furniture, planters and other items before you start cleaning, and don’t forget to take necessary safety precautions, including donning your goggles, long pants and protective boots. Use a wide spray nozzle setting. It’s easy to cut or gouge your wood deck with a narrow setting.

Of course, there are alternatives to pressure washing that can still help spruce up your space before peak grilling season.

Using detergent or a bleach solution, take a stiff bristle broom or brush and scrub your outdoor entertainment areas. Take care as you clean the spots where planters or furniture sat during the winter as the moisture trapped underneath may have left mold behind. Rinse thoroughly and voila! Your structure will often look brand new with a little TLC.

Caring For Patio Furniture

Those brightly colored chairs that look so good on your patio can quickly lose their appeal if not property maintained. Furniture that stays outside year-round receives constant abuse from the elements, especially when storms whip dirt, pollen and lake water onto outdoor chairs and tables.

Cleaning them can transform your patio space, so try to do it as often as time allows, although once a year is better than never.

Depending on the types of furniture you’re cleaning, keep in mind that not all surfaces and materials can be cleaned with the same products.

For example, soap should never be used to clean wooden furniture or natural wicker. Just water and a soft brush should do the trick. Wood can benefit from a light coat of tungsten oil. It dries hard to the touch and returns the original luster.

Some brands of outdoor cushions like Sunbrella ™, can be cleaned with bleach without damaging the color or fabric. Check your labels to make sure you’re using the best cleaner for the job.

Also be sure to routinely check for damage to your furniture such as cracks in metal frames, rust and torn cushions. Outdoor furniture will last much longer with simple maintenance that prevents rain and insects from gaining entrance through cracks and tears.

Keep Pests Away

You’re reaching for a burger, fresh off the grill and SLAP! Again and again. Not much cools off a hot backyard party faster than mosquitoes.

If the wind keeps the water on your lake moving, mosquitoes might not be a concern, but if the water is still, there may be a problem. Not only are these pesky little nippers annoying to deal with, but they can also carry disease.

Prepping your patio to be pest-free this grilling season is easy. Eradicate any areas of standing water and try incorporating natural repellents — such as citronella, mint, lavender, and basil — as part of your landscaping.

Extract of eucalyptus in candle form is also helpful to have around, as are mosquito repelling patio lanterns.

If you need a more powerful solution, carbon dioxide mosquito traps can be an excellent investment. Foggers and sprays can be effective for short periods of time, but you must follow directions for application before your guests arrive.

Nothing spoils the appetite quite like the smell of fresh mosquito fogger!

Minor (or Major) Improvements

Go big or go home doesn’t always apply when it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, but even small modifications can make a BIG difference.

One such small improvement is planting flowers around the perimeter of your patio or deck. You can also extend your space by simply installing a hammock next to the seating area or by building a fire pit.

Another easy-to-install improvement is a stone pathway down to the waterline or creating multiple pathways to different parts of your property.

Also try brightening things up with outdoor lighting. Because there are many choices when it comes to outdoor lighting, be sure to give yourself some time to research and decide what will look best with your perfectly prepped patio.

The perfectly set table and centerpiece can make all the difference and set off the entire space with a pop of color. Search for great ideas online.

Adding small accent decor such as a drink serving set, platter or lake-themed throw pillows can pull it all together.

For larger patio improvement projects, First, decide on a budget and check with local specialists on projects that may require a level of expertise beyond yours.

A little time and elbow grease can deliver the perfect space for entertaining, time with family or just a quiet place to unwind. Spending a little time now can bring hours of enjoyment to your lake property this summer!

Move Over Man Caves, Welcome to the Man Shed

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

There are many men that crave the cave, but they do not have the space. As an alternative, many have turned to purchasing sheds to mark as their domain, creating a “man shed” or a “bar shed.”

Picture it, after a long day you come home and are done with dealing with the stress you face on a daily basis. It is time to relax. Wouldn’t it be nice to walk into a room filled with cold beverages, large television, and anything else that helps you unwind?

Did you know that you could actually have your new man cave delivered right to you home?

Where did the space go?

It happens to us all, we grow up. What this means is that when you purchased your home you had a vision of what you were going to do with all the space. You may have had extra bedrooms or even a full sized basement free of use.

Now, between children and other life happenings, this space has slowly disappeared. Now are the days when you come home to a busy home where you have to fight for a remote, battle it out for the last soft drink, or sit through one more episode of Dora the Explorer.

What do you do? You get a shed to turn into the perfect man cave. Just do not forget to hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign..

Estimated Pricing

Here is a chart for a basic model shed that you can turn into the perfect man cave. No huge amounts of money. No time consuming building projects. No need to try to fight for space in the house, and the bonuses; extra privacy for you.

Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, as well as there are larger sizes should you want a bigger man cave. There are even some companies that will finance this. You will only make payments instead of dropping a full lump sum.

SIZE WOOD VINYL LAP
10 x 14 $4,000 $4,500 $5,000
10 x 16 $4,200 $5,000 $5,100
10 x 18 $4,500 $5,200 $5,400
10 x 20 $5,000 $5,500 $6,000

 

The Fun Part – Design

Check out these fun designs from Pinterest!

This man shed is designed around a bar theme and outside seating:

man shed

Another bar, but this one has a modern feel with cozy indoor seating:

man shed

Or maybe you are looking for a relaxing tropical getaway?

man shed

Or a castle might a better fit:

Castle design man shed

Or finally a manly music room to relax, play music, or watch TV:

Music Room in a shed

No matter what you decide, make sure to incorporate your personality or hobbies, and just have fun with it!

 

 

How to Build a DIY Fire Pit

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
retaining wall blocks firepit diy

Building your own DIY fire pit is a great way to bond with your friends and family when you are hanging out in your backyard.

You can sit around the fire and enjoy it, but first, you need to know how to build one. There are several steps you need to take in order to build a proper DIY fire pit. Keep reading to find out how you can build a fire pit to enjoy at home.

Preparation

There are first a few things you must do before you get started. First, you need to make sure you have all the tools and materials handy before you start working on your DIY fire pit. According to a number of estimates, these items should cost you no more than $200. Here are those materials:
• Gravel
• Sand
• 52 retaining wall blocks

Optional items include a steel ring to line the inside of the pit and a metal grate to cover the top of the pit once it is built.

Dig Your Hole

You will need to dig a hole approximately 2 feet wider than you want your fire pit to be which is about 4 feet across. Make the area as level as possible. You will need about 4 inches of gravel and 4 more inches of sand to help make sure that this area is completely level.

Lay the Blocks

Now it is time to assemble the stone layers. You can use a steel ring that holds it into place to make sure that all of the layers are round and the exact same size.

If you do not have a steel ring, make sure the bottom layer is as perfectly round as possible. The next few layers will lay on top of the base. The middle of the pit will typically be about 32 inches around.

…Stack More Stone

Continue laying the blocks in a circle until the DIY fire pit reaches your desired height. Depending on the size of your fire pit, it should take approximately 10-15 stones for each layer all the way around.

If you plan on cooking over the fire pit, it probably will be a good idea to buy a metal grate to cover the fire pit. This way, if someone accidentally drops a hot dog or marshmallow over the fire, it can still be grabbed and eaten.

There are numerous other fire pit designs that are more complex and ornate that can be found for free online.

Fun Ways to Utilize Your Screened-In Porch

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you are fortunate enough to have a screened-in porch, then congratulations. This will likely be the most popular room in your lake home!

There are a number of ways you could go about this, depending on what your interests are. Maybe you are looking for a quiet place to get some reading done or maybe a place to entertain guests.

No matter what you enjoy, there is bound to be a fun and exciting way that you can create a screened in porch space that you will treasure for years to come.

Create a Hobby Room

Depending on what you enjoy doing in your spare time, you could create an area designed around your hobby. If you work from home, you could use it to create the world’s best home office for your business.

If you enjoy playing video games, you could turn it into a game room by placing arcade games (be sure you are 100% positive they are in a position rain will not reach them) and maybe throw in some table tennis. Not only would this be a good hobby room for you but for your guests.

If you enjoy knitting, you could make it into your very own knitting room to keep your supplies and new projects.

You could also turn the room into a room for a specific item that you collect. Maybe you collect model cars or baseball cards.  However, you may not want to put anything too valuable in the room. It can be seen from outside, and may experience strong gusts of wind from time to time.

screened in porchA Place for Entertainment

A screened in porch would be an excellent place for you to entertain guests. In the summertime it could be where you put your grill and lawn furniture so all of your guests are able to enjoy the sunlight while enjoying a home cooked barbecue.

To keep  things comfortable year round, have a ceiling fan installed for the warmer months and a propane patio heater for the colder months.

You could even add a mini fridge so you or your guests will not have to run inside to grab a cold beverage. Adding a TV would also make things fun. Especially when there is a sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.

While you’re at it, go ahead and grab an outdoor couch. You can turn your porch into a man cave with the world’s best view!

Kids Play Area

A screened in porch could also be used as a children’s play area. This is a great way for children to get some fresh air while also getting to play with their favorite toys.

You could decorate with all of their favorite items and make it a fun place for your children to relax. As they get older, you can let it grow up with them, change it up a bit.

These are all fantastic ideas if you have a screened in porch to utilize. No matter what it is that you decide to do, make it fit around what already makes you happy. That is the easiest way to create a porch that you will love for years to come.