Tag: outdoor living

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!

Tips for Dealing with Spring Pollen

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Spring Lake

Allergies are a horrible thing to deal with, especially when spring pollen comes into play. It can cause many symptoms from a runny nose to headaches and at times, fevers.

Spring brings sunshine and flowers; however, it also brings misery to so many people every year. There are many that have to seek relief from medical experts in order to just function daily.

One of the keys to controlling your allergies is to know what triggers you personal symptoms. Since there are millions of particles flying through the air, finding relief from allergies can be almost impossible.

However, knowing the trigger will help you keep some of the symptoms at bay. Here you will find some tips on how to help your allergies this spring.

1: Wardrobe

You may be thinking this is a weird one, but it is quite scientific. Wear clothes made of natural fibers.

Synthetic materials can create an electrical charge that will attract the pollen to you. They will also breathe better and will not harbor any mold.

2: Time Your Activities

If you exercise outdoors, watch the news. Your local news channel will give an announcement daily of the pollen count. If you do not catch the news, you an always check online.

Another useful bit of information to know is that the pollen count is at its lowest just before dawn. If you have to miss that part of the day, then take a non-drowsy antihistamine 30 minutes before leaving the house.

3: Gardening

If you have an issue with pollen and you are a gardener, you are asking for allergy problems. However, if you take an antihistamine 30 minutes before going outside, it will drastically cut down your allergy issues.

Digging in dirt sirs up a lot of pollen. You should also wear a facial mask while tending to your garden. Make sure to wash your hands, clothes, and hair when you enter the house to remove any pollen that has attached to you.

4: Keep it Clean

By “it”, this tip refers to your house. Vacuum the rugs, carpet, and furniture often. Leave your shoes by the front door as well. (This is another reason a mud room can come in handy.)

Take down any drapery and wash them regularly to ensure that pollen coming in from the outside while the door is open is washed away. Make sure you dust your home and have a dehumidifier running with a filter.

Although these tips are here to help you, there are some individuals that will suffer from the allergies even when the list is performed. For those with serious allergies, there are shots available. Speak with your physician about a long-term allergies shot to help you through the spring months when pollen is extremely high.