Summer is here and with it comes all the fun, entertaining and (especially in Texas) heat! When all of these things come together, you want to have a gorgeous space in which to entertain. Whether an enclosed porch, deck or covered patio, the right look and protection from the sun will create an ideal gathering space for summer get-togethers.
Tropical Resort Décor for Your Covered Patio
Summer brings out the beach bum in the best of us. If you can recreate a beach bungalow feel in your backyard, why not go for it? There are easy, classy ways to bring a resort look to your covered patio. Think outdoor couches or lounge chairs, along with simple, white or weather- finished Adirondack chairs. Add tropical plants that like our Texas climate to really bring the tropical feel to your home. Find colors that remind you of the ocean and add accent pillows or cushions to compliment the tropical theme. Add festive lighting like strand lights with elegant white lighting or combine with funky Caribbean blues.
Choose outdoor draperies that can be customized to your specifications. Whether you would like a dramatic cabana-like opening (use tiebacks in vivid colors for accent) or a gauzy curtain that stays down to filter light and create a bit of privacy, you need something that will last. With the right expert assistance, you will have no problems making your backyard feel like an oasis.
Beach Bungalow Elements to Bring Summer to Your Deck
When planning how to start decorating your deck, think colors. Plants are a great place to start. If you opt to add palms or other beachy plants, build elements of your other décor around these pieces. Decks usually mean pools, and if this is the case for your backyard, extending your bohemian beach vibe to the lounge chairs by the pool is easy with custom cushioned covers to match your overall look.
If you have a covered deck, look to add some extra shade with draperies as described above or motorized shades as mentioned below. However, if your space is not covered or has minimal coverage from the sun, think about adding a beach bungalow feel with exterior shutters which will in turn work as additional insulation to save you on energy bills in the summer AND winter months.
Sun Shaded Hideaway for Your Enclosed Porch
Chances are if you have an enclosed porch in Central Texas, it is air conditioned. At a minimum, you will find some seriously high-powered fans in the room. Cool material for furniture that is relaxing and still stain-resistant are pretty standard wants for this area. Arrange furniture to encourage conversation, but at the same time allow everyone in the room to kick back and enjoy the view. This space is an extension of your home, so a summer play on your current décor is a great way to keep the flow throughout the space. If it fits into your design scheme, adding a window seat with customized, durable fabric can make for a great way to add seating when you have a large crowd to entertain.
As amazing as it can be to have an indoor escape from the heat, humidity and especially the bugs, it can get H-O-T in a space that is mostly windows. To combat this, strategic design for window covering is imperative. Having options like motorized window shades that can be installed on the interior or exterior are ideal for convenience. The shades can be lowered or raised with the push of a button. Once you have a good idea of the time the sun is most intrusive in the room, the shades can be set to lower in the late or early morning and raise as the sun sets if this is your preference. What a dramatic and entertaining way to watch the sunset!
Whatever your existing outdoor space looks like now, it can be transformed with the right elements and shades. Not only are window coverings, shades and draperies wonderful décor elements to elevate your outdoor entertaining space, but they are an excellent way to beat the heat and keep bugs at bay. If you are looking to add some drama or just some sun blocking options to your outdoor space, get in touch with Austin Blind Faith today for a free in-home consultation!