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The Great Outdoors
CREATING A STYLISH RETREAT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
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iving in the South comes with wonderful advantages like having friendly neighbors, sipping sweet tea, and being able to enjoy the outdoors for a good portion of the year due to mild temparatures and sunny days. Outdoor living has naturally found its niche in our warm climate, but the pandemic forced us all to reevaluate how we use our space at home. Inspirational ideas from HGTV and Pinterest and a recession that have also helped shape a trend toward outdoor living that has blossomed into a multi-million dollar industry. Today, the retail market offers a multitude of innovative products that help us stretch out the seasons and create outdoor spaces that are as comfortable as any well-designed family room.
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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E
When creating an outdoor space for your family to enjoy, think of the design as a continuation of your existing home minus the walls and traditional heat and air conditioning. Here are a few tips to help you get started: START AT THE BOTTOM Outdoor rooms don’t typically have walls, so one way to define an outdoor living space is to start by adding a rug. A rug anchors and defines the area as a space to stop and relax. Rugs are available in a variety of colors and patterns that compliment your interior spaces, just make sure to choose one that’s made of material, like polypropylene, that will withstand the elements and can be easily cleaned.
