Thursday, April 30, 2009

CONDO2CASTLE: Don't Overlook Outdoor Living!

In my quest to turn my little condo into a castle, I thought about one sure-fire way to increase the square footage of my home...bringing the indoors out. I can hear you now saying, wait JJ, don't you mean the outdoors in? While I love the idea of making my house springier and more airy, the answer is NOPE, that's not what I meant at all.

If you're fortunate enough to have a deck, patio, or balcony, then you're fortunate enough to have an extra room! That's right, people. This post is dedicated to OUTDOOR LIVING!

The issue of outdoor living is timely...especially here in southern CA! Last week we had a few days of 100+ degree weather. While the blazing heat hasn't lasted, it's guaranteed to be back soon with a vengence! So, I guess that means it's time to finally figure out what on earth I'm going to do on my deck.

My deck is HUGE. I have a slider in my living room AND my bedroom. I have a utility closet AND a storage closet out there. I have a nice view of the trees and the pool, but all I have out there is a dusty (and under used BBQ) and a couple of chairs. My deck is BEGGING for a makeover and I'm guessing some of you are in the same position...so let's all look for inspiration together!

This cottage look is so precious! I love how the colors pop against the white woodwork!

Do you like mixing and matching bold colors? Any Amy Butler fans out there? I'd love something like this! A porch swing is so dainty, relaxing, and mixed with these colors, ever so girly!!!

Americana much? This is something my mom would scream for...wicker is a great outdoor product because it can take a beating, and down the road can be spray painted, if needed!!!

This classic setting is something I'd LOVE someday. I'm planning to get an outdoor rug for my deck in the near future...even though my awful HOA may not like it...but I haven't forgiven them for towing my car last week, so I don't really care what they think!

Like to entertain in your yard? Why not use fabrics and textures to create an elegant and rustic atmosphere? And let's not forget that a chandelier can be just as FABULOUS outside, too!

Want a peaceful retreat? Don't be afraid to put a couch outside and soft accessories!!!

All photos courtesy of BHG.com

So tell me...if you were me, which style would YOU do on my deck to turn my condo into a castle?!?!? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

I'm sharing this post at Julia's Hooked on Friday's linky party...because I'm HOOKED on outdoor living...well, I will be once I figure out what to do on my deck! {giggles!}



12 comments:

DesignTies said...

I'm excited about bringing the indoors out too :-) It hasn't been close to 100 degrees here, but spring has most definitely arrived!!

I really like all the outdoor spaces you posted. How about combining elements from each of them -- a swing, a chandelier, some wicker chairs, plants, and brightly coloured cushions and accessories.

Have fun decorating your outdoors!!

Kelly @ DesignTies

Terry said...

I like it when the outdoor space makes the indoor space better. When they work together it enhances both.

We really need screens at our place. It so nice here in the evenings for more than half the year.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Bringing the indoors out. PERFECT. I need more of that in my life...well if I could just keep the oudoors creatures out, I'd be good to go.

Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home said...

I love outdoor rooms, and the photographs you chose to feature are great! ~Arleen

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

My eyes instantly went to the second one. Bright, casual, easy... I love that style! Love Amy Butler fabrics and I'm completely hooked on Sandi Henderson's new yellow one.

Kim @ Everything Etsy said...

I love talking about outdoor living! We spend so much time outside in Florida, and it has to be comfortable and pretty. I love the bright colors. They make me happy. I think the other styles are pretty too, but I need a tropical feel.

Pretty post!

~Kim

amariaf2000 said...

My poor outdoor spaces are currently being ignored! Not that I don't love them, I just seem to somehow never get around to making them inviting! Hopefully, this summer I can get on it! Great post!!
~angela @ peonypatch

Janis@An Inspired Life said...

Great swing! So glad the warm weather has arrived. Looking forward to many days/evenings outside...... now I only wish my backyard looked a little more like some of these.

Daly Essentials said...

I love the first one! I love bright white walls and pops of color ! but having any outdoor space is such a plus!!

Robin Feltner said...

Aaahhhh, the fabric! Swoon! Gorgeous!

Jessica said...

Of the pictures you posted I like the first and last ones the best. They just look so sweet and welcoming.

Some of my fondest memories from my childhood are of playing on our screened porch. We had a wooden swing and wicker chairs with big fluffy cushions on them. I can't wait until we can move to a place where I can have a screened porch again.

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Oh you should see the mess that we have in our backyard/patio area. We have a little strip of concrete...good times...

I'm totally overwhelmed by it.