Pick up the colors and design themes from inside the house and carry them to the exterior. Use a similar palette and look with weather-resistant cushions and pillows.
Outdoor heating sources like fire pits, fireplaces and chimeneas extend the seasonal usage time of an outdoor room. “The best heaters are infrared,” says Steve Walker with Backyards Plus. He also prefers mounted strip heaters for larger spaces instead of the less-expensive standing heat towers.
Take cues from the garden. Trees, flowers and shrubs offer other hints as to what furniture and colors will work well in your outdoor space. Consider enhancing the colors and textures in these natural elements with coordinating outdoor blankets and accessories. The garden also can inform the size and scope of your outdoor furniture.
Well-placed exterior lighting enhances and opens up an outdoor space, and expands the options for late-night entertaining. Different lighting also can cast different effects. A globe light placed on top of a tree, for instance, casts twilight-like shadows.
Water, water everywhere. Experts suggest making sure any outdoor water feature is close to the seating area so the sound underscores the feeling of peace and tranquility. Pondless waterfalls are also in vogue because they are safer and attract fewer mosquitoes.
Stay plugged in. Being outside doesn’t mean leaving the movies and music inside. Outdoor wireless speakers now have a range of as much as 50 feet, according to Jason Leist with BestBuy. Water speakers and outdoor iPod docks also offer new backyard electronics options.|Elana Ashanti Jefferson
