Friday, March 15th, 2019
The Merriam and Webster dictionary defines a patio as a courtyard “an inner court open to the sky; a recreation area that adjoins a dwelling, is often paved, and is adapted especially to outdoor dining.
The patio is often surrounded by other structures. It has plants for décor and has a pavement. The word has a Spanish origin and is believed to have come from the word patu or pati which means pasture, technically, this is that land at the back of any house.
The patio, initially, was used to keep the owner’s animals safe during the night. But with modern living came changes, which meant the patio has become, more than this. It is now being used as a living room of sorts that’s located outdoors. Traditional Mediterranean settings use the patio as a garden courtyard.
Modern American and English patios are paved areas very near the house. This is often used for dining, sitting, and socializing. These could have a building or two on each of its sides but is no longer an internal courtyard as was traditionally done in Spain.
Prepping for Barbecues and Frolicking
It’s spring. This is the perfect season to prepare for your summer fun activities. Consider adding a space where you can host your summer parties. The patio can also be added just for the simple reason of lounging outdoors.
There are many benefits that come with patio addition. Primarily, you can increase your home’s value just by adding this extra space. You will get more should the time come that you would sell your property. A lot of homebuyers love having entertainment areas in their homes so adding the patio will definitely boost your marketing appeal.
Another reason to add a patio is to extend your home’s living area. This is that extra space that’s meant for reading or simple conversations.
The patio can also provide a summertime spot for entertainment, parties, barbecues and a lot more. You can be the gracious host to a string of summer outdoor activities.
And, don’t worry, the patio is a low-maintenance space when it comes to maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. The materials that you used there should be able to withstand the harshest weathers so cleanup should be minimal.
Patios also offer the perfect spot to get your suntan or to keep cool when you’re done sunbathing. The patio furniture is protected from sun damage, too, so you can spend a great many hours enjoying the outdoors weather while sitting idly.
Patio Seating
Since the weather is warmer, it’s practically patio season. And what’s an outdoor relaxation area without the perfect seating?
You can choose from an outdoor sofa, an ensemble of different-styled chairs, chair swing or a fusion of these seats.
Patio Table
A lot of people do not have a space dedicated to outdoor dining so just imagine the activities that you can finally do once you have your own patio.
Enjoy your first cup of coffee in the morning as you prop your legs up and place your morning beverage on an outdoor table. How about those evenings when you just want to unwind? Go ahead and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
Patio Lighting
Of course, it would be impossible to enjoy any of these activities if you have not set up the correct kind of patio lighting. So go ahead and install those string lights. Lanterns are also a welcome addition to this space.
If you’re feeling up for it, you can also have wall sconces installed. Make sure to work the theme that you have set for your whole home.
Patio Rug
Don’t forget the area rugs to separate spaces and, of course, to beautify.
Tags: designing the patio, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio essentials, patio furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style, Special Rooms In Your Home, Spring Season | Comments Off on Do You Know the Patio Essentials?
Monday, September 17th, 2018
Summer’s long gone and with the colder seasons taking center stage, it is time to prepare your patio now for the long hibernation ahead. This is also so that when spring comes, you’d be ready to enjoy the outdoors once again. So how do you keep patio furniture safely tucked this fall and winter?
Rust-free Metals
It is, of course, always best to read the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to taking good care of your outdoors furniture. Most of the aluminum pieces that are out in the market these days have been powder coated. This is so the pieces are kept free from rust.
Experts also suggest that you wash aluminum furniture pieces then apply a single coat of automotive wax. This is a simple and affordable maintenance tip that you can do annually. Touch up if you see any scratches. Use car paint with the right color.
As for wrought-iron pieces, know that you will encounter rust somewhere down the road. You can remove rust accumulation using a wire brush. After this, coat the furniture with an exterior paint that was specifically designed for wrought-iron pieces.
Let dry then cover with tarp that will keep the furniture intact until spring.
Galvanized metal is known to be more durable than regular metal. While this is so, it is not exempted from the eventual rigors of the cold climate. It is always best to keep your metal furniture in a spot where they won’t be exposed to the elements during fall and winter.
All these maintenance steps are necessary to keep the metal furniture from developing rust and eventually weakening.
Stain-free Fabrics
If there are a few fabric pieces in your patio, then you should work extra hard in keeping those mildew, mold, and stain-free throughout the cold seasons. The easiest way to avoid black spots is to shake them off or to vacuum them.
Detergent and bleach mixtures are best for tough stains. A cup of bleach can be used for every gallon of water. You can then add a little detergent. Use these on non-cotton or printed fabrics. For these, just use a simple solution of water and soap.
Clean Cushions
Ain’t it just wonderful to lay down in a cushioned seat during summer? You would want to go back to that lovely feeling once the holidays are over. There are now many outdoor furniture pieces that come with removable cushions.
When not in use, you can store these cushions inside a storage box. Be sure to use the heavy-duty type or you would be left with fabrics that need to be thawed later on.
Additionally, you should store the cushions so they are kept free from mold and mildew. Cover them with plastic or tarp so that dust won’t accumulate while they are awaiting their reuse.
Elegant Natural Materials
One of the most durable types of woods that are often used in patios is teak. It offers an elegant look that just keeps getting better with time. Use specialty oil once each year. For painted woods, be sure to keep them shielded from the sun’s rays. If they remain exposed, you will soon see that they’d lose their color plus the paint would begin to fade as well.
For an all-year-round furniture, be sure to use synthetic wicker or rattans. Paint the areas that are already flaking.
As for wood patio furniture, make sure that they are sealed for the colder seasons. Use a protective sealant to keep your wood furniture from being damaged by moisture. Snow brings with it a lot of moisture which would eventually cause wood cracks. A sealed furniture will not be soaked in moisture.
Do this same thing with raw wood.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio design elements, patio furnishings, patio preparation, patio style
Posted in Fall Season, Furniture, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Patio Furniture Safety for the Holidays
Monday, September 3rd, 2018
It’s officially the beginning of Fall. No matter what the season, though, people tend to enjoy spending time outdoors even when they just sit on the balcony, porch, veranda or the deck. But wait, can you tell the differences in structure and features with each one?
The Porch (and Veranda)
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the porch is a roofed structure, usually open at the sides, projecting from the face of a building and used to protect the entrance. In the United States, this is what’s referred to as the veranda.
So there you go, you have two terms having just the same meaning and purpose. But there is just a little evidence of the existence of this structure prior to the Classical antiquity. There were many Egyptian wall paintings that indicated the occasional use of porch on some houses.
In Greece, the Tower of the Winds in Athens was a porch that had two columns carrying a pediment. The Romans, on the other hand, had colonnades which were used as porches. These all faced the street. This kind of porch was also seen up until the Early Christian basilicas’ creation. The porch was used as a formal entrance in old structures such as the Basilica of Old St. Peter’s.
The French in Burgundy developed porches that had vaulted structures. These showed great heights and were sometimes even as long as the whole church structure. An example of this fine architecture is the Vézelay abbey church.
If these are exciting enough for you, wait till you learn about the Gothic era and the two porch types that were then created as ecclesiastical buildings. The first one is a tiny, gabled porch that either projected from the south or north walls of a nave. The other one is what’s referred to as the galilee which was constructed so beautifully that it’s short of being a separate building.
The Germans were even more flamboyant in their porch designs. They had theirs frequently styled with tracery, canopies, cusping, etc.
In the Renaissance, porches were chiefly colonnaded porticos.
A Balcony
The Collins English dictionary defines a balcony as any platform on the outside of a building, above ground level, with a wall or railing around it. In a cinema or theater, the balcony is an area of seats above the main seating area.
Would you believe that balconies come with a two thousand year history? The term balcony was derived from the Italian term balcone meaning, a scaffold. The earliest types of balconies have been seen to date back for more than 2,000 years.
The balcony was originally created to increase air circulation especially during the hottest climates in Ancient Greece. Today, the balcony is integral to a building’s façade because it gives the property a more stylish vibe. Plus you get more space to roam in.
Balconies in the UK are Juliet balconies which date all the way back to the late Georgian era. They were created by architects to give structures a prestigious look. They were originally made of wrought-iron and were rectangular and filled the whole span of windows.
If you have traveled in Europe, you might have noticed how the finest balconies seem to have been constructed there. Most even have overlooking views of water-cooled gardens and courtyards.
The Deck
The Merriam-Webster dictionary is something resembling the deck of a ship such as a story or tier of a building or a flat-floored roofless area adjoining a house.
Wood decks can have wrought-iron furnishings. These structures can be used as a part of landscaping, an exterior part of a house, or as an alternative to the patio.
Tags: balcony, balcony history, deck, deck design, deck history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio history, veranda, veranda history
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Porch, Veranda, Deck and Balcony? Do You Know the Difference?
Thursday, October 12th, 2017
There are many areas in every home that can offer a good view of the outdoors. Just think of expansive glass windows, the sunroom or a bright skylight – all these offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without actually stepping out of your home. However, when you’re hoping to catch a whiff of fresh air while still maintaining your private moments, then there is no better place than the patio.
Patio: A Travel Back in Time
Many prehistoric communities already have plazas. These are gathering places where people sell their goods and where political events, as well as rituals, are held. Dances, games, and all other forms of social interaction also happen here.
There is a wide range of open spaces. These include the tiny ones up to the enormous zones that archeologists simply marvel about. Though plazas often have similar functions, the smaller types have a more intimate and a slightly different use for the community.
The patio is also known as the courtyard. This is an area that was set aside for private residences or inside family compounds. It is used mainly for domestic purposes such as family meals eaten outside or craft production.
The word patio comes from patere, a Latin word meaning to lie open, though the architecture originated in Spain or Spanish-American features. During the 15th century in Spain, the boxed central patios became more and more popular. Pretty soon, it was embellished with bluestone, bricks, gravel, and just about any material that the mind can conjure.
Unlike the porch, a patio can be detached from the structure. It can be left open or be installed with a pergola overhead. Consider how to access this place when you’re thinking of setting up a patio for dining or any social gathering.
Patio Decoration Made Simple
There are fundamentals in patio building. First, you must make a list of weather-friendly furniture. This means furniture pieces that can hold up to the harsh outdoor elements.
Outdoor entertaining requires prepping unless you want everything in plastic which is, of course, a total eyesore. So what are the pieces that you need?
Lastly, as you welcome everyone to your new patio, make sure that you also prep some games. Spur laughter and fun as people play with your well-prepped party.
Tags: designing the patio, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio furniture, patios
Posted in Outdoors Style | Comments Off on What Are the 7 Patio Essentials?
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016
There are some interesting areas in your home where you can actually have a great view of the nearby surroundings. Any room with a glass window will provide you with the perfect chance to see the picturesque views without you stepping out. If you are yearning for a breath of fresh air, though, while not foregoing privacy, it would be wise to design a garden patio.
The patio is a courtyard that’s surrounded by structures. These often come with trees and shrubberies and are commonly paved. Patio is a Spanish term that means pasture or that parcel of land at the back of homes. Back in the day, patios were set up for animal safekeeping.
In modern American and English gardens, a patio is an area where family and guests could sit and enjoy some meals. This could also serve as a reading area for the perennial bookworm.
Begin your patio project by buying the right patio furniture. Find some interesting sets so that you won’t have to worry about balance, cohesion and all that these words convey. Once set up, all that’s left to do is to find additional pieces that will make these anchor pieces more interesting. Also, you just have to enjoy the outdoors with your family. You can hold gatherings here that will surely be the talk of the town for many days to come.
Pick the Best Place
You can’t just assign a part of your home to suddenly become the patio. A lot of patios are adjacent to the structure of your home especially to the kitchen when another purpose of this space is for outdoor dining.
If detached, the patio can serve as a dry area for a retreat now and then.
Consider the Size
The patio is supposed to be intimate so find an area that’s cozy. Huge gatherings could make this choice a bit more difficult, though. You should find a spot that could handle a huge crowd if this is the case. A way to figure out the size is to set up the tables and chairs on the lawn then measure the area that they cover.
Play It Safe
Playing it safe? Then you can use a neutral palette for your patio project. This usually monochromatic approach will only be effective, though, if you balance it with some interesting textures. Without these tactile experiences, the place would look dull so be sure to look for the most unique rough or smooth furniture surfaces and accent pieces.
Consider the Outdoor Elements
Another thing that you need to remember is to invest in weather-friendly furnishings. Be smart – not just with your outdoor style but also – with the materials that are used on your design elements. While you can freshen up the look of the patio with fabrics and the many colors that they come in, still, you have to consider that these can withstand the outdoor elements and would be able to dry quickly.
Accessorize
As much as you can, beautify this space in your home by adding some plants. These can either be placed on the patio’s floor or atop a drum table or a pedestal. Up the visual appeal in your patio by adding furniture complete with intricate details.
For a more minimalist approach, you can focus people’s attention on the garden. You can do this by keeping the furniture simple – preferably minimalist – and the rest of the décor should point to the interesting garden that’s just within reach.
You should also include various table sets and chairs for more flexible seating choices.
Hire a Builder
The weight of this project could be too much to bear for some people, especially the neophytes. Assign the more complex projects to professional builders and the sand-based patio as a DIY task for you and your family.
Tags: designing the patio, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio furniture, patio style, patios
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Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Patios and walkways are wonderful assets that your backyard could offer. They bring wonderful benefits to you and your home. There are many ways that you could use your patio. First, it can be an entertainment area, a party zone, or simply an oasis right on your backyard.
A Relaxing Entertainment Spot
There is nothing more comfy than resting in the backyard during a warm summer night while sipping a cool drink. The kids are out playing in the lawn while you enjoy their peals of laughter.
A patio can greatly enhance this experience. Complete the scenario by adding the most comfortable patio furniture set. This should become an oasis, one that you could unwind in.
The Party Zone
You will definitely feel wonderful as you fire up the grill and have a barbecue party going. Add all the grilling essentials that you know and the fun and convenience would definitely be amped up.
Add Value
Adding value to your property is as easy as installing a walkway or a patio. You get to enjoy the benefits that patios offer for as long as you live in the property. These benefits extend all the way to that time when you are ready to give up your house and move to a different home.
Potential buyers will surely be awed as they see the beautiful aesthetics of your outdoor haven. Your home will be doubly desirable with the patio sitting where bare concrete would have been.
Assuring Safety
The safety of your home also goes up if you install a walkway and a patio. Mulch and rocks are often used as a path all around houses but these can cause accidents in both adults and children. Peace of mind can be achieved once you make the conscious decision to install a walkway and a lovely patio that goes with it.
Dress Up the Patio
Sure, the patio can be a haven but it isn’t so until you find the right furniture pieces to set it up. Think of banquet seating inside a kitchen. Now imagine this set up on your patio. Invest in a bench, some chairs and a dining table. Be sure to integrate the look of these pieces with the rest of the house.
Match the shapes of the table and the patio. A round table will look great on a cute, round patio. Add a tall fence to have a more private and cozy feel.
You can also eliminate useless spaces behind furnishing or in corners. You can afford ample space on the patio for a small table and a pair of chairs. This is a great setup for those date nights.
Patio with Bright Colors
Small patios are advantageous since they are better able to show off bright colors than large patios. These playful colors don’t look as overwhelming on a cute patio which means you can go ahead and use bright blues and greens. Ottomans can also match the patio décor while providing an extra seat for a person or two.
Nature can also offer lush colors such as green potted plants and colorful flowers.
Set Up Open Sight Lines
Choose seating that comes with open back. This should keep the sight lines flowing and it should visually expand the patio. Choose to keep the color palette basic, even unassuming. Use pastels such as green or blue on a bench and its partner, the coffee table. Distress the furniture for more laidback look.
You can also use narrower pieces such as a bench paired with a long, narrow table. Have these on the patio and you get a great choice for those dine-out nights.
Tags: designing the patio, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio and walkway, patio design, patio design elements, patio essentials, patio furnishings, patio furniture, patio style, stylizing the patio, tips
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Friday, April 29th, 2016
Your outdoor space, without a doubt, is a valuable spot in your home. If you have been thinking for the longest time that it needs a makeover, then it’s high time to go ahead and push through with the patio makeover project. Big or small, it’s time to turn that space into something more alluring –
Choose the Right Table Shape
Look for the right kind of outdoor table. This has to go well with the chair set. Consider an oval-shaped or circular table rather than the usual rectilinear table.
Rounded tables are a lot easier to navigate and are better known to accommodate guests in a jiff. Of course, no one wants to sit in corners when having dinner.
Optimize the Garden Walls
A lot of gardens focus on the ground surface though walls and fences can also be spots for design improvements. Give a renewed purpose to some of your old belongings. For instance, old mailboxes can be reused into planters. This is a great use of space if you have a limited amount of area in your small patio.
Take a look at the top of the garden wall, too. This can feature a unique layer of wood planters. This is a great design project to take on especially when you have a view that you need to block or if you would want added privacy from your prying neighbors.
Take note, though, that you will need carpentry skills to come up with the best looking planters.
The Sound of Nature
It is great if you find out that your patio is blessed with the natural sounds of buzzing bees or some chirping birds. If it does not offer any of these sounds, then you might want to incorporate the sound of falling water.
Have a small fountain installed in the middle of your patio. Landscape projects can also add water features such as ponds and beautiful fountains.
A wind chime would be the perfect addition to your patio if you do not have ample space to accommodate a fountain or a small pond.
Have Some Privacy
The patio, though a part of the outdoors, need not be a public place. Add draperies for sun protection, drama, softness, and above all, some privacy. Drapery panels are most effective in softening the sun’s rays during the morning. They can also provide a level of coziness and privacy. Shift the shades according to your privacy needs.
Sheers are only semi-private and they can soften pergola hard lines. They cannot offer protection from the rain and the sun though they can effectively keep the bugs out. Sheers can also add a different kind of drama as well as romance in your patio.
Sunbrella is an outdoor fabric that you can use for areas that are often exposed to elements – such as your patio. Find panels that come with weighted bottoms so you won’t be running after them during a breezy day. Anchor them to any overhead structure such as the underside of a patio overhang.
String up some lights for a wonderful transformation. The cost could be anywhere from $10 to $175 for every string depending, of course, on the quality of lights.
‘Turning Japanese? String some paper lanterns to complete the look of your new patio. It’s time to personalize this part of your outdoor space. Be creative, unleash your artistic side. Find ways to express your ideas beyond mere potted plants, flowers in vases or shrubbery. If you can, use bottle trees, which are popular garden elements in the south.
You have just made a charming patio – are you ready to invite guests over?
Tags: indoor-outdoor furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nature, nature in interior design, outdoor furniture, outdoor living, outdoor view, patio, patio design, patio style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Outdoors Style, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Saturday, February 20th, 2016
If you are given a chance to choose between a patio or a deck, which one would you want? The patio is a courtyard that is not necessarily surrounded by walls. It can be attached to a house or detached from it. The patio is versatile as it can take on any shape or be built with different materials. You can find a patio made with concrete, tiles, stone, pebbles, or rocks.
Many patios are installed on a concrete slab or a pebble base. And since they are built at ground level, they do not need to have safety railings.
When you have a landscape that comes with different plant textures and types, then you don’t have to worry about adding more patterns. Take it easy, what you need is just a visual relief which can contrast the scenic view already offered by nature. Interesting furniture should provide that needed contrast.
If your patio is shielded from the harsh elements, unluckily, it is also shielded from the breezes that come during the summertime. A pergola or a roof overhead can protect the ceiling fan that you will install. This can drop the temperature during the summer season to as much as 10 degrees. You can also outfit the ceiling fan with light so you can have a little illumination during the evenings.
For homes that have limited backyard space, set up a screened seating area for the family. This should give you with a private space where the prying eyes of neighbors will not reach. There are other visually pleasing ways to gain some privacy. You can install an attractive fence, plant tall trees, or have a hedgerow.
Outdoor lighting comes with different functions. It can ensure safety on the walkways or provide a cozy ambience as the sun goes down. Lighting should therefore be a crucial part of your patio design. Pendant lighting would be nice above a dining area. It will provide a cozy feeling during those intimate dining moments with the family.
Bricked or paved patio that ends suddenly will not pair well with a larger landscape. Rather, you can transition materials then reinforce a link between the two. Pavers can provide the needed pathway from the lawn to the patio. Containers and mulch subtly segue to the planted spaces.
One excellent way to create gentle borders in your patio is to use tall trellises. They can also be the home for your flowering vines. Just check out the area’s lighting condition so that the vines won’t disrupt the illumination.
The fragrant scent of the vine will even attract the attention of passersby. Closer slats on your trellises will create a denser border for your flowering vine.
Consider borders such as different sizes of stones to separate the seating and eating areas. Red bricks can be used to define the dining area. Stone floors may also transition to stone borders that surround the patio. These can also be built to a certain height that can be used for seating.
The front yard is a curious spot to put a patio in but you can actually take advantage of this space. Decorate the area properly and you will have a lovely spot to engage with your neighbors or visitors. A planted bed can transition to the lawn.
Decorative elements can be used in a patio especially when the space is protected from the elements. For those who embrace an eclectic style, then the decor should be mainly wood, with a touch of metals, and it should use the colors of nature.
A single use patio may be too limiting for large families. You can also use the patio as your home bar. Shop for the right bar table and chairs, add bottles of wine and other liquor and you’re good. This can also be your breakfast nook.
Cap your patio design with a birdbath or a small fountain to ensure visual delight.
Tags: indoor-outdoor furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting, outdoor view, patio, patio design, patio style
Posted in Outdoors Style | No Comments »
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