Updating Your Outdoor Living Space

Published June 22, 2016

The sun is out and the heat is on. What better time to kick back on the patio and enjoy the warm months ahead?

There’s nothing better than putting your feet up on your favorite ottoman with a cold beverage.

Sometimes over the winter season our patio furniture can become a bit tattered and dirty, therefore it’s important to keep up the maintenance.
Simple repairs do not always require professional services. Loose strands on wicker furniture may be repaired if you follow these three easy steps.

First, place a damp cloth on the loose strand until you feel the texture become very soft and pliable. This usually takes 30 minutes to one hour.

Secondly, using your fingers, reweave the exposed strand back into the furniture.

Finally, it’s important to tack the loose strand down with an exterior brad that is narrower than the furniture’s weave. This will ensure it is securely in place.

Remember to replace old, worn out coir mats at your entry doors. Coir mats can become faded and dirty over the winter months. Look for bright, summer patterns at local department stores this summer.

Clean up all outdoor light fixtures. Remove any cobwebs and give the exteriors a good wash with warm, soapy water.

Consider an outdoor rug to go under your patio furniture this summer. Hardware and department stores are brimming over with bright, beautiful patterned and solid outdoor rugs. Choose from a large selection of floral, contemporary and bordered traditional rugs. The rug will really warm up your outdoor space and feel wonderful under your feet on a warm summer day.

Ever thought of patio decor on your outdoor walls? The idea may appear to be a bit odd; however, the results are stunning for wall areas that are protected from the elements. Look for metal wall art and hanging mason jars filled with cut flowers. Chalkboards are also great for kids to decorate. These are just a few ideas that work wonderfully for outdoor walls.

And finally, don’t forget about outdoor lighting. There is something about the soft glow of patio lights that can make even the most ordinary patio space feel magical. You will find these lights on most store shelves at this time of year or on Amazon.ca.