Create An Outdoor Space With Fabric

I love where I live; even in the immediate aftermath of Super Storm Sandy when there was destruction everywhere. And although it’s been slow going for many of my neighbors, I can’t imagine my life without lagoon living.

There are a lot of moving parts to lagoon living, though, including knowing when to replace the bulkhead. Something I lived through recently myself. With the relentless winter and the grind of daily life, I often found myself wondering why we were spending the time and energy to re-create an outdoor living space. But isn’t that the point of living on the water? People pay good money to vacation in places like where I live. Plus, outdoor living IS fun and relaxing.

So whether you live in the city, the suburbs, in the mountains or on the water, outdoor living is a great way to get outside and take advantage of the weather; even if it’s just a few months of the year. You don’t need to have the perfect year round climate to create an amazing outdoor living space to enjoy with family and friends.

The best part is that now, more than ever before, there are so many choices, from lighting, furniture, finishes and fabrics, to help you create a space just right for your lifestyle. As exciting an idea as all of this is, it can be overwhelming. So here are a few things to think about before getting started.

Outdoor fabrics aren’t just for cushions anymore. Think draperies to help shade you from the hot summer sun or to create a cozy space for late-night star gazing. And pillows add a touch of comfort while bringing the indoor outside.

Next, how to keep your cushion covers looking new? And yes, you do have to clean them even though they are outside. First, you can just spot clean an area, if necessary. But you’ll want to check out this cleaning solution from Martha Stewart for when you really need to wash them, and believe me that time will come. By the way, I always recommend cleaning your cushion covers annually.

Now, how to find comfortable cushions so taking an outdoor nap on a lazy Saturday doesn’t feel like you’re resting on a bed of rocks? Well, you don’t need special foam or pillow inserts for outdoor use. Still, some grades of foam do perform better in the sun. For a more in-depth look at outdoor foam check this out. Before you do, some food for thought: a quick drying foam isn’t always the most comfortable foam.

Creating an outdoor space expands your home’s living space and gives you a unique opportunity to create something special. It’s something you won’t regret doing! Click here to see more of our outdoor living designs.