Both PVC and composite decks will run an average of $8 to
$9 per square foot. They will require power-washing for cleaning,
with frequency depending on location. If the deck is adjacent to
trees and shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on the frame so
washing is required to keep it looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is
a continuation of the stone look, but this also works well with a
wood frame or brick home. Patios work best in yards that are level,
while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including a hilly
or uneven lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace,
a local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners
are especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area,
which function as a gathering point for both family and guests.
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth
and beauty, but emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear
gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their
home.
“For those homeowners who don’t have the space for a
traditional fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a
beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock,” says Buckiso. And
they’re available in three different heights, with a lower coffee-
table height, dining table and bar height. The homeowner also has
the option of selecting wood- or gas-burning fire pits.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN SPLENDOR
When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking a
roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know
it’s going to heat up your house and drive up your air-conditioning
bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread
and cooked their meats outdoors in the summer to maintain a
cool house. This simple idea can really help keep your home cool
during the dog days of summer, while saving
you money on energy costs.
With an outdoor oven and grill,
barbeques can be a spontaneous
dinner idea, rather than a
major event that must be
planned days in advance.
The grilling process gives
steaks, chicken, fish and
pork a wonderful smoked
flavor, while reducing the
overall fat content.
And it’s not just meats that
can benefit from grilling. Bell
peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of
other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor
when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in foil and cooked on
a grill.
With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for summer either.
With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available, it
can be used virtually year-round. Although just a simple oven and
grill can change the way you live, a sink with running water and an
added fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient.
For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time
with your guests while preparing the meal. There’s also an entire
line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor
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TVs. The televisions are completely waterproof and three times as
bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed even in strong direct
sunlight.
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN
HOME OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home?
The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re dressed in
your pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work. You need a place
that’s organized, designed well, and in which you feel comfortable.
Chances are, you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best
work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting.
Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever
possible, and results in more productivity among workers and a
more positive attitude toward the work itself. Lighting can have
a profound effect on your mood and can even influence your
hormones. A good overview of this subject is provided by Andrew
Jensen, a business growth, efficiency and marketing consultant, at
AndrewJensen.net.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not
possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead, and try to avoid
harsh fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two, along with a picture
of the outdoors, will help transform a windowless area into a
more inviting space. Warm colors such as reds, yellows and orange
will also help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a
basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry
where office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight.
Shelving that is custom-designed for the way you work can
transform even a tiny space into an efficient work area. Having
cabinets and shelves that are suited to your exact purpose will
eliminate a great deal of frustration and overwhelming feelings of
disorganization. A designer and expert carpenter can help you get
the most from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house
to dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean you can’t have a
dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed into a
workspace with the right planning, and the whole office can be put
away at day’s end by simply closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-mounted
desk that can be extended when in use and collapsed flush with the
wall when it’s not. Cubby holes built into the interior wall area can
also provide places for storage in a tight space. A creative builder
can help you make the most of your available space.
If your work area is not separated from the rest of your home
and building a wall is not an option, there are still attractive ways
to define your space. For example, tall wooden shutters can be
linked together with hinges and painted any color to create a
private area. Though not soundproof, they can create an intimate
atmosphere of privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients.
Tall silk plants, such as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to
divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where you
will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure it’s
comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support, in addition to
being an attractive addition to your office. Visit Spine-Health.com
for some helpful suggestions on choosing the right chair that will
work best for you.