Want to add some more square footage to your home?....

...Look to your OUTDOOR space for increasing your living and/or entertaining space!  I just got back from Spring Fling at the Merchandise Mart-Chicago & tips, colors & new furniture trends for the outside were front & center!  Here's what I saw:

John Gidding on Outdoor Architecture & Furniture:
John showed some of his Before/After projects from his HGTV show, Curb Appeal & Curb Appeal: the Block, as well as some of his custom furniture he's incorporated into his designs.  Some VERY cool benches for porches & patios & yes, I'd love to implement MY spin on this.  His main tip: Stay true to the architecture of the home, have fun, & don't be afraid of color!

***I had the pleasure of interviewing John at the Milwaukee NARI Fall Home & Garden Show!  Here's the radio interview from the CasaVerde radio show & the corresponding article.  He's gracious, engaging & incredibly talented as you'll see & hear from the interviews. ***

Anacara Company:
I had the pleasure of interviewing showroom manager, Stephanie Fishel for a series of minis for the Bante Design youtube channel.  Check out Outdoor Fabrics & Outdoor Furniture Trends by clicking on the links.  Trends I saw here included:
mixing of materials (rattan, wood & metal, rattan & metal, wood & metal), double chaises are HOT & outdoor furniture imitating its indoor counterparts so that it can be used indoors as well as for outdoor use.

Finally, here are some tips I incorporate for my design clients:

• Treat your outdoor space like any other space in your home.  Color, lighting, furniture arrangement & upholstery choices all come into play.
• Landscaping should act as your "walls".  Have a privacy issue?  Think taller, fuller trees & shrubs...You can also 'create' rooms w/your landscaping as well: private gardens, play areas for the kids and/or pets...
• Lighting is just as important here as indoors.  Effective landscape lighting helps create depth to your space when you are looking outside from the indoors, otherwise you get a "black" wall when you look out your window.
• The Power Position also applies here as it does inside.  The grill/bbq or main seating area should be placed in this area.
• Your FRONT space should reflect the architectural style of your home (i.e. have a colonial, then you want a more symmetrical & formal...a cottage?  You can be a bit more organic), the BACK can be more personalized & fun.

Would you like some help with your outdoor space?  Some help Feng Shui-ing your garden?  Contact us here to schedule a consultation & we'd be more than happy to help!  Also, if you need some help clutter-busting your space as you ponder a Spring Cleaning, make sure to check out The Clutter Counselor & get a "clutter-busting" consult!  I'm here to help support you & help you design the life of your dreams...whether that's helping w/detoxing your space, doing a Healthy Home Analysis or helping you space-plan an outdoor space to enjoy the fabulous warmer weather...Drop us an email so we can see if we're a match!  Enjoy....D :)