Moving Outdoors: Decor For Outdoor Spaces and Summer Gatherings

As the weather warms, more families and couples will move their living room outside - creating comfortable outdoor spaces for entertaining and lounging. Outdoor decor accents and accessories are bigger than ever and feature many of the same trends seen in interior home decor. Stylish options can beautify your patio, deck or backyard to create outdoor spaces you'll love and enjoy all summer long. 

• Light Up The Night. When the sun goes down, outdoor lighting options will brighten up your summer backyard gatherings. Tiki Torches come in a variety of styles including traditional bamboo or upscale metal designs. Citronella based fuel offers the added benefit of helping to repel mosquitoes. Hanging Lanterns or String Lights are also festive options, available in a variety of shapes and colors. A chandelier hung from a center of a portico or other structure creates a sophisticated, elegant room design.    

• Refreshing New Options. From lemonade to iced coffee, your favorite summer drinks will look even more refreshing when displayed in a stylish and easy dispenser.These self serve dispensers are available in an array of styles and colors at any home decor store and make entertaining easy. Mason jars are another creative option to bring your favorite beverage on your next picnic or fireworks display.   

• Every Color Under The Sun. One of the biggest spring trends - bold color and patterns - will continue to be hot for summer outdoor upholstery. Replace worn pillows and cushions with vibrant outdoor, sun safe fabrics to add color and comfort to your outdoor seating. Mix and match colors and patterns to give your space a fresh look in the season's most favorite hues such as coastal inspired navy and white.

• Outdoor 'Floor to Ceiling' Makeovers. An outdoor room addition or makeover including the addition of a portico or other outdoor enclosure will give the home a feeling of additional square footage. New flooring options from decking to stone choices provide a weather friendly surface underfoot. Top with an outdoor rug to add texture and style. Traditional indoor room features from chandeliers to drapes, fireplaces to ceiling fans will further enhance the space and create a comfortable gathering space.  

PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC, is an interior decorating and accredited home staging firm based in Connecticut. Patti Stern, PJ & Company's principal, and her team work closely with homeowners to redecorate, renovate or simply refresh their home décor. She also offers comprehensive, turnkey staging services to help homeowners sell their home quickly and for top dollar. Clients include homeowners and realtors across Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. Patti has also been featured in Connecticut Magazine, the Hartford Courant and Danbury News-Times and on NBC Connecticut and FOX TV. For more information, please contact Patti Stern at 203-640-3762 or patti@pjhomestyling.com. Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pjandcompanyhomestyling or Twitter at www.twitter.com/pjhomestyling