Everyone wants a great backyard outdoor living space, like the kind you see in magazines! But you think, affording those magnificent looks is just not practical, so why even try? Well, you can achieve similar looks without breaking the bank! Outer Banks Country Store is here to help, and we can show you how to get that high end style on a budget.
Whatever your style, you can put together your own personal look that defines who you are and gives you that feeling of pride, of making the most of your property, no matter what your budget. A great place to start is choosing a color scheme. Some popular color combos that stand the test of time, are the same ones you'll see in the patio furniture that's for sale at the big box stores like Home Depot and Target. Our experienced designer here at Outer Banks Country Store says, "Don't be afraid of color! Although, you want your big items like furniture to be neutral shades, then accessorize with pops of color. We suggest picking 3 colors that you love as a general rule of thumb. If you use too many colors, the scene gets too busy, confuses the eye, and the entire space becomes less relaxing, less enjoyable. Keep in mind that color trends change over the years, so invest once in neutral toned patio furniture that will stand the test of time (and weather!), and then you can keep up with changing color trends by switching out the smaller, more affordable decorations, for a fresh new look."
Here our some of our favorite color schemes for porches, patios and decks. We're showing the color combinations using our famous Barn Stars to give you an idea of how to put color together in a pleasing way. "Just with color alone, you'll begin to see a unique personality develop, whether you're going for a fun look or an elegant look," says our designer.
Chocolate Brown, Cream and Sage Green
creates a look of high-end elegance.
By combining Chocolate Brown, Cream and Terracotta or Burnt Orange, you get an elegant look, but these colors also work as a base for an
Old World Style deck or patio.
If you're personality is more fun-loving, try bright pops of color, such as Hot Pink, Lime Green or Turquoise. You'll see our designer also likes to use the brown tones here as well. "By combining brights with browns, you end up with a retro, vintage look, which is also very popular - the old and the new; They just go well together."
Outer Banks Country Store sells these great Indoor/Outdoor Tin Metal Barn Stars in different sizes, ranging in price from $2.99 to $7.99. Unique accessories really don't have to cost a lot!
Okay, now that you've got your color scheme, it's time to think about Lighting. Lighting up your space is extremely important because it creates a mood. "You should have lights outside all year round, not just the holidays," says our designer, "Think of how cozy, fun and good it feels at the holidays when everything is lit up and twinkly. That's what you want to feel when you're gathered with friends for a barbecue or pool party on those hot summer nights. Go for white lights for elegance, amber lights for a warm, cozy glow and colored bulbs for a party atmosphere," says our designer. "Think outside the box. Intertwine the underside of your patio umbrella with lights, clip them under your deck rails all along your porch and also on the stair railings. Wrapping a tree trunk with lights all year round is a must!"
Remember that you want to use outdoor safe lights. If wrapping a tree, we suggest using Brown Wire Lights! Brown deck rails? Use brown wire lights. White deck railings? Use white wire lights!
Another amazing way to light up the outside is with an Outdoor Chandlier. Now prices can really vary on this item. Not as expensive as furniture, but pricier than the smaller accessories, this is a mid-range priced item, but it is definitely worth investing in, says our designer, because it will last for years and can really make the space. Make sure it's outdoor friendly, because you want it to last. Wrought Iron is always a good choice. If it starts to weather, you just touch it up with a can of spray paint!
Awesome Idea!
One of our favorite ideas is to get those little solar lights from Walmart or Home Depot for $1, take the solar light part off of the stake, and fit the light right into the ring of the chandelier where the votive cups would go! Voila! You've got an instant Solar Chandelier!
But using glass votive cups is so cozy too! Try using Citronella votive candles! The scent plus the smoke from the candles will keep the bugs away!
For an even more cozy glow, try adding candle holders all around your outdoor space.
Again, choose candle scents that won't attract bugs, such as Citronella.
You can mount candle holders on lattice, on walls, and place one or two on the table
to complete the ambiance. Remember, always keep candles and open flames away from tree branches, material, dry wood and children!
"Another great way to show off your individual style and personality is with outdoor wall art," says our designer. "Signs with sayings have become extremely popular. I think it's because they literally say who we are when we pick those that really speak to us. Are you funny, romantic, sarcastic, inspired? There is a saying that will fit what you stand for. And again, they work to continue the mood that you're creating. We suggest adding 1 or 2 plaques on the wall that you feel fit you and the style you're going for. Again, I think you'll be surprised at how little these cost.
Prices range from about $8 to $25. Super affordable and super fun!"
Next, it's time to set the table! "Display your food with a little flair!" says our designer. "As they say, 'it's all in the presentation'. You want to add a little height to your table, meaning, don't have everything on the table be the same height. We suggest a stacked or tiered serving tray, such as this cute cupcake tree. It's got 3 tiers, is outdoor friendly because it's painted tin metal with a thick coating on it, so it's nice and sturdy. And who says it's just for cupcakes! Anything goes on this adorable server."
Cupcake Tree - priced right at just $24.99!
Every table needs a centerpiece. Try one of these great floral buckets! Like this great wash tub style or mix it up with something rustic like this wide mouth watering can. The key is to have a fresh looking table, not only with delicious food, but with flowers, cut fresh from your garden (or your neighbor's, if you don't have a green thumb!)
If using this washtub style centerpiece, simply lay your fresh cut flowers in it,
a handful going one direction and a handful laid the opposite direction,
for a fresh-from-the-field look! Simple!
It wouldn't be an outdoor party without wine, and wine accessories are ever popular. Don't just put the plain old bottle of wine on the table. Use one of these wine bottle carriers. "It looks great on the table, whether you're hosting or bringing it to a friend's barbecue. It also makes an excellent hostess gift, to bring over a bottle of wine in one of these great carriers!" And setting the table doesn't have to be expensive either. Go to your local dollar store and get wine glasses and iced tea glasses for $1 each! You can get a matching set or if you like to be eclectic like us, mix and match a few different styles of glasses. Get about 2 of each style, for a set of 6, 8 or 12. You can get plates there as well! "That way, if someone breaks something, you're not losing your grandma's china, so it's no big deal! And you're not serving on messy paper plates either, which are accidents waiting to happen."
Finally, frame your space with potted plants. A palm plant in a pot in the corner is always a good idea. It's elegant, gives a tropical flair, which is always comfortable and they're easy to care for. Group pots together of different sizes, with different heights and a variety of plants in many colors, shades and textures. If you don't have a green thumb, ask your local gardener to tell you which plants need minimal care and thrive well even when left alone. Top off your outdoor deck with this wall mounted flag pole. Keep this up year round, because you can change out the flags for each season. Or a flag with your family's initial on it is simple and elegant.
Speaking of flags, nothing showcases a house, fence or deck and porch rails like flags and bunting. There are several flag holidays so you will get tons of use out of flags. "I'm so happy to say that Patriotism is back!" says our designer, "American pride is all the rage right now, so showing that pride is always a welcome addition to the outside of your home."
New Year’s Day
|
January 1
|
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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OBSV. January 16
|
Lincoln’s Birthday
|
February 12
|
President’s Day
(third Monday in February)
|
OBSV. February 20
|
Easter Sunday
(variable)
|
April 8
|
Mother’s Day
(second Sunday in May)
|
May 13
|
Armed Forces Day
(third Saturday in May)
|
May 19
|
Memorial Day
(half staff till noon, the last Monday in May)
|
May 28
|
Flag Day
|
June 14
|
Father’s Day
(third Sunday in June)
|
June 17
|
Independence Day
|
July 4
|
Labor Day
(first Monday in September)
|
September 3
|
Patriot Day
(half-staff)
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September 11
|
Constitution Day
|
September 17
|
Columbus Day
(second Monday in October)
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October 8
|
Navy Day
|
October 13
|
Veterans Day
|
November 11
|
Thanksgiving Day
(fourth Thursday in November)
|
November 22
|
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
"The key in decorating your outdoor space is to relax and remember that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Doing a little goes a long way. You don't have to get everything at once. Just start by getting one piece and build your look one item at a time. Decide on your color scheme and go from there. If you can't decide, think about your personality first. Are you fun, boisterous and flirty? Are you pensive, timeless and elegant? Decorating is a process of getting to know yourself and showing the best side of you! So relax, have fun with it and let your imagination and creativity flow!"
Happy Decorating!
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