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Copyright (c) 2012 Super A-Mart Creating an outdoor garden space that you can enjoy through the seasons takes careful planning. Once you figure out basic elements about the area, you can set up the space to function as an exterior addition to your home. Whether you are dealing with a patio slab or an area next to a pool and fire pit, you can claim a spot of the great outdoors as your own. Choose a design style that blends your furnishings of outdoor chairs, tables and plants. You may want a formal setting of outdoor tables next to an English garden blooming with tea roses, using metal bistro chairs with an ornate metalwork design. Alternately, you could go casual with pots of dahlias, accompanied by metal or wooden lounge chairs that you can fold and store when not in use. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining on a regular basis, you may want to go with casual seating that is comfortable and flexible to move for intimate gatherings. Whites and neutrals can create a soothing atmosphere and offer a good basis for brighter colours to stand out, such as with pillows and outdoor ceramic artwork. If you want to go bold, use a single colour to dominate your accompanying garden space, such as white. You can achieve this dramatic look with lilies, nicotiana, jasmine and white heliotrope for strongly fragrant blooms that can put on a display in phases through summer. Mix with ferns or blue-green hostas in shady spots dappled with sun for a striking design. If you are working with an area of full sun, consider geometric overhead sails or sun umbrellas. These accessories can make a sunny seating area more comfortable. In addition, these shady spots can help you avoid the full brunt of harmful UV rays on your skin. If you have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, you can extend your enjoyment of this space beyond spring and summer. Switch out pillows and other fabric used outdoors for a fall or winter motif, such as plaid seat cushions and wool blankets for chairs that can be taken in when not in use. You may be surprised how much you enjoy the crisp fall/early winter days. Make a checklist of your priorities as you create an outdoor space so that you keep your wish list in line with your budget. Remember that second-hand stores and yard sales can be terrific places to find special outdoor furniture. Spray paint can be your best friend in transforming a plain outdoor table into a colourful conversation piece. A weekend spent thrift shopping may allow you to come up with ideas expressly your own for an outdoor garden. An Interior Design Consultant/Stylist for Super A-Mart- Australia's leading Furniture Retailer, Sam writes about interior design and loves to help people transform their homes, rooms and spaces into their ideal living spaces. You can read more of Sam's writing at the Super A-Mart Blog.
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