Spring is Ahead - Plan Your Outdoor Living Space Now

By Debbie Rodgers

Spring IS Ahead – Plan Your Outside Living Space Now Really! Although you may live where winter seems to still have firm grip, remember that just below the snow, the early bulbs are pushing their way skyward (amazing, isn't it?) So think ahead to when YOU can get outside too because spring will be here before you know it.

What can you do now to plan ahead? Here are tips to make this year's outside living great.

* First, gather pictures of the porches or decks that appeal to you. Look in magazines, library books, on the web. Once you've collected these, sit in a comfy chair and study them. What about them draws you? Is it the color? The comfy seats? The privacy? The theme? Fix in your mind the element or elements that makes the pictures appeal to you.

* Make a pencil sketch of the floor plan of your outside space. What uses do you want to make of it? List the activities that are essential, and then those that you might like. Mark the traffic flows on the floor plan.

* Now picture your outdoor room including the elements that you identified on step 1. Picture the traffic flows and uses from step 2. Make a list of the things you see in your mind's eye.

* Consider the items you already have. Was it the comfy seats that appealed to you in the pictures? Are your chairs comfortable? Can you make them that way by making fat new cushions? Were all the photos that you adored full of lush greenery? Do you have a cache of terra- cotta pots sitting out in the garage that can be filled and put to good use?

* Think about what you need to add. Is this the year you splurge on a great new chaise lounge? Would a folding privacy screen make all the difference? Will you use your entire budget for a collection of lush tropicals? Unless your funds are unlimited, concentrate on narrowing this down to one or two items.

* Make a list of the possible sources for the needed item(s). If you're on a strict budget, can you scour yard sales for a chair that may need only a new cushion, or scout the salvage dealers for louvered doors to paint and frame for a privacy screen? What about the classifieds? Also, watch retailers for opening season specials.

With your plan and your lists in hand, you will be able to spend wisely and obtain those items you need to make your outdoor living room just right for you. Spring will be here SOON - be ready!

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com (site no longer active) and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com