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CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives July 2010 | Read the full SECTION

Q.  I’m planning to totally redo our patio because we spend so much time outdoors.  I want it to be as comfortable and durable as possible.  What can I do to create a natural flow between outside and inside?

A. I love the way you express the movement between outside and inside as “flow,” because, in our climate, our lives truly flow from inside to outside.  Being able to be outdoors almost every day of the year, we are constantly moving between the two.
It can be rewarding to balance the style of the furniture in your home with the look of your garden environment.  As you look out your windows and doors, your home can appear larger as you view the extended space. This type of continuity moves you from place to place, creating flow.
When purchasing outdoor furniture, you need to plan just as you would if you were furnishing an interior room. Think of it as building another home where you have the opportunity to create several specific living areas – places to eat, lounge, play or just talk. You can be by yourself in a cozy area or create a larger space for entertaining. The best way to accomplish this is with several furniture groupings.
If the areas are on the same level, adding individual umbrellas can help define each area and also provide shade.  Put all your umbrellas on stands so you can move them around as needed.  To add interest, you can select different furniture, colors or patterns for each area. Towels in wonderful colors, and patterns, can be sewn together as slipcovers to change the look from year to year.
Four years ago, when redecorating a room in my own home, I had a leather sofa with ottomans that I no longer needed.  I put them outside under the overhang area and created a cozy grouping with my existing patio chairs.  Next, I added an étagère, where I put a TV, a lamp for ambience and rolled up towels in different colors as accessories.
Because the overhang is extensive, the area never gets wet and is protected from the sun. It has held up beautifully and looks so inviting. A wonderful splurge for your covered patio is a misting system to keep you cooler and refreshed when sitting outside in the hot weather.
Another area is just for conversation, where I arranged several chairs. This can be enhanced if placed around a fire pit or by an outdoor fireplace.  On a raised area by the pool, I placed lounge chairs for sunning. To give it a hint of privacy I surrounded the area with potted plants.  I placed a dining room table and chairs close to the house so getting to the kitchen was convenient.  Here you can also incorporate your built-in barbeque.

CITYLife Web Exclusive | CITYSunTimes July 2010