| The elements of a sanctuary differ only in your | | | | natural teak table set. Wicker is casual and can |
| personal tastes. The perfect outdoor sanctuary | | | | set the stage for a comfortable cottage feel or a |
| will include: seating, landscaping, and the fine | | | | luxurious garden space. |
| touches, like patio chair cushions, that make it a | | | | Of course the pieces that you choose are |
| relaxing and comfortable space to be in. Let's | | | | important too. If you're seeking a Zen retreat you |
| examine how to use each of these elements to | | | | may want a simple chaise lounge or a minimalist |
| create a personalized and comfortable outdoor | | | | bench. If you're setting your space up for |
| space. | | | | entertainment, you can look for outdoor sofas or |
| Step One: Defining your space. What type of | | | | a large dining set - if you have enough room you |
| space are you looking for? What will its purpose | | | | can do both! The choices are many and range |
| be? Are you looking for a quiet spa like getaway | | | | from Adirondack chairs to chaise lounges, picnic |
| or a spiritual retreat? Do you want your outdoor | | | | tables, sofas, dining sets, benches and much more. |
| space to be an ultra comfortable place with lots | | | | Of course, no seating, even minimalist seating, is |
| of lush patio chair cushions where you can | | | | complete without a cushion. Let's move onto Step |
| entertain or a location that is designed just for | | | | 3 and examine how patio chair cushions and other |
| you? Take a moment to decide the purpose of | | | | details set the perfect stage for your outdoor |
| your space. | | | | room. |
| Now, with the purpose of your outdoor room in | | | | Step Three: The details. Looking back at the |
| mind, step outside and evaluate the amount of | | | | purpose of your outdoor space what details will |
| space that you have. Does the purpose of your | | | | bring it all together? If you're creating a tropical |
| space fit into the size of your yard? For example | | | | paradise then you'll likely want to do some |
| if you want your outdoor space to be a place | | | | landscaping to create a lush environment. The |
| that you can entertain but you only have a 10 x | | | | tropics is also full of bright colors like fuchsia, deep |
| 10 patio, you may want to reconsider the | | | | green, orange, and even vibrant blues. Choose |
| purpose of your space. | | | | patio chair cushions that give your space a tropical |
| Do you want a separate area to dine and a | | | | flair. Imagine the stunning effect a bright yellow or |
| separate sitting area? Will you need to pour a | | | | fuchsia cushion will have. |
| patio? This is the time to make these decisions. | | | | Neutral colored patio chair cushions lend |
| There is a large trend to build expansive decks | | | | themselves to a more Zen-like outdoor retreat. |
| for dining and entertaining. However, this doesn't | | | | Of course the details don't stop with patio chair |
| mean that you have to spend a lot of money. | | | | cushions. Planters, umbrellas, landscaping, and |
| Rocks or mulch can be used to create a separate | | | | details like an arbor or trellis will also help you set |
| space. Stepping stones can be placed to create a | | | | the stage. Consider water features for quiet |
| path to and from the seating area. Keep in mind | | | | retreats, and hot tubs and outdoor grills for a |
| that you probably don't want you segmented | | | | space devoted to entertaining. |
| space within your yard to take up more than a | | | | Follow these three basic steps when planning your |
| third of the space. This means that if you have | | | | outdoor sanctuary and you'll be on your way to |
| 300 square feet of yard space, you'll want to | | | | creating your ideal space. Remember that when it |
| designate only 100 square feet of it to a patio, | | | | comes to creating your ideal space you need to |
| deck or other type of material. | | | | have a purpose for your space, choose furniture |
| Step Two: Choosing your furniture. Your patio | | | | that fits the size of your space, the style of your |
| furniture sets the tone for your space. Beginning | | | | yard, and the purpose of your environment. You |
| with materials, you will want to decide how your | | | | also need to really focus on the details from the |
| furniture will help you meet your goals for your | | | | big stuff like your landscaping all the way down to |
| outdoor space. Wrought iron furniture is | | | | the type of patio chair cushion that you choose. |
| significantly more formal than an earthy and | | | | |