2/23/2008

Outdoor Furniture and Great Outdoor Living this Summer

By: Jason Gerth
Outdoor living is more than garden gnomes and a few patio lanterns. Quickly gaining popularity with homeowners that have homes and yards of all sizes, moving entertaining and gathering spaces outside is a trend that is here to stay, driving sales of garden/patio furniture and decor as homeowners continue to turn their outdoor patios and decks into elaborate living areas.

Whether your plans call for pure relaxation, backyard cooking and entertaining, or just having a comfortable place to sit and keep an eye on the kids, your outdoor living areas are worth their weight in gold. Entertaining in the home is quickly migrating to outdoor spaces and this trend has helped fuel demand for new technology and design which includes outdoor kitchens, appliances, grills, outdoor furniture including Adirondack chairs and other value driven amenities and products. The draw to the outdoors comes anytime and anywhere, not just when entertaining or sitting by the pool.

Today, these architecturally and aesthetically pleasing outdoor escapes are an extension of your living space -- providing enjoyment and cool breezes on sultry summer days, a serene retreat, a relaxing nook to cuddle with a favorite book, and a charming yet functional room for entertaining. At the heart of outdoor living and entertaining for many is the desire to cook and dine alfresco, but the most anticipated part of outdoor entertaining is spending more time with family and friends and just being outside again. The main reason for the overwhelming preference is simple. We enjoy changing pace, experiencing nature with others.

Outdoor furniture is a good place to start when making your outdoor experiences people friendly. No matter whether your style is upscale teak, durable and timeless cedar or practical plastic, the deck patio furniture you choose is the most important part of comfort for anyone using the space. Adding an Adirondack chair and ottoman for example, will instantly transform your yard, garden or patio into an outdoor living space perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Outdoor furniture manufactured today nearly rivals the style and comfort of its indoor counterparts, and outdoor accessories to create any mood and decorate all kinds of outdoor spaces are available everywhere. Some folks opt for plastic furniture when they're decking out an outdoor living area, but, if you can afford it, wood is much better looking. As for other outdoor furniture, consider lounging chairs placed throughout the back yard. They could well be the most comfortable pieces of furniture in your garden.

Living and entertaining outdoors is a popular and growing trend in America; with a large built-in grill, refrigerator, warming drawer, side burner, beer dispenser, and gas-fired space heater and some outdoor furniture, your backyard patio easily becomes an extension of your living room and kitchen. Outdoor living as a retailing category is one of the industry's fastest growing segments. Outdoor Living is for play and a retreat. On a practical note, the number of people gravitating toward outdoor living is growing and with the population aging and the dearth of residences with access features, having an accessible yard will add to the value of your home. No longer defined by simple picnic tables, folding chairs and a citronella candle, outdoor living is the hottest topic in home landscaping and among the hottest trends in home design.

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Jay Gerth writes extensively about outdoor furniture and other outdoor living topics. Specializing in iowa-adirondack.com/index.php?cPath=1 ">Adirondack chairs and other furnishings, his expert opinions have helped others find satisfaction with and great uses for their outdoor living spaces.