| In these days of questionable air travel, and | | | | near the barbeque unit, perhaps giving a |
| continual news flashes of danger abounding, | | | | slightly more masculine feel to one end of |
| more people than ever are opting to stay at | | | | the area. Many of the suppliers of patio |
| home for the vacation. To this end, there has | | | | furniture make great rattan 'fakes' that |
| been an enhancement in the way we furnish our | | | | will weather the rain and wind, yet still |
| outdoor areas. | | | | look good. |
| | | | |
| Outdoor decks and patios are being | | | | Outdoor bars need not be expensive, they can |
| transformed to incorporate larger and more | | | | be free standing, or you can construct your |
| luxurious cooking and eating areas, and the | | | | own 'built-in' bar. This will cut the cost |
| manufacturers are churning out the choices! | | | | and you can design the size to incorporate |
| Whereas we are all used to seeing the | | | | the fridge and a small sink underneath the |
| barbeque unit, a table and chairs and | | | | bar counter-top and hidden from view. |
| sometimes a fire pit, suddenly we are | | | | |
| entering the era of the 'outdoor room' which | | | | Alternatively, some outdoor areas are now |
| contains all the luxuries of indoors! | | | | boasting their own dishwashers and full size |
| | | | sinks along with an al fresco cooking spot! |
| There can be no doubt that an attractive | | | | |
| outdoor area must increase the value of your | | | | Having a cabana on your deck or patio area |
| home and make it a more desirable choice in | | | | will mean that on hot days you will have sun |
| the realty market. If you are planning to | | | | shade; it also helps if you need some items |
| construct an outdoor living area, then some | | | | to be kept out of the rain. Cabanas come in |
| pre-planning on paper will point you in the | | | | all shapes and sizes, and all manner of |
| right direction. | | | | material. There are wooden ones with one or |
| | | | two walls and even canvas ones with no walls. |
| You will need to think of such things as | | | | |
| placement of water supply, a walkway to and | | | | If you furnish your outdoor area lavishly, it |
| through the area. (For instance if your doors | | | | could run upwards of $25,000.00; however, |
| enter into the middle of your deck, you will | | | | this type of expense need not be the case. A |
| want your patio seating to be grouped to one | | | | cocktail bar, and a modest fireplace with a |
| side of these doors, so that conversation is | | | | cabana and some tasteful furniture could run |
| not interrupted by people walking back and | | | | you approximately $1,000.00 if you economize |
| forth to the house. You will need to think of | | | | a little. |
| the placement of your fireplace, and cabana, | | | | |
| if you are having one. You will need to think | | | | Imaginative, luxury touches will greatly |
| about not obstructing the sunlight from the | | | | increase the look of your outdoor area. For |
| deck area or from the windows close by. | | | | instance cabanas are enhanced by stringing a |
| | | | few lights around them - use amber or peach |
| Will you have a spa, hot tub or shallow pool | | | | color to give a warm atmosphere. |
| in the vicinity? | | | | |
| | | | A few tall plants in ceramic pots will go |
| Many outdoor areas now have their own fridges | | | | along way to making the area look luxurious, |
| and dishwashers and some even have their own | | | | and grouping them around one corner of the |
| fireplaces! The outdoors is an ideal setting | | | | cabana will make a great focal point. |
| for a see-through fireplace. With a | | | | |
| see-through design, the diners can enjoy the | | | | Another inexpensive luxury touch will be one |
| warmth and blaze of a fire on chilly nights, | | | | of those portable water features that is |
| while hot tubbers sitting away from the | | | | self-contained and continually rotates the |
| eating area can also the visual coziness of | | | | same water around. The sound of gently |
| the firelight. | | | | cascading water is a known relaxant, so it |
| | | | will add a soothing ambiance to your peaceful |
| For a fireplace, the tall, terra cotta | | | | area. |
| Mexican 'chimney pot' is also popular over | | | | |
| here, although not see-through, it is a | | | | This article was written on behalf of Kevin |
| modestly priced way to introduce a fire | | | | Kling and 386 Real Estate, Daytona Beach |
| outside. | | | | REALTOR Â(R). Contact him to learn more |
| | | | about waterfront, or any real estate in |
| A bar and bar stools are trendy if placed | | | | Daytona Florida. |