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