Remodel Tampa Bay Summer, 2016 | Page 10

6 Outdoor Living

TAKE A DEEP BREATH OF FRESH AIR . FEEL THE WARM SUNSHINE ON YOUR SKIN . KICK BACK AND LISTEN TO THE PEACEFUL SOUNDS OF NATURE . THERE ’ S A REASON PEOPLE ARE INVESTING IN SPACES THAT ALLOW THEM TO SPEND MORE TIME RELAXING , DINING AND ENTERTAINING OUTSIDE .

In addition to expanding livable space , outdoor enhancements also offer a strong return on

investment at the time of sale .
Convinced this is the year you ’ re
going to jump on the outdoor living
bandwagon ? To refresh your space
and start enjoying the outdoors from
the comforts of home , consider the
top outdoor living trends of 2016 .
Trend # 1 : Eclectic design
Homeowners are embracing the
same eclectic trends that they love
indoors and bringing this same
design approach to their outdoor
spaces . Mixing materials is at the
heart of this trend . From all-weather
wicker and teak to concrete and
aluminum , using different materials
means creating durable spaces
with one-of-a-kind looks . Beyond
the hardscape , using a variety of
patterns , textures and shapes adds
visual appeal .
Trend # 4 : Customization
Customizing helps create outdoor
spaces that are a reflection of
the homeowners ’ personalities .
More than just personalized
decor , the customization trend is
evident in outdoor furniture . Expert
stylists at www . Arhaus . com offer
complementary design services
including space design , product
selection and customization with a
wide variety of outdoor fabrics so
they can get the exact look they
desire .
Trend # 2 : Upholstered soft seating
This year , homeowners are
revamping patios and decks by
bringing the comforts of indoors
outside . The perfect example
of this movement is the use of
upholstered furniture for the
outdoors . Arhaus Furniture offers
a variety of upholstered sofas ,
sectionals and chairs that look
just like the classics used indoors ,
but are specifically designed to
withstand the elements outside .
Trend # 5 : Evening entertaining
Outdoor entertainment shouldn ’ t
be restricted by daylight , so
homeowners are making thoughtful
additions to ensure when dusk
arrives the party can go on .
Strategic deck lighting on posts
and stairways illuminates gathering
spaces . Torches , pathway lighting
and string lights are great for
landscaped areas . Finally , propane
and citronella gel fueled fire pits
are the ideal gathering place and
bugs will stay far away .
Trend # 3 : Outdoor cooking
Summer entertaining is enhanced
when meals are cooked outdoors .
Home chefs are thinking beyond
the grill to incorporate other useful
mediums for al fresco cooking .
For example , hearths and stone
ovens offer undeniable outdoor
ambiance while providing a unique
way to cook pizzas , bread and
other baked goods . The finishing
touch : add an herb garden for
quick access to the fresh flavors of
the season .
Trend # 6 : Reconstructed stone
Reconstructed stone is in demand
for tabletops on dining , coffee and
accent tables . When researching
options , it ’ s important to remember
not all reconstructed stone is
created equal . For example , Arhaus
makes reconstructed stone out
of composite concrete so it ’ s
lighter , less brittle and withstands
weather well . Even when left
outside year-round at the company
headquarters in Cleveland , Ohio ,
there was no cracking , color fading
or changes to material .
10 Remodel Tampa Bay Summer 2016