HOUSE & HOME

Without Leaving Home

Good news! Spring is upon us, and summer is not far behind, making now the ideal time to explore the various ways in which you can enjoy warmer temperatures without having to leave home. Whether you’re yearning to make significant outdoor improvements— or simply looking to add decorative touches to spruce up your current deck or patio décor—there are an abundance of ways in which you can transform your home’s ordinary outdoor space into a warm weather oasis. Here are a few trendy, as well as out-of-the-ordinary, ways to do so.

The Four-Season Porch

As its name suggests, the four-season porch is designed to be used throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. This type of porch is fully enclosed and insulated, and is usually equipped with heating and cooling features—as well as removable window screens—allowing it to be adapted

BY KRISTIN BRUNO

to any season. The exact design of a four-season porch can vary widely depending on the budget and desires of the homeowner.

As four-season porches feature windows that can be closed, it is the ideal place to include a sound system, television, and seating, making it an extension of the home’s interior. Decorative cushions, plants and area rugs can be added to create a cozy atmosphere.

Verandas

In architecture, the veranda is most frequently described as an open walled porch surrounded by a railing that is attached to a house. The word ‘veranda’ is a variant of the Hindi word varanda, but is also related to the Spanish word baranda, meaning “railing.” It is thus believed that it entered Hindi via Portuguese explorers who came to India.

The veranda is a beloved architectural element in the Southern United States, and is particularly popular in places like New Orleans, Louisiana. In fact, prior to the advent of air conditioning, the veranda was a prevalent feature in New Orleans’ homes, simply because it was a way to keep cool during the heat of the summer. We suggest adding a few rocking chairs with some brightly colored decorative pillows, a few hanging baskets of cascading ferns, and a porch swing. A veranda is the perfect place to relax with a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade on a hot summer afternoon!

Pergolas

Often confused with arbors, pergolas are a popular feature in Italian gardens. The term pergola is most commonly used for a structure consisting of parallel colonnades which support an open roof of girders, cross rafters, or lattice-work. Often times these girders and cross-rafters are used to train vines and flowering plants.

Pergolas can be constructed as an extension of an existing building, but are most commonly built as a standalone feature in a garden, yard, or poolside. They often feature an outdoor dining or lounge area, and are the perfect place to enjoy a cold glass of Pinot Grigio when the weather is warm. Who says you can’t live “La dolce vita” in central Virginia?!

Cabanas

The cabana (from the Spanish word for hut) is a structure with three lightweight “walls,” plus one that is left open. The walls do not need to be permanent; in fact, they can be curtains, drapes or shades employed to block sunlight. The cabana is a fantastic poolside addition, as it provides shelter from the sun, as well as a place to relax after an afternoon swim. It is also a convenient place to change in and out of a swimsuit. Simply draw the curtains for a bit of privacy!

Water and Fire Elements

Are you longing to add a pool or hot tub to your yard, but don’t want to spend the money to do so? We have some good news—there are several cost-efficient ways to incorporate a water feature into your outdoor space.

Perhaps the most inexpensive and enjoyable water feature is the bird bath. Early bird baths were merely simple depressions made in the ground. The first “modern” bird bath—as we know it—was formally introduced in the 1830’s by the UK garden company, Abraham Pullman and Sons. They were originally made of terracotta or molded concrete. Today, bird baths are constructed from various materials; glass, stone, metal, etc. For nature-lovers, there is nothing more pleasing than watching native birds frolicking in the water.

For many, the sound of falling water is both peaceful and relaxing—and there is no better place to relax than in the comfort of your own backyard. The introduction of a water element to your outdoor space need not include a landscape architect. Today, pre-constructed electric outdoor fountains—often with LED lights—can be bought online or in-store, and vary in price from $100 to over $500.

Finally, fire-pits have become a popular trend in outdoor décor over the past few years, and understandably so. A fire-pit instantly adds warmth and coziness on cool spring and summer nights. Friends and family can pull up a chair, roast marshmallows and talk until all hours of the evening. Naturally, fire-pits can also be enjoyed in the fall and winter months.

It’s almost time to celebrate the wonders of spring and summer in central Virginia, and there’s no better place to do it than in your own backyard. Enjoy!

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