Northern Colorado Home Style Magazine Spring 2009

HSTYLE ome NORTHERN COLORADO

MAGAZINE

LitwithUp

SPtyle 6 age

2009 Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style is a quarterly magazine produced by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.

NORTHERN COLORADO

For advertising information, call 970-669-5050.

STYLE

For editorial information, e-mail editor Jade Cody at jcody@reporter-herald.com or call 970-635-3656.

Contact reporter Rhema Muncy rmuncy@reporter-herald.com or 970-635-3684.

MAGAZINE

inside this issue

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2009, Issue 2

5

DOMESTICODY’D

6

LIT UP

9

COUNTERTOPS OF STONE

12

ILLUMINATE YOUR LANDSCAPE

Follow along as a first-time homeowner stumbles his way through home projects

Get the latest on lighting styles

Natural stone countertops bring a rich, personalized look to homes

Highlight your outdoor focal points with solar lighting

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BLINDING STYLE Explore the newest trends in blinds

ALSO INSIDE: A guide to literature about backyard fun.............................................pg. 4 Upgrade your outdoor living area.......................................................pg. 17 Set the table for style.............................................................................pg. 20 Enjoy an outdoor firepit.........................................................................pg. 22

Northern Colorado Home Style

2009, Issue 2

On the cover: Home with lighting designed by Steve Hayworth of Lighting Designs & More.

Photo courtesy of Lighting Designs & More

Page 2

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2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

Home Style

adventures in domestication

The Quest for Discount Pizazz Time to spice up the front yard

By Jade Cody Special Sections Editor

M

y front yard is lame. There is grass, there are rocks — and that’s about it. There is a tree, albeit half dead, which anchors the lawn, and a couple bushes sit near the house.

Short of installing a drawbridge and an alligator-infested moat, I need some excitement in my front yard. Pizazz would be great too, but I Jade Cody don’t want to get my hopes up. From what I understand, pizazz is pretty much the most prestigious adjective to achieve in home style.

Ring around the daisies Since I have a tendency to make home projects more complicated than they need to be, I drove around my neighborhood to get a simple idea for my yard. There’s nothing wrong with stealing ideas, as long as you give some sort of props — such as a thumbs up symbol or, my personal favorite, an A-OK symbol, as you drive away.

I settled on a half-circle daisy bed made of paver stones, filled in with mulch and a couple flowers. I determined to achieve the entire project for less than $50, because money doesn’t just grow on daisies people.

Boy disclaimer I am not a flower person. Pretty much every flower I’ve cared for has shriveled and died. But in the spirit of my Grandma, who prides herself on beautiful blooms every spring and summer, I decided to go the petal route.

As I walked wide-eyed through the greenhouse, in search of the perfect combination of frilly little bloomers, I had an epiphany: I might as well be picking out eye shadow.

There are pink ones, little ones, sprawling ones and brittle ones. CuriNorthern Colorado Home Style

RH photo/Jade Cody The white and yellow flowers in my bed were called Marguerite daisies (Argyranthemums). The pink ones were called Crested Merlot Argyranthemums. osities cruised through my boy brain.

How many should I squeeze in there?

Is there a certain color combination I should shoot for? Why exactly do people grow these? Should I scratch my rear and pretend I’m lost and can’t find the evergreen section?

Stage one: Make a Plan So with the project in mind, I measured a half-circle between some existing lilac bushes in front of my house. For the paving stones, I set out to find some discount cheapies, but I spotted some I liked a bit better, and spent my entire budget getting them.

Super.

I also needed a bag of heavy mulch.

It needs to be heavy material because I live in Johnstown, where the wind only stops blowing to change directions and blow harder in the opposite direction.

That’s also why I have a St. Bernard — so there’s something to hold my yard down.

The price of pizazz So here is the tally for all of my expenses: Pavers: $50 Flowers: $36 Mulch: $4 Compost: $4 Grand total: $94.

Stage two: Execution Now for the part where I usually fall 2009, Issue 2

short — actually doing the job. I wasn’t sure about how to correctly build the flower garden, so I winged it. That’s what guys do.

What I did know, though, is that I didn’t want to spend a lot of time planning and researching, either on the installation or the plant selection.

That just takes all the suspense out of it.

I did level the stones while installing, and I gave the flowers a nice growing environment with the compost and the mulch.

The entire process took about four hours, from the time I stepped into the greenhouse to the time I snapped photos of the final project. The best part, though, is that I can proudly say that the whole thing was accomplished without the help of any grandmas, moms or other female types. For what it’s worth, this is a 100 percent male produced flower garden.

OK I lied on that last part. Truth is, when I was picking out flowers I spotted a grandma type shopping, and I asked her for a little help choosing my blooms. She guided me toward a multi-colored selection instead of the all-white theme I had in my cart.

Thanks grandma-type lady. Two A-OK symbols just shot your way. HStyle Jade Cody can be reached at jcody@reporter-herald.com.

Page 5

Local lighting

Design

Fine elegance, natural enhancements and modern light fixtures can be eco-friendly and affordable Rhema Muncy Special Sections Reporter

W

aves of layered glass swayed from chords attached to the ceiling, scattering levels of light across the floor. The popular sales of this light fixture at the Light Center in Fort Collins, speaks to current Northern Colorado style.

“We are known in the northern Colorado area as more traditional people, but I am seeing modern choices more and more,” The Light Center designer Kacey Parker said. “I do see the trend going the way of cleaner lines, not so Victorian or French Country. People want to do something a little different.”

Different could be chandeliers in the bathroom, a trend to make a living space from a utility room. A blending of uses for a room can be anchored with different layers of lighting, according to lighting consultant Steven Hayworth of Lighting Designs & More.

“By using different layers of lighting, you can really transform the look of a room,” Hayworth said. “When people are trying to come up with a lighting solution, we interview them in terms of how the space will be used. Then we can use different kinds of light in the same room.”

Hayworth explained the power of layered lighting in the living room.

“In a standard dining room, you just Page 6

Photos special to the RH Above, chandelier lighting by Steven Hayworth of Lighting Designs and More.

2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

have a central lighting system. If I get it really bright so that you have a bright dining table, the chandelier is almost too bright to enjoy. But when I add light for the table from above, I can actually dim the lights a little bit and put task lighting on the table for an overall better effect. Then I can add wall lighting to a room with sconces — now the room seems a little wider and brighter. You can really transform a space by just the types of lighting you use.”

Another popular trend in lighting design brings the outdoors to the living room. Natural vogue has reached a zenith with current products blending outdoor with modern like the sand or grass infused sconces by Forecast or renewable resource fair trade lamp shades by Eangee.

“The organic look is popular here, like things that resemble stone, hand blown glass, bronze finish, iron with aspen leaves and things with a more

natural look,” Hayworth said.

The Tuscany look is still popular in Colorado, as well as the use of bronze.

“It seems to work really well with the Colorado rustic contemporary feel,” Hayworth said. “Part of the advantage of that is it is easy to blend. You can use bronze in different rooms.”

Parker still sells a lot of Colorado lodge-styled pieces as well as the contemporary style of art glass. Their store also offers customized mix and match shades with lamp bases.

One of Hayworth’s best sellers is track lighting to update the kitchen.

“They can take that old florescent out and replace it with a rail system with pendants and track heads to give the affect like recessed cans except it does not require re-wiring,” he said. “That gives it a contemporary look.”

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2009, Issue 2

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“As demands for energy and prices increase, people aren’t just going to want to make their homes bigger and bigger,” Hayworth said. “They are going to increase the technology so that they are comfortable living there, looking for easy living.”

Saving money on lighting can be done by still using halogen lights at half strength for mood lighting. Parker also works with many of the improved florescent products out now.

The Light Center works closely with area cities to develop light energy saving plans for businesses.

She said the Platte River Power Authority is getting ready to start an incentive program to help people get energy efficient materials into their homes. Watch their Web site in the next couple of months to see when the program launches and who qualifies.

Dark sky ordinances are another energy and money saving lighting trend. Cities like Estes Park and Boulder encourage residents to install outdoor lighting that focuses light on the bottom, not the sides, according to Hayworth.

Small collective dark sky changes could give even city people access to starlight.

Outdoor lighting Many people don’t even consider their outdoors as a living space. Erika Sattler, the co-owner of Luminary Designs, works with water and light to create aesthetically pleasing

Page 8

and functional lighting systems.

“People buy a home and there is already a fixture outside on their patio that doesn’t really do anything,” she said.

She consults with people whose desires range from creating an environment for a gazebo to better yard access for the disabled to just wanting to see the steak on the grill at night.

“Lighting principles in general apply both inside and outside your home,” Sattler said.

“There are four main types of lighting - environment or architectural, traverse that goes from point A to point B, converse lighting for sitting across the table and task lighting.”

In Northern Colorado, people tend to install architectural enhancement lighting, she said.

“People have gorgeous homes in northern Colorado with really beautiful natural products such as cedar beams and river stones,” Sattler said.

“That type of architecture leads to lighting that can create drama at entry ways. Because a lot of our landscapes are new landscapes with out mature trees, we get to be really creative with up lights and architecture that is dramatic without exposing the source of the light.”

They also work with water and lighting pieces.

Evenly spread outdoor lighting is also safer than motion sensor lighting and can create elements of privacy, as eyes travel to the brightest light, Sattler said. HStyle

Photos special to the RH Above, outdoor lighting designs by Luminary Designs.

2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

Photo courtesy of Estes Park Realty

Jade Counter-

Stone

Notions

Bring stunning stone countertops into your home Northern Colorado Home Style

2009, Issue 2

Page 9

Increase home appeal by adding stone countertops

By Jade Cody Special Sections Editor

W

hen choosing countertop materials, there are countless ways to go. Economical laminates are available in hundreds of styles. Many prefer the look and feel of wood. Some go with synthetic material such as concrete, tile or solid surface. And some, like Don Darling of Estes Park, fall in love with the look of natural stone.

Popular stone materials, such as granite, limestone and marble, add personality and richness to any home’s decor. Besides adding to a home’s value, stone countertops bring durability without compromising aesthetics.

Steve Hood, owner of Paragon Granite & Marble in Longmont, reveres the natural beauty of stone.

“It’s not just a commodity,” he said. “It’s artwork. It’s something people pick out because they love it.”

Hood said granite countertops can run anywhere from $60-to-$150 per square foot installed, depending on the variety and availability of the stone. An average kitchen has about 50-70 square feet of counter space.

“It doesn’t have to be expensive,” Hood said.

Stone countertops have a lot of the same custom capabilities as other materials, with options such as hand chiseled edges.

Paragon Granite supplied and installed a variety of stone in Darling’s Estes Park home. In the kitchen, countertops were made of engineered stone consisting of 93 percent quartz crystals. The countertops have a deep red and black look with hand chiseled edges.

One major difference between engineered stone and natural stone is consistency. For homeowners looking for a more uniform look, but retaining the beauty and durability of stone, engineered stone is a good choice. For those Page 10

Photos courtesy Estes Park Realty Countertops and stone from Don Darling’s house in Estes Park.

2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

who enjoy the distinctness and originality of natural stone, granite is a better fit.

Darling’s kitchen countertop is “basically ground quartz, but you get some of the depth you get with granite,” Hood said.

“It’s impermeable and doesn’t stain.”

“Our kitchen’s phenomenal,” Darling said. Darling worked with his architect to coordinate the color scheme and choose materials.

Granite countertops were installed in Darling’s bathrooms and also a bar area.

Elias Montoya, owner of Rock Solid Marble & Granite in Loveland, said people choose stone because of its durability and the value it adds to a home. He did recommend having it sealed once a year, however.

Most any kitchen can have stone countertops, he said. Custom shops are able to cut the stone to fit just about anywhere.

Montoya said he is seeing a trend in the area for homeowners wanting to remodel their existing homes as opposed to buying elsewhere — remodels that often include stone countertops.

Hood said he’s currently doing more exotic stones for upper-end clientele.

“I’m in this business because I love the beauty of stone,” Hood said. “I’m a stone guy from way back,” Hood said. “I just love stone. I’m weird that way I guess.” HStyle

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Northern Colorado Home Style

2009, Issue 2

Page 11

Walking on Sunshine

Solar lighting illuminates outdoor spaces

By Patricia Rivera CTW Features

S

olar-powered landscape lighting was once viewed as an energy drain.

They required a lot of work - and sometimes money, depending on the option - and offered little return. But now as society’s global consciousness continues to grow, and consumer’s pocketbooks shrink, more manufacturers are developing solar-lighting options that yield greater results.

“Solar-powered lighting has really come into itself in the past year,” says Geoffrey MacMurdo, owner of Sun Solar Products of Medford, N.Y., who has been in the solar lighting and energy business since 1976.

He says that lighting has gone full circle from the “light, cheap things that you could buy all over the place in the 1980s” to the expensive panels that few could afford. Today’s consumers are benefiting from the availability of function and form.

Technology has evolved to the point that solar lighting is an option for all

landscaping needs, from illuminating walking paths to lighting the pool to placing a motion detector over the garage. Solar lights are also available as lamps for patio tables and bases for uplighting.

Without a doubt, energy that runs on the sun’s rays is better used. Though some critics argue that it’s still limited in some regards, Jason Jayne, a landscape consultant with Tumber & Associates in Ontario, says his company believes in delivering drama and emotional appeal to projects.

“We have not seen a [solar light] product that accomplishes the value of installing it in the design,” he says.

He says that the current offerings still don’t meet some aesthetic goals. They also pose a safety risk if they’re not fully recharged at night when you need light around a walkway. In areas that receive little sun, they’re simply not a good option.

“You can’t cut corners by using something like that,” he said.

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Page 12

2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

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r • Mary

Shar Jein ne n A on

er ke rriis Beck every night. Also think about how much der • Chris de elld hel ch ren attc an Ba an lte • Kare lt ol o B a i ylvviia m • Syl am h light you would like to see. gh g n in i B y rey ry f ff a e G J Je e• ay • d Bra nard errna Here comes the golden rule when it ryerr • Be Fry s r e-F er e d ld one i hi h ks kstto C e ellle nie Tani own • Ta row comes to solar lighting: “In order to use oug Bro go • J ks • Dou ks n Creg o on D • d r o or f w a na Cra Tina m ine • Ti solar lights you have to place them in dillll • Jiim e ze z l lz el e fer Clin fe D n n nn a•A anta -Anan ee e D k r e e er Le K • • y l i il rect sunlight areas so they can recharge n Da lman Ellm ron El haro ey • Sha ney ssn i is D i r r a ar or L M • i • ni n i in y during the sunlight hours,” Mears added. b com aco ry Gia on • Mary ulto allyy Ful n•L o on an • Sal mililtto man Ham Sandra Williams, a green energy cons ss s us u R • n nn a an m am a H k c ck u h hu n errs e•C ne en attttty Hend sultant known as The Queen of Green en • Pa lde elld He a r ra a b ba r ar B an ea • w n • Je skew en Jansse and who lives in DeLand, Fla., says she’s sk ah Ja bora • Debo s l l ll i H ell e .

K M • y ry r k r rk a ar i M na K na en e • De used all sorts of solar lights for various gle ag ea gy Ke gg n i ai a L e le l o rey • Peg r ro fffre a C ki • eck wiie kow ak projects. For instance, tiny lights with a dra Kra andr n o D c er • San M i er l a aw awit ra r e Je per • epe ee Le nL in r single LED work well to illuminate a flowEr E • s i d di r n or o a an oo o L M ry ary Mar er • Ann nge nin Billll Mon erbed or part of a walkway.

• k m o e em M tte tt O e l n e el e en Ir Ire Ir ha icha n • Mic ien rrie Bri ull O’B au “They’re simple to use. Just take them m rey • Pau i Ti T • e More e siie ce c usi rc r ea yn Pea olyn rol aro err • Car lme out of the box, stick them where you da Palm da nd lz • Cha Lin Li ati Pelz at P • a n na i c ci e ec P y h th o ro o D • n o hope they’ll get some sun, and there you s ggy Q arrso ea on • Peg o lsson th Pou eith ei K • n an m rm r e r te go,” she says. A bigger fixture, such as de • Co Pe eede dyy Ree ud Trru msayy • T a am R e nel n hn e r re a ar K J a multiple LED bulbs, is strong enough ng • R Sch liling hilillin d Sch hard cha • Ric a r r ra er e pr p f ef S a y h ha d c ud S J • to light up a sign, or a shed. These can th is Smith onis on D • r er e z l lz e n ne u h S ch ie n ie sa S Lisa Li in • Ann hlin ahl be ideal for outdoor locations that need k Stta • Rick hlinValley ahl r b e Stta niie horn ho Thompson ArtMLeague nn n T o t B e et r a ar g rg ar a lots of light, but do not have a source of ky • ask nas ie Terrna err nie ne l ln a W i r • Conn ar ade • H electricity nearby. na Wad iana y • Dia kuyl e erku n ne i ai a l ri Ver ri E El a • M s r er ch eiich 429 N.hrm Lincoln Ave. n We on “Think shed, backyard, barn or dock. n • Diio an eh a W n Lo Loveland These are also handy because you can 970.663.2407 either install them (panel and light.) Or www.lincolngallery.com just use them as a movable, super-bright Hours: Mon-Fri 11-5 • Sat 11-4 light,” she adds.

Open until 9pm on the second Friday of each month Some larger fixtures are also portable.

Charge with the panel during the day, and you have a big powerful light ready to go at night — wherever you want it.

Vincent D’Onofrio, owner of Gutter Lights Inc. in Selbyville, Del., came up with his what’s for summer product out of sheer frustration.

One night he arrived at his rural home Come into Merle Norman to see what’s new and receive and tripped over a light fixture that had a complimentary Makeup not been turned on. He came up with the Lesson today! idea for a solar light that attached to gutters, fences and signs. Because they’re small, his Gutter Lights can also be taken on a camping trip or used as flashlights.

D’Onofrio asks,”How can we not take advantage of the sun’s ray to light up at nighttime?” HStyle

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Regardless, many consumers have determined that solar-powered lighting is worth trying. Now that LED bulbs are more efficient, it takes less energy to power them.

Lights also stay on for longer.

Green advocates such as Charlie Szoradi, founder of GREENandSAVE.com, says that the savings over time wins over a lot of people. He has estimated that you can save 50 cents a day with a set of eight solar lights. Over the year, that adds up to around $170 of savings. That’s just for a set of eight lights.

Szorardi adds that he uses premium level fixtures worth at least $40 since the less expensive ones do not give off as high quality light. The calculation also factors in additional wire, additional batteries after five years, and a consideration to replace two of them if damaged by pets or branches. Most exterior solar lights have a solar photovoltaic panel, a battery system, a controller and the light itself.

“The greatest benefits of solar lights is you do not need to run wire to each light, you are utilizing renewable energy and requires little set-up time,” says landscape architect Troy Mears with the consulting firm SR Design, LLC in Beaverton, Ore. Mears says that if you’re turning to solar for the first time, you should think about what you hope to accomplish.

Then decide how long you would like the lights to illuminate. Some solar lights do not have large enough rechargeable batteries to provide for long periods of time

Page 13

Blinds unraveled Rhema Muncy Special Sections Reporter

T

he modern window decorator is faced with a wide variety of challenges. Many homes feature vaulted ceilings and odd window shapes and sizes. On top of construction issues, many Colorado home owners possess an insatiable need to guard their precious view of the mountains. Local shops are well equipped to take on all of these issues and create custom coverings for window needs. Two experienced Loveland window designers firmly stand by the power of drapes and blinds to transform a room without sacrificing fashion for efficiency.

Drape designer Kim Gagnon of the family-owned business Brothers’ Drapery has watched blind trends evolve over the years.

Fine elegance, natural enhancements and modern light fixtures can be eco-friendly and affordable “Forty years ago, blinds didn’t even exist because houses did ceiling to floor, wall to wall, sheers, drapes and valances,” Gagnon said.

Blinds originally were only for commercial use. Now, they are common in homes and Gagnon often works with their wide abilities. Then adding fabric to the blinds can have surprising effects.

“Everything is getting so big, so warming up a room is difficult,” Gagnon said.

“That’s where fabric comes in. It always absorbs sound and helps keep out cold.

Fabric always feels like you have taken the time to make a home.”

According to Judy Magara, owner and interior designer of Colorado Discount Blinds, draperies have the power to change a room.

“So many people can’t believe what it adds,” Magara said. “If people have tall ceilings and hard wood floors and nothing soft in the room, art on the wall doesn’t do it.”

Drapes often add a much needed color lift, bringing the room to life.

“The earthy jewel tones are always popular in Colorado,” Magara said.

“The golds, reds and greens never go away. Browns and blues are very popular today, especially in bedrooms. People find that to be very soothing.”

To some rooms, Magara adds a bold splash of dark, but most of the time she sticks with neutrals and a coordinating fabric to bring out color.

“A lot of times clients will want something versatile enough that they can just

Photos special to the RH Above and left, blinds designed by Judy Magara of Colorado Discount Blinds in different Loveland houses.

Page 14

2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

RH Photos/ Rhema Muncy Above left, bathroom window blinds designed by Judy Magara of Colorado Discount Blinds. Above right, multiple window coverings for an odd-shaped window wall in the home of Kim Gagnon. Right, drapery design by Kim Gagnon of Brothers’ Drapery.

change the fabric on top. We try to be conservative. People don’t want to be too extravagant. We try to make it a long term investment.”

Gagnon finds her clients wanting jewel tones and a large amount of green.

“Green became popular in the 90s and it has really held its place, but it has changed tones,” Gagnon said.

“We went from sea foam green to a true jewel tone green to yellow and Northern Colorado Home Style

sage tones.”

Moving beyond aesthetics, blinds and draperies can offer solid money and energy saving advantages.

“Putting energy efficient coverings in your home can make a huge difference,” Magara said.

There are several energy saving products eligible for tax credits that can boost R-Values in the home, Magara said. According to www.Energystar. gov, an R-Value is a measure of the 2009, Issue 2

insulation ability of a product to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

“A double paned window with nothing on it is only a 1.0 [R-Value] rating,” Magara said. “When you start adding honey combs and other shades, you can get up to a 7.2 [R-Value], which is huge. A wall has a 20 [R-Value].”

Many blinds can stop the heat through their design. For example, a honey comb texture blocks more UV rays because of the dead air space that locks in the heat or cold by creating a barrier, she said.

Sorting though all of the products available can be a daunting task.

Gagnon starts consultations by reviewing problems.

“Then we deal with aesthetics and try to find the product that is workable and has the right look,” she said.

With prices hikes and outrageous shipping costs to deal with from traditional fabric companies, Gagnon gives Page 15

clients the option to shop at area fabric stores to save money.

Brother’s Drapery works with the two schools of thought — efficiency and people who want to keep their views.

“The sturdiest type of blind will be a faux wood. You don’t have to treat them like wood - they look like wood, but you can take them down and hose them off,” Gagnon said. “Cellular shades will take a lot of abuse.”

Magara also starts her clients with a consultation to determine what is needed.

“We talk about what the room is used for and what the family lifestyle is like to determine what is the best product, and also what price range they want to be in,” she said. “Then I bring in samples and we look at colors.

Probably 90 percent of people pick neutrals - it is really good to know what they are trying to accomplish with the coverings.”

There are several cool products available that might not offer a lot of privacy.

“People really like the new solar shades. They are like a screen where you can see out but during the night you can’t see out and people can see in.”

Magara also works with shutters, an add-on she sees as adding furniture to the windows and value to the home.

“They are good for people who like to open their windows and don’t want to deal with blinds banging around,” she said. “When you go to sell your house, people realize you’ve made an investment in the windows.”

Because people are choosing to stay in their current homes, Magara has seen an increase in current home owner business as opposed to new home design.

“Because people are staying where they are, they are looking at things differently and are open for ideas on what they can do with their homes,” Magara said. “They are willing to make the investment because even if they sell in a couple of years it will pay off.” HStyle

“Because people are staying where they are, they are looking at things differently and are open for ideas on what they can do with their homes.”

RH Photos/ Rhema Muncy Top, drapes designed by Kim Gagnon of Brothers’ Drapery. Above, blinds designed by Judy Magara of Colorado Discount Blinds. Left, detail design by Gagnon of Brothers’ Drapery. Adding colorful fabrics to neutral sheer curtains is an affordable way to add class to a room.

– Judy Magara, designer for and owner of Colorado Discount Blinds Page 16

2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

Outdoor Update From outdoor TVs to tables for a dozen, here’s how cool your backyard can be Jessica Abels CTW Features

E

ach year when spring and summer arrive, they bring with them the excitement of days spent outdoors, relaxing in the back yard with a great book, watching the kids as they paddle around the pool, or chatting with family and friends over a sun-soaked afternoon meal. But if your outdoor space is still stuck in that sad stage of shabby plastic chairs around a wobbly table, it may be time to consider a backyard upgrade.

“In days past, the outdoors was always about dining - people just wanted a table and four or six chairs,” says Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing for Ft. Lauderdale-based Pride Family Brands.

“But now it’s become more and more about casual relaxation, with more seating pieces and comfort pieces,” he explains. “So don’t always look at your backyard for dining, look at it more as an extension of your family room - that you’re going to sit out and relax and have a cup of coffee or a drink.”

Bring the inside out Rehmert says the line between indoor and outdoor pieces is becoming increasingly blurred, maybe even nonexistent.

“Use outdoor furniture to continue the indoor home,” he says. “You take indoor styling and you simulate it in the outdoor medium. We even say that our furniture is beautiful enough to live indoors, because a lot of it does look really indoor, but it’s Northern Colorado Home Style

2009, Issue 2

Page 17

perfectly fine for outside use.”

Turn on the game According to Mike Voyles, owner of Galesburg, Ill.-based Home Infatuation, even the entertainment center is heading outside.

“A lot of people say, ‘Oh no, not a TV on the patio,’ but we say, ‘yes,’ and we sell a lot of outdoor televisions,” Boyle says.

“They’re completely weatherproof, and it’s a great way for people to go outside to watch their sports.

Instead of yelling at the TV in the house they can yell outside.”

Turn on the game Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist for Pier 1 Imports, says bright and happy colors are best for your outdoor space.

“That applies to outdoor furniture as well as accessories,” she says. “We have bright color showing up in cushions, wickers, even pieces for outdoor entertaining. We have yellows and bright greens and blues, just a lot of vibrant pops of color.” She adds that you shouldn’t be afraid to get creative.

“Have fun with different florals and striped patterns. There are no rules, it’s what you like and what appeals to you, and the ability to mix and match and make it your own style.”

Pull up the arm chair “There’s kind of a big movement for consumers to be able to seat more,” Rehmert says.

“We’ve got tables that seat up to 12, because again, it’s no different than the interior. You may have eight to 10 people at the Thanksgiving table for a meal, the same can be said for outside.

The days of just you and your family sitting down for a Saturday evening

“Have fun with different florals and striped patterns.There are no rules.”

– Aimee Beatty, Pier 1 Imports in-house stylist Page 18

CTW Photos Above, this Pier 1 Imports chair mixes the comfort of the family room with the colors of summer for perfect backyard furnishings. Left, a Smith & Hawken pull up chair for turning a casual dinner party into a Thanksgiving-sized gathering outdoors. Creating livable outdoor spaces is one of the newest trends in home design. meal are pretty much over. It seems like no matter what’s going on, you end up with two or four or six more people than normal.”

Flip the switch According to Voyles, there are far more lighting options available than those weather-worn tiki torches.

“There’s a lot more upscale lighting,” he says. “There are table lamps or floor lamps and they get quite elaborate in the shades and the materials used. They’re just like anything you would have inside your home, it’s just that they’re made to be used outside your home.”

Rediscover rugs Voyles says the same rule applies for outdoor flooring. “Simple things like area rugs, there’s a lot more selection 2009, Issue 2

with patterns, colors, styles and designs - just about everything you would want, but with a lot more interesting designs than just plain colors like it used to be for years.”

Store your stuff “People are living more outside and they want places to put stuff, it’s no different than inside your home,” Rehmert said. “We’ve got storage trunks for cushions like large coffee table storage trunks and end table storage trunks, we make a trash receptacle or hamper storage trunk, and a large buffet server that has storage. You don’t want pool toys lying all over the place.”

Quality livable spaces Voyles said as home owners look to create more livable outdoor spaces, they are willing to put more capital behind those Northern Colorado Home Style

renovations.

“People want to make a nice outdoor room, and they’re investing so much in the infrastructure with the patio and the pool and maybe an outdoor kitchen to go along with it, that if you spend a little more money on the upscale outdoor furniture, they’re almost like lifetime pieces because the quality is so good. Certainly after a few seasons you’ll have to re-upholster the cushions, but they’re all made with the intention that you can re-upholster them, so you can change fabrics whenever you want.

“It’s more time for family and friends, and you can have a lot of different events throughout the summer by entertaining in your outdoor room. Instead of taking a big trip, you can have a lot of different mini events where you invite family and friends over throughout the summer. It’s a nice way to have fun and not have to travel and try to pack everything into one or two weeks.”HStyle

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2009, Issue 2

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1. Line your walkways.

2. Brighten your swim area.

3. Light up patio tables or outdoor seating.

4. Accent a flowerbed with tiny lights.

5. Use hefty solar lights to light up a shed, barn or larger area.

6. Highlight address numbers, doorbells or signs.

7. Call attention to gutters or fences with a fine line of small solar lights.

Page 19

Charming Jessica Abels CTW

meal time

T

here’s something about eating outdoors that magically seems to make the food taste better.

Maybe it’s the sunshine, the stars or just the company, but it’s an experience you can make even better by increasing your tabletop’s style. From dishes and place mats to centerpieces, there’s always an easy way to step things up.

Catch the waves Think bright colors, nature-inspired patterns, vintage style and green design. Mick Santiago, owner of ChicagoPage 20

CTW Photos Above, a cozy outdoor dining room from Pier 1.

From eco-casual to inexpensive elegance, dining outside never looked so hot

based Mick Santiago Design Limited, is a fan of the recycled glass dishes from Riverside Design Group. The company’s wares come in bright blues and greens and frosted glass to please your eyes and your social conscience.

Read on for more design ideas to take your tabletop from brunch to a nightcap.

Brighter Breakfasts Look for dinnerware and linens in today’s trendy colors: aquas, greens, oranges, and blue and white.

“They’re all feel-good colors,” said 2009, Issue 2

Kathy Peterson, a Palm Beach County, Florida-based design expert. And they’ll likely put smiles on your guests’ faces.

“Think lifts and layers,” Peterson says. “It’s adding eye candy. It’s going to be much more appealing and inviting.” Break out a cake stand to display the bagels or use a multi-tiered dessert stand to hold fresh fruit. A runner over your table cloth adds even more visual interest.

Right now, Aimee Beatty, stylist for Pier 1 Imports, is seeing a lot of floral patterns, butterfly motifs, stripes Northern Colorado Home Style

and patchwork. Try incorporating these trends with fun, colorful place mats, such as the store’s pink or green butterfly-shaped ones, to make your white dishes pop.

Laid-Back lunches For a greener alternative to plastic, serve up a few sandwiches on Gibson’s Earthkind dinnerware. It looks and feels like plastic, but it’s actually made from bamboo. Choose from bright colors and nature-inspired patterns.

“I would say the biggest thing right now is mixing and matching,” Beatty says. Try combining patterned dishes with solid ones or even putting a different colored glass at each place setting. You might add a garden touch by layering colorful, flower-shaped dishes over regular plates.

Vintage is popular, Beatty says, and it can give your table that great foundobject look. Choose accessories from your own house, or buy vintage or vintage-inspired pieces. Pier 1 has vintage trays, for instance, that you could line up down the middle of a table to act as a table runner.

Designer Dinners It is entirely possible to save money

and be savvy. Dress things up by laying a small mirror or two in the middle of your table.

“You can put anything you want on top of it,” Peterson said. “Just think of it as a tray.”

One of her favorite ideas: Place candles on top for a reflective glow.

Take inspiration from mother nature.

“Whenever I do something outdoors, I always like to work from the natural, earthy palette,” Santiago said. He often chooses more vibrant versions of Earth tones: citrus and lime greens, gold, orange and persimmon. This creates an instant connection to the garden.

Get creative with dinner accessories

CTW Photos Dinnerware made by Gibson from bamboo and nature-inspired designs have your outdoor tabletop covered this summer.

Santiago recommends looking around the yard for something you can clip and put in a vase - anything from a few cherry blossom branches to blooming flowers. Or fill inexpensive votive candle holders with water, float single flower heads for each setting. HStyle

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Northern Colorado Home Style

2009, Issue 2

Page 21

Fire Starter Rekindle your love for toasty evenings spent in front of a fire

By Genevieve Knapp CTW Features

S

ince man discovered it, fire has been a vital source of warmth and comfort. So if the best it does in your backyard is scorch hot dogs on the grill, it might be time to return to the romance of flame.

“Fire has always been something we gathered around as a community,” says Michael Zimber, the president of the functional sculpture company Stone Forest. “It is a real focal point for gathering, and [watching fire] is something like watching waves — it has

an almost trance-like or calming effect on people.” If you can’t quite reach nirvana, you can at least fulfill a longing to brown some marshmallows with a backyard fire vessel.

1. Plan ahead “The best thing is when you are remodeling your patio or outdoor environment is to plan the whole thing from the get-go,” Zimber says. That way you won’t run into problems with septic or other underground systems if you decide to run a gas line. And before you strike any matches, be sure to check fire department and neighborhood codes.

2. Know your options The Santa Fe, N.M.-based Stone Forest creates architectural sculptures, and their fire vessels are sculpted by hand from a single block of granite. Stainless steel, cast iron or copper bowls are available at local retailers of all sizes. You can choose between a gas and wood-burning vessels.

3. Take control If you want something quick, easy and permanent, you can take the do-it-yourself approach. Head over to a hardware store to get landscaping blocks and a steel ring.

“I had seen different types of fire pits at the store, but I didn’t really like them.

I wanted something that was more permanent in the landscape,” says 46-year-old Debbie Graney. She figured building her own would be “easy enough” and decided to do it with the same type of stones she’d used earlier to build a retaining wall. Graney and her boyfriend took photos of their con-

CTW Photos

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2009, Issue 2

Northern Colorado Home Style

struction project and eventually made a slide show over 50,000 people have watched on YouTube.com.

4. Keep it simple Graney’s project, which doesn’t use mortar or expensive bricks, might be the simplest fire pit how-to. She simply dug the trench, placed the brick circle, filled the inside with pea stone and put some flat stones on top.

She couldn’t be more pleased with the result.

“It adds a character and

warmth, and it is just attractive,” Graney says. “It’s something people like to look at ... when you are having a party people love to gather around a fire pit.”

trees. Scott Cohen, of the Yucaipa, Calif.-based Concrete Network, suggests building at the edge of your property if you have a gorgeous lot for people to see.

5. Think safety first

6. Consider the inside view

Graney says she didn’t want to build the pit too close to her house or too close to the flower garden, so she chose a spot away from these high traffic areas. And since most of her yard is wooded, she was sure to build where sparks couldn’t blow into the

Think about how things will look from indoors; it is possible to enjoy the fire from a living room window. Zimber says a fire pit can really go anywhere, as long as it is integrated with its surroundings. HStyle