RECIPES

Take Your Inside…. Out!

Content Provided by Integrity Outdoor Living

Around this time of year, we’re all ready to start climbing the walls with cabin fever! Winter weather, gloomy days and safety concerns have had us sheltering inside for what feels like forever. But if you’re worried that socializing and entertaining at home have become things of the past, think again!

Spring is almost here, and that has me thinking “outside” of the box! When I feel a little sunshine on my shoulder, I start dreaming about new outdoor spaces. Spaces where we can relax, where we can play… where we can safely socialize again. And trust me, as soon as you realize that an outdoor space can be an extension of yourself and an extension of your home, that’s where the fun begins!

You can do so much outside, everything from cooking and dining to playing sports and watching movies. And you can enhance that experience with furniture, fireplaces, big-screen TVs, wet bars, water features, and even outdoor kitchens. Spending time outdoors is fun and exciting in a real and usable living space. It can be a place where family memories are made, a place for friends to hang out, or maybe even a place where (dare I wish it?) there are no work distractions!

Here’s how to start taking your inside… out!

First, really think about the vibe inside your home. What do you love about it? What makes your friends and family feel comfortable there? Is it cozy? Or vibrant? Is it “lived-in”? Formal? Fun? Keep these concepts in mind as you move outside, because they… are YOU! And they’re what will make your outdoor space an extension of your home’s unique personality! You want to create a flow, inside to outside. Where your home’s signature charm spills out onto the patio and your personal style shines all the way through! If your friends settle in and say “oh, this is so ‘you’”…. You’ve done it right!

Next, think about how you use the inside of your house. What do your friends and family love to do there? Because that’s probably what they’re going to enjoy outside, too! Do they like to lounge around and visit while sipping a glass of wine? Then focus your outside attention on a big, comfy outdoor sofa (and I strongly recommend cushions that are stain resistant!). Or do they like to stay active and busy? Maybe skip the furniture and consider a sport court or (my new favorite idea) a putting green! Do your friends love to come around because you’re an awesome cook? Put some real thought into an outdoor kitchen! Seriously! Figure out what’s working for you inside…. And take it outside!

And finally, accept hiccups. And be ok with that. This dreamy outdoor space is supposed to be fun—or relaxing—or whatever vibe you’ve chosen! Don’t let it become a stressor. This year will inevitably be full of delays, shortages and who knows what else. But don’t let that stop you! Just assess what’s really important to you: where you can compromise and what’s worth waiting for.

I know I can’t be the only person who is ready to flip another page on the calendar and to get closer to those bright, sunny spring days! So I highly recommend that you stop by Owensboro’s local Integrity Outdoor Living where we are already gearing up for the upcoming “outside” seasons! Our showroom is full of outdoor furniture, rugs, firepits and all things outdoor! And there’s just as much still coming! This year probably will still be a wild ride! But to stay ahead of shortages and delays, we’ve majorly increased the amount of furniture, fountains and other items that we will carry in-stock. (Hello, on-your-patioby-tonight!). And our Plant Pros have spent months curating trees and shrubs from across the nation to secure enough stock for the season.

Next door at Integrity Backyard Builds, the Pool Pros are ready with more ideas than you can imagine! Our crews are booking out jobs all over the tristate area for pool installations, decorative concrete, artificial turf, pergolas, kitchens and so much more! By being an allinclusive company, our backyard projects are able to flow more seamlessly and with fewer logistic delays. OL

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