If you’re like me, the first thing that you think, when hearing the term ‘gabion baskets’ for the time is: what on earth is a gabion basket?
Actually, gabions are a versatile design option, which you’ll have seen many times, without realizing they had a name. With an impressive range of uses, both indoors and outdoors, they’re well worth incorporating into any contemporary decorating scheme.
A steel cage, or basket, is assembled in the shape you require, and packed with natural rocks, round stones or pebbles. With an intriguing blend of a closely defined structure, and the random, organic feel of the natural materials held within, they’ll add a wow factor to your interior however you choose to use them.
Below are a few ideas which show how versatile gabions can be.
Accent walls and room dividers
One of the great things about gabions is that they’re so easy to install. As they don’t require foundations, you can choose to locate them wherever you want. Either against an existing wall to add depth and interest, or to divide up your space into more discrete areas. Choose the height of your gabion as you want: it can either be full length, to provide privacy for example, for an office area, or you could create a low wall topped with shelves. This way you create a clear boundary between the two spaces, without blocking light or isolating those on either side.
Kitchens
If you’re thinking about replacing your kitchen island, a gabion base, perhaps incorporating some useful storage, brings a touch of nature into the kitchen to create a stunning and original centre piece. To complete a rustic look, top with a huge slab of antique wood. For something more glamorous, go for marble or granite, polished or unpolished.
Fireplaces
There’s something so primal about flames surrounded by stones. Whether built-in or free-standing, gabion cages give a contemporary look that’s almost minimalist, to your fireplace. Select the size and color of your stones to tone with your décor and bring a touch of the outdoors inside.
Dining area
Filled with attractive natural stones gabions create the ideal base for a unique dining table. Again, choose the size and shape which fits best with the dimensions of your dining area. In a large space, perhaps when you choose a square or rectangular base, large, stones can create interest and drama. However, for circular or pedestal designs, and in less spacious areas, smaller and more regular shapes, such as large pebbles, create a more balanced look.
The most important finishing touch for your unique table is, of course, the top you choose. Whether you place a handsome block of natural wood, marble or polished natural stone, on the top of the gabion baskets, and you’ll have created a stunning and totally individual piece to express your personal taste and design flair.
These are just a few ideas to spark your creativity. To learn more, look for informative sites such as Gabion Reviews, where you’ll find a wealth of information and lots of inspirational designs.
An idyllic garden wouldn’t be complete without a stunning gazebo. This outdoor structure can transform your simple courtyard into a breathtaking retreat and creates a climate of restful elegance to your backyard, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your residential space.
Aside from that, a gazebo is multi-functional. From family barbecues to wedding ceremonies to simple celebratory dinners, it can serve as a convenient venue for different outdoor activities.
If you’re planning to refurbish your backyard with a striking gazebo, here are things you should take into consideration:
Decide on a Design Structure
Of course, the first step of building a gazebo is planning. You have to determine the type of outdoor structure you want to install in your courtyard. Select a structural design that is aligned with your style and tailored to your needs. There are four main types of gazebos you can choose from.
If you want a simple yet sleek gazebo, a rotunda is perfect for you. This European-inspired gazebo is a round-shaped structure with circular pillars and a dome-like roof. However, this type of gazebo is more of a decorative piece than a functional design, as it is often without benches and balusters.
Pagoda, on the other hand, is a suitable architectural design for homes with a lush garden of blooms. Pagoda is more rustic and traditional in design, which blends well with an oriental-themed backyard. This Asian-inspired structure is primarily made out of wood. It boasts intricate woodwork designs, rectangular pillars, and a multi-tiered roof. This outdoor structure has railings, benches, and balusters custom-made for leisure activities.
A pavilion is another type of outdoor structure. It is an open-air gazebo, which is an ideal location for large gatherings. A pavilion is supported by four or more columns and topped with a massive roof structure. It provides a more spacious area where homeowners can integrate multiple furniture pieces into its interior.
But if you want a more elegant outdoor structure for your courtyard, a pergola is a suitable choice. A pergola is an open-sided gazebo composed of four pillars and a flat roof structure made out of wood, fiberglass, plastic, or metal. If you want a gazebo that offers a relaxing sitting area or an alfresco dining experience, opt for a pergola-style structure.
Choose a Picturesque Location
You should mount your outdoor structure in an area that offers a terrific backdrop. You can place your gazebo against a striking background of pink carnations or crawling bamboos in your backyard. You have to strategically choose an area that will enhance the look of your outdoor structure.
You also have to consider the space of your backyard when deciding on the size of your gazebo. Your outdoor area should comfortably accommodate your desired structural size. The standard size of a gazebo is 3×3 meters or 4×2 meters, which can fit at least 12 people. You can adjust its size depending on your available space. So you might want
to consider having a few of your trees professionally trimmed or removed to make room for your gazebo. That is necessary, especially if you have limited space in your backyard.
Pick Out the Best Materials
In building your gazebo, there are different types of materials you can choose from. Canvas is perfect for homeowners who want an easy-to-assemble gazebo. This material is made out of plastic and metal frames that come in different colors and patterns. This material is famous for its versatility and durability as it can withstand extended exposure to harsh elements. Aside from its sturdiness, the canvas is also extremely budget-friendly.
Another DIY-friendly material for gazebos is vinyl. Homeowners won’t have a hard time building their outdoor structures when using vinyl because it comes in convenient assemble kits. This material is also low-maintenance. Unlike wood, you don’t have to coat it with paint or varnish to achieve a smooth finish. If you don’t want to have a hard time installing your gazebo, vinyl is your best option.
However, if you want a more reliable outdoor structure, opt for natural wood. The best types of wood are redwood and cedar, as they are not easily infested by insects. Though wood requires more maintenance, it is more versatile than other materials, giving you more freedom to experiment when constructing. Just be sure to take care of wooden gazebos as it is more prone to deterioration and defects.
Map Out a Plan for Lighting Fixtures
When building your gazebo, don’t forget about your lighting fixtures. Lights are essential components of an outdoor structure. You have to map out a plan to integrate your electrical wiring seamlessly into your structure. Ask an electrical expert on how you can eliminate electrical cords from plain view. That will also reduce the potential tripping hazards in a gazebo. You should invest a budget for the installation of electrical outlets which you can use for outdoor appliances and equipment. If you want to make your gazebo a venue for all occasions, you have to install outlets that you can use for lights and music.
A panoramic view of the sky, a garden of blooms, and a stunning gazebo – these are the elements you need for a striking backyard. Indeed, your residential space wouldn’t be complete without adding a perfect outdoor structure. If you’re planning to refurbish your garden space, consider the importance of design, location, materials, and electrical blueprint in your planning process.
With so many of us living in smaller spaces where outdoor gardening opportunities are limited or non-existent, container gardening is a big trend. It’s not just a matter of demonstrating that you have a green thumb. Container plants serve a range of purposes from providing food to cleaning indoor air and being living sculptures that make a bold statement.
Getting it right means choosing the right plants and the right containers to grow them in. A look at modern commercial planters will give you a hint of the current trends to follow. To be more specific, we take a closer look at what’s trending right now.
Urban Farming
Urban farming is a massive trend, and it extends to real commercial farming ventures based in derelict factories, on rooftops, or even in shipping containers. In its most basic form, urban farming is practiced by apartment dwellers who still hope to harvest fresh produce despite the lack of a traditional outdoor gardening space.
As with so many trends, how you do it is more important than what you do. Tacky plastic pots and high maintenance are out. Low maintenance and stylish containers, some of which automatically feed, water, and provide light for plants, are in.
Let the Plant and Pot Combo Do the Talking
While super-arty pots with at most a nod towards the plants they contain still have their place, choosing minimalist styling for pots and letting the plants themselves enjoy the limelight is a definite trend to watch. That doesn’t mean the containers aren’t an important part of the package, but you’re looking for clean, crisp lines and natural shades. The plant is the focal point, but the container is nonetheless the frame in which it is displayed.
Harmony is the key. Both the container and the plant work together towards the overall effect, and neither upstages the other.
Gardening with Sculptural Plants
While just about anyone can enjoy a potted Begonia or Chrysanthemum, longer-lasting foliage plants with sculpted growth habits are far more in the vogue. Sure, your granny (and secretly, you) love the flowers, but the durability of sculptural foliage plants mean that they’re a once-off purchase. As for their growth habits, they make a perennial statement. Ornamental grasses, grass-like plants, palms, and succulents with bold, strappy foliage are super-popular in interior design.
Once again, the container serves as a frame rather than a feature in itself. Choose pots whose form will compliment the shape of the plants – and in this instance, you’re looking for snappy lines and angles rather than the more traditional, rounded pot shapes.
Vertical Gardens
If growing plants is something you can’t resist no matter how small your space is, vertical gardens let you pack in a lot of material in the space a feature painting would take up. But, a word of warning: while a vertical garden in its prime is a thing of beauty, it has in-between stages that are far from attractive. That’s especially true if you’re using a vertical module for growing veg. After all, there’s a gap between sown seeds and a cascading bounty of produce.
Consider using flat-growing perennial groundcovers with a cascading growth habit as a basis for a vertical garden. You can fit in your veg and herbs as fillers, limiting the visual impact of refreshing your food plants with new seedlings.
We Love Plants, But Containers are the Prime Investment
Plants in the home or office are a joy, but from a design perspective, choosing the right containers is the key to success. Simply put, if your plants don’t hide the containers, the container, rather than the plant, will be the make-or-break design consideration. Even the look of the most stunning plants will be spoiled by bad container choices – and the container is the longer-term investment. Choose carefully, and enjoy years of indoor gardening pleasure – even when you find yourself having to rethink the plants themselves.
How Do These Two Fencing Materials Compare in the 4 Categories We’ve Chosen?
When it comes to fencing around homes, two types of fencing tend to be particularly popular. These are vinyl and wood fencing. If you’re not sure which type of fencing is right for your home, check out our comparisons below, as different people will reach different conclusions based on which variables are most important to them. There’s no one superior fence for everyone.
Appearance
One of the main factors people consider when choosing a fence is the appearance of the fence. The first thing to keep in mind is that there is not just one type of wood or one type of vinyl fence. These days there are many alternatives for each type of fencing, so you’re very likely to be able to find one that will suit your style. You can get help from Illinois Fence company if you want to get a better idea of all the various options available for each type of fence.
Wood fencing tends to be the favourite when it comes to the overall appearance of a fence, at least when it’s freshly installed. People love the natural look, and it’s what many people grew up with. However, if it isn’t properly maintained it can get to look like an eyesore. You can vary the appearance with your choice of stain or paint so it can match virtually any style and colour of home.
Vinyl fencing used to look very plastic-like, which isn’t very appealing. But over time it has improved a lot in appearance, although it still doesn’t look the same as wood. It tends to maintain its appearance better than wood without a lot of maintenance. As time passes, your vinyl fence may end up looking better than your neighbor’s wooden fence if they don’t properly maintain it. You have your choice of more solid panels that improve privacy or panels that look more like traditional fencing with more spacing between the planks.
Maintenance Necessary
If you don’t have a lot of time to deal with keeping your fence in tip-top shape, you may want to opt for vinyl fencing. Aesthetically it might not be quite as pleasing as wood, but it does require a lot less maintenance. In many cases, unless something happens to damage the fence, all you need to do is periodically clean it off with a hose or a pressure washer to get off any dirt that’s on the fence. Choosing the right colour for the fence will minimize the appearance of the dirt in between cleanings.
Wood fencing needs to be stained or painted after installation and then repainted frequently. As it gets older, it may warp and rot, especially if it hasn’t been properly cared for throughout its lifetime. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. If you think you’ll want to change the colour of your fencing over time, wood does have the advantage of being able to be refinished.
Durability
Think about it. How many times do you want to have to deal with putting in a new fence over your lifetime? Probably not many. This means you want a fence that will be durable and long-lasting. Wood fences are susceptible to rot, insect damage, and damage due to expanding and contracting with varying temperatures and moisture levels, all of which affect their durability.
Vinyl fencing is typically manufactured to be able to withstand all of these issues. In general, wind damage may be the most common issue. Those who live in areas with high winds may want to opt for the fencing with more space between the slats, as this makes it more wind-resistant. Vinyl fences can last up to 5 times as long as wood fences, which average about 20 years before they need to be replaced.
When it comes to the cost of fencing, you need to take three factors into consideration: the initial cost of installing the fence, the cost of maintaining the fence, and the expected lifetime of the fence. What looks like the best deal from the initial price may not be the most cost-efficient choice in the long run.
The initial cost to install wood fencing can vary greatly based on the type of wood you choose. It can be as low as $3 to $7 per linear foot (before installation) if you choose pine or as high as $12 to $60 per linear foot if you opt for white oak. However, in general, the initial cost of buying and installing a wood fence will be cheaper than purchasing and installing a vinyl fence.
The typical vinyl fence ranges in price per linear foot from about $15 to $30. Rail fences will be cheaper than picket or privacy fences, and shadowbox styles are the most expensive. White vinyl is less expensive than wood grain vinyl, which is less expensive than black vinyl.
Which fence do you choose?
From these quick comparisons it looks like wood might be the better deal. But keep in mind that wood fences need to be restained or repainted every year or two, which adds to their maintenance costs. While vinyl fences just need to be hosed off to rinse off the dirt. It does tend to cost more to repair vinyl fencing if it gets damaged, as you often need to replace an entire panel while with wood fencing you can just replace the slat that’s damaged. The much longer life of vinyl fences means they may be the more cost-effective option in the long run.
There are many issues to consider when choosing between vinyl and wood fencing. If appearance is the most important factor for you and you are open to a bit more maintenance, you may want to choose wood fencing. However, if you are looking for a more carefree option and can afford a larger upfront investment, consider one of the many types of vinyl fencing available. You could also review other types of fencing, such as metal fencing, if neither of these types of fencing meets all of your needs.
Homes on the water provide great scenery and lots of summer enjoyment. The docks and piers let owners and guests dock boats or walk out over the water and enjoy the scenery, sunsets, sunrises, and the water itself. But, water and weather cause docks and piers to show wear and water damage and need some repair work. When structures at the water’s edge are damaged by storms or time, they become unstable and a safety hazard. But, these structures can be repaired and provide many years of additional use if the correct contractor is employed.
Adding New Piers and Dock Area
A small dock to tie a boat to might have been good a few years ago. But as time goes on and more time is spent at the home on the lake, a larger on-water structure might be wanted. There might be additional boats to dock, or the property owner might want to entertain on the water. By contacting marine construction companies such asSummerSet Marine Construction, a process of lakefront improvement can begin. Companies that have a reputation for building, supplying and installing piers and lifts in Wisconsin should be consulted for bids.
Consulting a local marine construction company at the beginning of the project can save time and money. These experts can explain what is possible, what is practical, and how much it will cost. Deciding on a budget for the project should be the first step. Then, the construction company representative can outline what that amount of money will cover.
Some brands of pier and lift products are known for their high quality and dependability. Check to see if these brands are available and affordable. When you use materials that are available nearby, replacement parts or additional sections are readily accessible.
Choosing the Contractor
Choose a contractor who will get the job done right, not the cheapest one. The contractor needs to have the expertise to design, install, and use the proper supports for any pier and boat lift system or dock. The contractor must have the resources to order all the products and materials needed for the project. If the pier or dock must be removed every fall and reinstalled every spring, the contractor must also provide that service. This all requires the proper equipment.
Building Docks, Piers, and Lifts
Once you find the correct contractor, there are decisions to be made and costs to consider. Building a boat dock can cost from $3,000.00+ to over $26,000.00 depending on the size, the quality, and the added features determining the difficulty of installation. High-quality permanent piers can cost as much as $50,000.00 to $75,000.00, or about $15.00 to $40.00 per square foot or $100.00 per linear foot. Knowing the construction and product costs can help a homeowner choose the size of waterfront construction. Choosing a shorter dock or pier of better quality will pay off over the years with savings in upkeep and repairs.
Boat docks come in different types, including floating docks, pilings, pipe, or crib construction, or suspension or cantilevered designs. Then, costs are distributed between dock and decking (wood, aluminum, or composite) installing a boat lift, the addition of a boathouse or a covered dock, and the support system. Whether the dock or pier is built on a lake or a river also affects the building costs.
The construction costs and maintenance costs will drive the final decision on the dock or pier design and installation. A good contractor will guide the customer to the correct choice for the local conditions and their budget.
Once the Dock or Pier is Built, It Must be Maintained
Once the dock or pier is completed, it must be maintained. Though it is easy to ignore the structure from month to month as long as it appears fine and nothing is obviously broken, more is required. Maintenance can include inspection, cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, and repairs as needed. Severe weather events can also cause damage that is visible and hidden that will impact the safety of the structure.
No one wants to walk out on a dock and fall through rotten decking and be injured. Maintenance can avoid dangerous accidents and injuries or property damage. This maintenance can be done, in part, by the property owner with the remainder handled by the local dock maintenance and repair professionals. The people who built and installed the dock or pier are good sources for repairs and maintenance.
The boat lift mechanism must also be maintained and repaired as needed. This is equipment that needs professional attention. Few dock owners have the experience and knowledge to work on a boat lift with success.
There are 7 Dock, Pier, and Lift Repair Essentials to Consider
Whether doing repair work yourself or hiring a professional, make sure these seven essentials are addressed.
1. Inspection and monitoring. Boat lifts often have maintenance issues that are difficult to figure out. Inspect the structure holding the dock or pier in places such as barrels, chains, pilings, and the bottom of the decking. Missing screws can cause serious damage over time.
2. Cleaning the structures and removing algae and mold. Remove peeling paint and debris and then apply a dock sealant
3. Lubricating lift parts and avoiding breakdowns of the mechanism. A broken lift can mean the boat can not get on the water for fishing or other enjoyment on the water.
4. Adjusting the structure as needed
5. Repairing pier and dock parts damaged by the water
6. Checking all electrical elements including lift controls, outdoor lighting, and more.
7. Documenting structure and lift condition and maintenance work done
When a dock or pier and their lift structures are well-maintained, they will last years longer. If these structures are neglected, they will become damaged and their structural integrity can deteriorate, causing safety hazards and large repair or replacement bills down the road. Regular inspections and small repairs can add years of safe operation for the dock, pier, or boat lift. This means the family and friends can have hours of safe lakefront enjoyment summer after summer.
The leaves have fallen and you’ve had the last of your backdoor barbecues. As much as you would like the summer to linger, it is time for the winter to bring its snowy delights.
Yet, there is no time to relax. You need to take care of your outdoor space so that things don’t get ruined over the winter. That means that your outdoor water fixture needs to be winterized.
If you just leave it to its own devices over the winter, then come spring, you’ll find yourself doing repairs to get it working again.
In this article, I will go over exactly what you need to do to winterize your water fountains for outdoor areas.
You probably have a lot of debris in your fountain or other water feature if you are doing this in the autumn. Leaves falling, branches blown into it and algae growing are all likely.
After you’ve removed the leaves and debris, evaluate how much algae you have there. If it looks light, then using an algaecideis probably going to be enough to take care of it. If it looks like the plumbing, pump and filters are all stained by the algae, then you may need to drain it and scrub everything clean.
After you’ve scrubbed everything, don’t refill it again until the spring when the weather has warmed up.
Check for growing plants
If you have emptied all the water out of the feature, then this is a good time to check for any roots from plants growing in there. Some plants growing around the perimeter may have gotten their roots all the way into the feature and can destroy the foundation and also the pump and other plumbing.
Make sure to tear out any roots or any sign of plants growing in it.
There is no reason to leave the pump out in the elements since it won’t be turned on for the duration of the winter anyway.
Remove the pump so it doesn’t freeze or get cracked from the fluctuating temperatures. Make sure to clean it out, check for any worn parts that may need to be replaced, and frayed electrical wiring.
If it looks all set, then box it up and store it indoors where it will stay dry and not get frozen.
For fish ponds
Fish ponds obviously can’t be drained and you may need to keep your pump running over the winter. This poses a problem potentially.
If you have to take the pump in because it will get ruined in the deep freeze of the winter, then fish waste can build up and cause a toxic situation in the water. The fish may not survive the winter even if the cold doesn’t kill them.
In this case you’ll need to add some cold water beneficial bacteria to the water to break down that waste which will keep the water clearer and healthy for the fish.
We love showing off our style and personality in our home but what about the exterior of your home? We aren’t talking curb appeal….we are focusing on more detail than that. We are talking ‘Welcome Home’ door mats. We love a funny door mat – it’s a way to welcome guests, maybe start a fresh conversation with a new neighbour or just let the neighbourhood know who you are!
Here are my 8 favourite ‘Welcome’ Mats:
We love the take on the classic Journey lyrics….don’t you? Another bonus…this doormat is made of 100% coir (natural materials derived from coconut)
So summer is almost half way over…before we are full out into back to school mode and it’s time to make the most of the sunnyweather and the free time with friends and family. Time for a backyard BBQ!
Looking for some great ideas to host the perfect backyard BBQ?
Here are some easy tips for hosting a backyard BBQ with guests of all ages:
If the party will go into the evening hours be sure to have some kind of lighting (for mood and safety) look for tiki torches or solar lights in the garden or around the pool.
Don’t forget about bug protection – have bug spray available for guests to use, have citronella candles on hand and spray the air and shrubs with Raid Yard Guard outdoor three hours before the party.
Try having some hurricanes candles on the table too. A white cotton table cloth is easy to wash but if you are hosting a party with children look for a vinyl one instead.
Place the table close enough to the house so the host and guests have access to the kitchen and bathroom.
Position the grill so the smoke is not blowing over the table but have it close enough so the chef feels included in the party.
Music
Music can really set the tone for the party but feel free to change it up as the party progresses. start off with some Bob Marley to set the mood, maybe then add some more up beat song selections that stick with the summer theme like “Cruel summer”, “Hot, Hot, Hot”, “Hot stuff” etc…As the evening becomes more mellow switch it up with some “Bossa Nova Brazil” or Smooth sounds of Sade.
Signature drink
Not necessary but it adds a sophistication to any party.
Try SUMMER MELON COOLERS (serves 12) Fill 1/2 gallon pitcher 1/3 full of vodka. Stir in puree of 1 honeydew melon (about 3 cups), 2 cups each of Midori liqueur and sprite and 1 cup of club soda. Serve over ice and garnish with skewered melon balls.
Offer non-alcoholic options as well, such as an equal mix of orange juice, cranberry juice and sparkling water.
For the kids, add some fruit in their drinks so they will feel just like the grown-ups.
best Backyard BBQ wines – Californian chardonnay (white) or Vieille Ferme (red).
Keep the display and service simple – a self serve bar or even just ice with cold drinks in a buck or wheelbarrow – it works with a the casual setting and it’s simple!
What to serve
Have a selection of different burgers – beef, turkey and veggie. Salads that don’t necessarily require refrigeration such as a green, tomato or bean salads. Appetizers such as crudites with hummus and tabbouleh. Dessert go seasonal or simple – strawberry shortcake is a favourite and does not need a lot of prep time or if you have a fire pit, try s’mores
Remember
– to fill the propane tank so you don’t run out mid-grilling. – give guests about 3 weeks notice, summer time is busy for everyone (especially families) – prep as much as you can before guests arrive, that way you can actually enjoy the party – if you want to keep the evening casual, it’s OK to go pot luck just plan with everyone first so you do not end up with 8 bean salads. – use plastic cups and plates, they can be re-used but also accidents can happen and broken glass around little feet and grown up feet can be very dangerous. – if children will be there, have something for them to do: sandbox, crafts, sports, games be sure to have them near by for proper parent supervision.
Where to shop
Some great stores to find super stylish yet budget friendly outdoor items, check out your local grocery and dollar stores but some other places to check out include: JYSK , IKEA, Sur la table, Walmart and Pier One Imports
Sunday….one of my favourite days of the week! Mostly because it is the one day that I totally kick back and have a lazy day. Typically we spend Sunday as a family. The weather is a big determining factor one what we do as a family – and that’s entirely up to mother nature.
Sunny Sunday…
This Summer, we get to spend Sunday as a family by the pool. Our summers, here in Ottawa, Canada aren’t the longest so we really like to take advantage of the sunny weather when we can! The pool is a the perfect hang out on those hot days.
These are some of my sunny Sunday must-haves :
Fun Pool Floats – like this pink donut float (my daughter loves this pink one, the boys prefer it in brown but they all think it is hilarious)
Eating outdoors in the summer time is a favourite – the fresh air, the smell of the grill and enjoying the scenery (my husband loves to garden, so it’s nice to spend some time appreciating his hard work). These colourful cutlery pieces add a little extra summer fun in these bold and bright neons!
These floating drink holders are just too cute! They are perfect on those really hot days …Your drink fits right in the float – easy! You can use these in the pool, the lake and even the hot tub! I bought a set of these for our school silent auction and they were a hit!
You need to have a big, fluffy beach towel – and these ones are amazing! Lounging poolside with a book or wrapping yourself up after a dip in the water – these fun beach towels are perfect and they come in other prints, too!
I’m sure you scratching your head and wondering what this is but for me this is a life saver for days and nights outdoors. You see the mosquitoes love me… and no matter what I do the moment I step outside they are all over me. This product, the SkeeterVac, has really made my outdoor experience so much more enjoyable –
We love to play at the pool but we also like to play around in the kitchen. With a big family like mine – we often cook at home and we have recently expanded our garden this year to include more veggies! We have always had an herb garden and even for a novice gardener an herb garden is a great start and it’s so rewarding! We love fresh herbs especially basil and oregano – we add herbs to our salads, salad dressings, vinaigrette and our fresh and home made tomato sauce that we make at the end of summer.
“I’m going to paint my front door a new colour something with some pop but do I need to paint my garage door in the same colour, so they match?”
Great question and a bit of a tricky one….it really comes down to how bold you want to be with your exterior’s statement, the architectural style of the home, the colour you choose, the exterior materials and overall personal preference.
For instance, if you are choosing a classic paint colour like black …
this looks great on the front door and garage door – it’s a more traditional style but a classic never goes out of fashion. This also works with a a minimalist or modern home- clean lines and simplicity are key and generally that style isn’t about being overly colourful.
Photo from Bright Green Door
If you want to be a bit more adventurous with your front door colour…
we suggest keeping the garage door more tame. The garage door colour should match another colour on the home’s exterior. A good idea is to have it match the framing around the door and windows. If the house has shutters, we like the shutters to match either the garage or the front door – this gives consistency to the exterior – or they should coordinate with another exterior colour maybe even the roof but the shutters need to connect with another exterior element. Too many colours on a home’s exterior is distracting and it is confusing for the eye!
Photo from Zillow –
For homes that have a lot of texture like stone, brick, shingles, beams etc…
we like to see a wood front door and garage door – the allows the materials to shine. In this case, a home exterior with a lot of natural materials we suggest making a statement with a beautiful wood door (the garage doors can also be wood or they can coordinate with another colour on the exterior). When it comes to picking your front door colour – be sure to pick a colour that is flattering with your exterior materials.
Photo from best-home-decorpictures.us
You don’t need to match your door colours but you want to take into consideration a few factors (mentioned above) and also the statement you want to make. If you want a really bright and bold colourful door – let that be the focal point and let the other elements including the garage door play a complimentary role.
