One thing COVID has done is force most of us to re-focus on our homes and how we spend time in them. And this new focus has led many to consider how to turn their backyard into a staycation paradise.

Lockdowns – and even a hesitancy to leave our property – had us spending more time away from others besides our immediate family, and seeing the pros and cons of how we’re set up at our homes.

I know many people who have actually decided to look for a new place to live, once they realized their home wasn’t providing them with the comforts they desired.

That’s a pretty drastic response, in my opinion, although in the real estate market it’s an excellent time to be selling your home…but remember you have to then buy one as well.

All of this new focus on our existing abodes has given me a reason to expand my own business into what I call “Outdoor Living” and how to help my clients basically reinvent their backyards, whether it’s a deck or patio area (or what some people might call a porch), as well as their backyards beyond the immediate rear of their home.

Depending on your situation, you may have a lot of area to work with or a very limited space…but either way, I’m here to tell you that any situation can be customized and upgraded to create a special environment for your personal comfort and enjoyment.

While we’re all easing back into the mainstream of our lives, getting back out there to shop, dine and connect with friends, many people have also looked at their backyard situation through new lenses.

There are many opportunities to enhance what you have and turn it into a permanent “staycation” – and why not? We live in Florida, a tropical environment that many envy as paradise or the perfect vacation to begin with.

Most people feel it’s important to have an outdoor space they love. Their backyards need to be a place to escape to, and unwind, and relax.

The pandemic has made our outdoor spaces more important than ever, and many people have already started sprucing things up.

Maybe that’s you?

Maybe you’re looking for ways to tie it all together or find that key element that says “staycation” to you.

Whether you’ve invested in some big-ticket items already, or not, many people are finding that it’s often also the smaller things, those finishing touches, that can turn their backyard spaces into environments they love to spend time in.

Here are some tips to turn your backyard into a staycation paradise:

Seating

Probably the most important thing is to decide how you want to use your space.

Do you want to dine, lounge, entertain, outside more?

Many of my clients want their patio to feel like an extension of their home, with a little “we’re on vacation” thrown in, and they typically purchase a large sectional set.

When the weather is nice, they’ll use that area as an outdoor living room. I know it’s summer, but there are ways to make Florida’s summer months enjoyable.

Seating decisions should be tied to your overall desire of how you want to use the space, and I can help you map out the best way to arrange things for your specific goals, desires, and needs to turn your backyard into a staycation paradise.

Shade

The summertime in Florida is hot and humid. One of the most important things my clients desire is having adequate shade.

Consider a pergola over your patio or a freestanding cabana or pavilion or even outdoor shades or awnings to cut down on the heat, allowing you to greatly increase the time you spend outdoors. Even umbrellas can be an excellent and stylish alternative.

Speaking of pergolas and cabanas, I’ve had the pleasure of teaming up with Orlando Outdoor Living, a company that is the Central Florida representative of StruXure, which manufactures the finest pergolas and cabanas I’ve seen!

These structures are changing the way people are enjoying the outdoors. These wonderful structural products ensure that outdoor family gatherings, parties, and cookouts can be successful in any weather conditions, rain or shine.

To whet your appetite with how nicely they can enhance your outdoor living experience, all of the covered structure photos appearing in this post are created by StruXure.

If these images capture your attention (and the creative ideas are flowing), I would be glad to meet with you to show you all of the ways that these products can transform your outdoor spaces!

I place a high value on creating functional and beautiful designs tailored to each home environment. This is only possible through my close collaboration with my select partners.

Lighting

Sometimes lighting is overlooked when designing an outdoor space. Adding the right type of lighting can really increase the amount of time spent outside and help create a nice mood.

It is often not terribly expensive, and easy to install. With so many choices available,

I can show you which ones would make the most sense for your environment and your needs.

Consider A Poolside Pergola or Cabana to turn your backyard into a staycation paradise

If you already have a pool, it’s always a great idea to add a structure that turns your backyard into that staycation paradise.

It gives you space to enjoy quality time with your family and friends and gives you the opportunity for even more relaxation by your poolside.

And you can build a bar in your pool house or create an outdoor kitchen or a lounge area with a grill to complete your personal backyard pool house retreat.

Add a Fire Feature

There’s nothing like an evening sitting around a fire roasting marshmallows and having a cocktail.

A fire feature is perfect for those evenings under the stars when it is chilly, or after popping out of the hot tub or pool.

Choices range from a full-blown fire pit to a fire table…or even some torchieres.

Entertainment

An outdoor movie theater might become one of your favorite additions! What about a screen that pulls down from your pergola and a projector mounted from the rafters.

Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But something like that can be very affordable.

A large mounted TV is also a great way to set the kids up outside while the adults get some alone time indoors. And everybody loves watching movies outside under the stars!

Add Some Color

There’s a reason outdoor furniture is designed to be extra-durable: Exposed to the elements, it must withstand harsh sun, rain, and wind. But over time, it does eventually get weathered.

A fresh coat of an unexpected color of paint is a great way to revive weathered patio furniture.

There’s a saying, ‘When your rattan gets ratty, just paint it and it looks new again,’ and that’s not an understatement.

To capitalize on injecting a splash of a nice, new color, you might also consider painting other outdoor furniture, sofas, tables, and shutters, and/or picking up some of that color in fabrics or accents.

Anything that’s looking bad, give it a coat of paint and you get another couple of years out of it.

Declutter

You know that wonderful feeling you get when your house is clean and organized?

You can also get that same feeling when everything is decluttered and cleaned up in your outdoor space.

The key is to make sure the things you keep out and visible add joy to your life and won’t be yet another thing you need to maintain.

These are just a few things that help people make their outdoor spaces more enjoyable.

I would love the opportunity to help turn your backyard into the staycation paradise of your dreams. Just contact me for a consultation. You can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Happy Summer, everybody!

If you’re looking into a cabana or a pergola for your backyard, you might at this point be wondering, what exactly is the difference? 

The biggest difference between the two is the coverage, or, the amount of shade provided. 

While a pergola will give you about the same effect as if you were sitting under a large oak tree, a cabana will provide you with complete shading from above. 

For the ultimate outdoor living experience, consider a cabana or pergola for your backyard.

Pergolas are large structures, typically with beautiful and innovatively designed architectural features. 

When built into a home, pergolas are great for extending the living space while also gaining an outdoor seating area, or depending on what you like, even an outdoor cooking area, or an outside bar.

Since summer is here, many of you are trying to escape the Florida heat while still enjoying your outside area. 

To help with that, the shade and comfort of a cabana might be what you need. 

Whether you are wanting to enjoy the sun without the sunburn, watch the kids swim in the pool, or even if you just love sitting outside and listening to the rain during a summer thunderstorm, then a cabana might be perfect for you. 

No matter what time of the year, cabanas can give you a cozy, shaded outdoor area that will help you get the most out of your backyard. 

Cabanas are freestanding structures that are built on even sets of columns, with a full-coverage roof. 

They are great for adding outdoor living space, kitchen, fireplace, bar, dining area, etc. 

Many times, they are accented with light fixtures, ceiling fans, heating features, fireplaces, TVs, refrigerators, grills, etc., to enhance the beauty and usability of your outdoor-living feature. 

To offer the best option for cabanas and pergolas, I partnered up with Orlando Outdoor Living and StruXure, which manufactures the finest pergolas and cabanas I’ve seen! 

These pergolas and cabanas are definitely changing the way people are enjoying the outdoors. 

StruXure pergolas and cabanas both have louvered roofs that are motorized to close fully when needed for changing weather conditions. 

When it comes to your covered outdoor living area, you want a stylish but also trustworthy roofing system. 

Manufactured entirely in the US, the StruXure system is engineered to withstand high winds and comes in a wide range of colors, materials, and finishes. 

No matter what sort of unit you are looking for, free-standing or attached to an existing structure, the StruXure system is bound to enhance any area and compliment any architectural style to give you perfect sun and weather control. 

Cabanas and pergolas are both beautiful and useful additions that add value to your home or your and enable you to enjoy your outdoor spaces for many more months out of the year. 

StruXure is also great to extend dining areas for restaurants and bars. Create outdoor seating areas for Airbnb properties and vacation rentals.

What about a cabana or pergola for your backyard? I’d welcome the opportunity to meet with you and show you how these stylish and functional StruXure products can transform your outdoor spaces! If you’re interested, you can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Find out how this versatile outdoor element can serve as both a design feature and an outdoor problem-solver

A landscape screen is more than a practical problem-solver. With the right materials and design, it becomes an eye-catching focal point in your landscape. It also gives you a chance to experiment with different looks without a landscape overhaul. Read on to learn more about how to use a landscape screen and the numerous choices you have for design and materials.

The Purpose of a Landscape Screen

Landscape screens can be highly practical, simply decorative, or, ideally, a blend of the two. Because they’re generally a smaller element in your landscape, screens allow for plenty of flexibility in terms of looks and size. You may find that a single screen or a set of screens will serve several purposes at once.

Provide privacy. One of the most popular uses for landscape screens is to shield your property and people from passersby and neighbors, especially in front or side yards, dining areas or pools, hot tubs or spas, and outdoor showers. To soften the look, use a more open design that might allow glimpses in and out of the yard.

Block a view. A screen can also block a less than ideal view. Place one or more where they can hide anything from an adjoining deck, nearby building or road, or an unattractive eyesore. You can also add a screen to your own landscape to hide a storage area or where you stash your trash and recycling bins.

Temper the elements. Sometimes the issue is not neighbors but rather Mother Nature. The right landscape screen can mitigate the wind and sun, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space more often. If you want to block the wind but preserve the view, consider adding a screen that’s made of clear glass.

Define a space. A landscape screen will add some definition within your landscape. It can help you define different areas within a yard, creating the feeling of a garden room or a set of rooms. “It acts as an outdoor wall,” says fencing and screen expert Deanne Clough of Clough Construction in San Rafael, California.

You don’t need to screen in the entire space to create the intended effect. Instead, add one panel to one side of a pergola, along a deck railing, or behind a spa or fountain.

Add interest. The right landscape screen can also boost your landscape’s design. Here’s a chance to turn a boring spot into a focal point. It’s also your chance to add some drama to your landscape. “Something playful will stand out,” Clough says.

Grow a vertical garden. A landscape screen is a perfect backdrop for plants of all kinds, from rows of succulents in small points to a vining masterpiece to a living wall. Just be sure the material you choose can handle the weight and the moisture of the plants themselves.

Large plants growing in pots can give you the look of a vertical garden as well. If you’re willing to wait a while, many shrubs, bushes, and trees can easily reach 4 feet or more to give you a living screen.

Finding Your Screen Style

Taking a cue from other hardscape elements, especially fences and gates, will create a cohesive feel throughout your landscape. You can also go the opposite route and add an unexpected look or contrasting material to highlight a part of your landscape and create a focal point.

Screen Material Options

Almost any material can be turned into a screen. Wood and metal may be the first things to come to mind, but take the time to explore other options, from vinyl to bamboo and glass.

Wood and wood composite. Wood is sturdy, easy to install, adapts to almost any design or style, and can be left natural, stained, or painted. Wood is also one of the least expensive fencing materials, especially if you choose a wood that is native to or grows easily in your area.

Redwood and cedar are naturally rot-resistant but are also higher in cost. Southern pine, spruce, and fir are other popular wood options, but you’ll need to check if they require some sort of treatment for use, especially for posts. Treated wood, especially pressure-treated wood, isn’t available in some areas. Look for sustainably harvested wood for any choice.

Wood composites are made from a variety of materials, including recycled plastic. They are more durable, rot-resistant, and long-lasting than wood. They also hold up to extreme heat and cold and hard wear better than vinyl. Color options that closely mimic wood are becoming more available, and they can also be painted. Care consists of periodically hosing the boards down.

A wood screen will require regular maintenance, which can include sanding and sealing, re-staining, or repainting. It can also expand or warp over the years, especially if left natural. Expect a wood screen to last at least 10 years, likely longer with regular upkeep, but you will need to replace it eventually.

Wood composite is more expensive than wood at the onset. It also can fade over the years. You may need to replace a wood composite screen every 25 years or so.

Metal. Aluminum and steel are compatible with almost any design style, whether traditional, rustic, or modern. Weathering steel will give you an immediate rusted touch. You can also look at other metal options, including corrugated galvanized iron and rebar, which fit in well with rustic, natural, and modern garden styles. All can be shaped or cut to work with your design.

Corrugated galvanized iron and rebar are the least expensive metal options. Both aluminum and stainless steel are more expensive than wood, falling in the midrange for prices. Weathering steel is your most expensive option. The costs will vary depending on the design and how you’re using the material.

Metal screens are long-lasting and won’t fade over time. They’re also a good choice for those living in cold climates, as they can handle temperature extremes.

Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant but not as sturdy as stainless steel. Steel, including stainless steel, is a stronger material than aluminum. Steel can rust and stainless steel can also rust if chipped. It may need regular polishing if you’re looking for a brighter feel. It is also very heavy.

Bamboo. Harvested bamboo is gaining popularity as a landscape material. It is a fast-growing plant, which makes it an eco-friendly material, but you need to be sure that the bamboo you’re choosing is sustainably grown.

Bamboo’s density and thickness allow it to stand up to moisture much more readily than wood. It gives a landscape a rustic, natural, or Asian feel. Adding a wood frame around the bamboo will give it a finished look. Bamboo stands up well to heat and snow and can be cleaned with water.

Bamboo can be stained or left natural, although it will fade with time and you’ll need to renew the stain. Bamboo can dent, chip, crack or split, so periodic repairs may be needed.

Bamboo is more expensive than many other materials. Expect a bamboo gate in a frame to last at least 20 years, although a natural-look installation may show signs of wear sooner.

Glass. Glass is a stunning and versatile choice for a landscape screen, lending a contemporary or modern look.

Glass is an excellent medium for etching or for mixing and matching different colors. Choosing translucent glass will offer some privacy while still allowing light into your yard.

You’ll likely need to clean both sides of the glass at least as often as you’d clean windows in your home. The glass can also mar and scratch. It can also be expensive, depending on the size and look you want.

Concrete. Concrete is a strong, durable, low-maintenance material. Color choices and finished, from smooth to textured, are almost unlimited. It can blend well with almost any landscape and architectural style and creates a great wind barrier.

Poured concrete used as a screen probably will be more expensive than wood or metal due to labor costs, but it will also last far longer, up to 50 years with sealing and maintenance. Although concrete is used in many regions, particularly for retaining walls, it will do best in a mild to moderate climate. Always work with an experienced concrete professional who will be able to advise you on best practices for using concrete in your region.

Concrete is both heavy and permanent. Once it’s in place, it will take considerable effort to remove it. It also can erode unless waterproofed and sealed regularly. Keep an eye out for chips and cracks.

Vinyl and PVC. Vinyl is more expensive upfront than wood, but it also lasts longer. It’s a good choice for warm yet damp climates. It doesn’t warp, rot or shrink, is immune to insects, and doesn’t need to be painted.

Vinyl is very low-maintenance, only requiring periodic hosing off and occasionally scrubbing stubborn grime with a diluted dish soap mixture. Expect a vinyl screen to last 30 years or more.

Vinyl traditionally has had a fairly limited color palette, but more color options are becoming available, including ones that mimic wood tones. It also is more limited in terms of design. Repairs can be difficult and vinyl can be damaged when exposed to extreme elements.

PVC looks similar to vinyl and costs about the same price, but it isn’t as durable and won’t last as long.

Plants. Plants have functioned as living landscape screens since time immemorial. They blend into the landscape and provide a beautiful screen on both sides. You can include them as part of your overall landscape or set them apart in planters or pots.

Shrubs, bushes, grasses, trees, and vines are all good choices for living screens. For a dense screen, choose plants with foliage that starts at the ground level and are, ideally, evergreen. If you want a more open feel, you can use deciduous plants. Plants with barbs or thorns can provide an added bit of security. Vines will need some sort of support structure.

Check with local nurseries or landscape designers to determine which plants will grow well in your area and will fit your needs.

Plants are living entities, which means you’ll need to give them continual care, especially when they’re first planted. This will include not only providing sufficient water but also doing pruning and cleanup. Plants are also subject to pests, diseases, and death. If you choose smaller options, it may take time, even years, before they reach their final height.

Caution: Live bamboo is lovely but a true garden thug, taking over whenever it gets the opportunity. Clumping bamboo is less invasive, but you will still need to use a barrier to contain it.

Other Considerations for Adding a Screen

Permitting and codes. Every locality is different, so you or your contractor or landscape designer will need to check with your local building department to find out what’s required for your project, including setbacks, materials, and permits. “We always apply for a permit, as screens typically fall under the category of fences in village codes,” Algozzini says. You should also check with your homeowner’s association, if you have one, for what is permitted.

How long it will take. The biggest factor affecting the timeline of adding a screen will be the fabrication time, whether it’s pre-made, fabricated on the site, or elsewhere. Once the screen is ready to site, the installation will usually be pretty fast.

If adding a landscape screen is something you’d like to explore, please let me know and I can help you determine what approach would make the most sense for your outdoor space, and what you’d like to achieve. You can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

More and more Homeowners want to seamlessly blend their indoor and outdoor spaces with a beautiful and functional Outdoor Living Area. And whether you are looking to update your patio or you’re ready for a total makeover, here’s a great selection of photos that are sure to spark your creativity.

A Covered Patio lets you enjoy breezy sunsets and weekend afternoons from the comfort of your incredible outdoor living space. And you can design the covered patio area to be your perfect dream spot.

Covered Porch & Fireplace – An extended patio makes quiet evenings and social weekends an exceptional joy.

An Outdoor Fire Pit will be a cozy retreat for you and your family to enjoy on a cool evening.

Enjoy family time in a cozy Covered Patio area – maybe even gathered around a stone outdoor fireplace. Home is where the hearth is.

Cover Part of Your Backyard – A covered place to relax in your backyard might be a desirable addition to your home. Just imagine how comfortable that backyard space is now.

Spend your evenings bug-free in the Screened Lanai, perhaps with a hot tub overlooking delightful backyard views.

Consider a Freestanding Structure that functions as a pool house or extended enclosed area for entertaining.

If opening your spaces up to the great outdoors appeals to you, please let me know and I can consult with you on how to make your outdoor spaces perfect for your needs. Just message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.