Think of patios, porches as extra square footage
Say goodbye to winter and hello to the great outdoors. As temperatures start to rise and homeowners await the opportunity to start utilizing their outdoor spaces, Yvette Piaggio, interior designer and star of HGTV's "Curb Appeal," offers some quick and simple tips to spice up patios and porches this summer.
"I love to think of outdoor space as new-found square footage for a home. It's a new opportunity to add additional living, dining, kitchen and family space without necessarily spending a fortune. The outdoor market has completely evolved within the last five years, from new weather-resistant textiles to a host of great outdoor gadgets and accessories that bring new life to your space," Piaggio said.
Some quick tips to transform an outdoor space are:
* Layout and design. First measure your space and determine exactly how much square footage you have to work with. Then you can come up with a plan for furniture/rug and accessory placement.
* Define your style, then act accordingly. Whether you want to create a coastal cottage or contemporary cottage vibe, select furniture, style and color based on the look you are trying to create.
* Outdoor textiles aren't just for cushions anymore. Now you can use textiles for window treatments, table linens and even decorative pillows. There are even coordinating outdoor trim lines available.
* Fire is good. Fire pits are fabulous, whether you have a stationary one built-in or purchase one that is mobile and has the flexibility to move around. They help define and create a cozy vignette for toasting marshmallows with the kids or for socializing with friends.
* Accessorize. Accessorizing is as key to completing an outdoor design as it is within your home. Don't forget about the outdoor touches like area rugs, lighting, ceiling fans, dish and glassware, candles, decorative accessories and even an outdoor TV.
Piaggio, founder of Piaggio's Loft, a custom interior design house, has a degree in accessory design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and a degree in visual arts from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J.
