16 AUGUST 12, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Outdoor living is hotter than
ever - in more ways than one -
and creating spaces that are not
only functional but downright enjoyable
is the goal of most homeowners
today. No matter how you like to use
your outdoor environments, you’re
probably looking for ways to maximize
your spaces and make them as
pleasant as possible, for your family
and your guests.
Here are tips for optimizing your
home’s outdoor spaces:
PRACTICAL AND
COMFORTABLE SEATING
SOLUTIONS
When thinking about what type of
seating makes sense for each area, consider
who will be using it, for what purpose
and for how long. Make a list of how
you want to use the space. For instance,
do you intend it to be a kid-friendly area
for brief breaks between active outdoor
games? Will you use it for large family
get-togethers or small informal parties?
Do you need sturdy seating for people
engaged in DIY hobbies or getting together
for a simple outdoor meal? Or do
you want a relaxing oasis where a few
adults can lounge and sip cool drinks
(with little umbrellas in them, ideally)
for hours?
Seating that can withstand the elements
is a must, but it’s also a good idea
to be realistic regarding out-of-season
storage. When it’s time to put your furniture
away, do you have enough storage
space? Choose furniture designed for
the outdoors that’s easy to store and care
for. What kind of furniture will get the
most use?
Try seating before you buy. A simple
stone bench, picnic table or wooden chair
may look fi ne, but if you want to make
the most of the outdoors, choose a couple
of options off ering maximum comfort.
KEEPING COOL
Shade is your best friend when trying
to keep any outdoor or semi-outdoor
space pleasant. If you don’t have shade
trees to block the sun during peak hours,
an awning, canopy or shade cloth works
well. Retractable awnings are very practical,
as you can use them only when
needed. Even a large table umbrella
- strategically placed - can help provide
relief from the sun. Take note when your
space is sunniest, and what direction the
sunlight primarily comes from, so you’ll
know where to install your shade cloth
or awning.
To help cool an outdoor area or semioutdoor
space like a garage, an evaporative
cooler like the Portacool 510 is an
option. A compact evaporative cooler
diff ers from an air conditioner because
it works with water and the ambient air
to naturally cool areas like your deck,
porch or patio. Unlike a fan, this type of
cooler doesn’t just blow hot air around -
and it’s not a mister, so the area around it
won’t get wet. You can use it in a variety
of outdoor settings to help keep people
(and pets) cooler on hot days. It is also
mobile and compact with rubberized
wheels, so it can be moved into any space
where you need cooling comfort.
GO FOR AMBIANCE WITH
ACCENTS
Strategic accents, whether visual,
functional or sensory, can be eff ective
in creating a mood. Choose either calming
or vibrant colors, depending on
your desired eff ect. Plants and fl owers
are an easy addition to round out your
space. For the ultimate patio or deck
oasis in the evening, a string of fairy
lights or vintage-style bulbs is a simple
lighting option with a big impact, and
lanterns or solar path lights can add extra
charm and ambiance. Lastly, a good
sound system can make an enormous
difference. Set up high-quality and
easy-to-use speakers, so you can listen
to music or the big game.
On the fl ip side, if your outdoor area
is all about creating DIY projects or
working on hobbies, set up a sturdy
worktable. Make sure you have all the
supplies you need nearby in waterproof
containers and install appropriate lighting
in case you need to keep working
aft er sunset.
When preparing your outdoor space,
don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Outdoor spaces off er fl exibility when
it comes to design and purpose, but
don’t forget to make it comfortable. Visit
Portacool.com for more information on
making the most of your time outdoors
this summer.
— Courtesy of BPT
AT HOME
Tips to keep cool and comfortable
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