One thing many homes in the south have in common are outside rooms such as porches, patios and verandas. Whether the porches are in the front or back of the home or even set off down the road, southerners love to be outside. Most often these outside spaces have basic seating but little else. Consider adding soft fabrics and lighting to make these outside spaces feel like a continuation of your inside space.
Exterior curtains are all the rage in interior design and help with light control while visually softening a space. Whether you choose draperies or curtains it is important to choose products with exterior rated fabrics that can withstand the outside elements and not rot or mildew. Equally important is the hard wear you choose to hang your curtains. The hard wear must be exterior rated to resist rust from moisture. With any room an area rug helps to define a space and it also needs to be mildew resistant and made of a material rated for outdoor use.
One often overlooked aspect of outdoor rooms is exterior lighting. Farie lights add a special twinkle but also think about adding an outdoor chandelier. If a fire pit is not an option consider a cocktail or side table with built in lights. Outdoor lamps on tables are perfect if you like to read our do hobbies in the evenings. Also consider adding lights to a pathway for safety or up-lighting a tree to enhance the mood. Always remember to consult a certified electrician before installing any new light fixtures.
Julie
