Now that you have purchased and installed an above ground pool, you might want to consider adding an above ground pool deck as well. Adding a deck is quite often the next item on the pool owner’s wish list.

Decking is a good addition for a couple of reasons; first, it adds more usable space to your pool by providing a horizontal surface at the water level for lounge chairs and other items. Next, adding an above ground pool deck will provide a finished look to your new pool. When it is either partially or completely surrounded by decking, your pool is a much more complete and usable recreation area. And, it is a security feature as well. When equipped with a locking gate (and most are) unauthorized persons are prevented from entering your pool.

Constructing your own deck can conceivably save you some money but only if you already have the necessary carpentry and building skills, tools and patience to see a large and complicated building project through to completion. If, on the other hand, you don’t already possess the necessary tools and skills, an elevated deck is not the type of project to learn on.

So, if you aren’t going to build it yourself, that leaves two options; one, hire a reputable company to build one for you, or two, purchase a prefabricated deck. Both options have advantages and challenges.

If you choose to have a deck built for you have much more say in the decking design and the selection of the materials of the finished product. The challenge is that you will have to select a builder who is competent to meet all the local building codes and has experience in constructing elevated swimming pool decks.

Should you decide on one of the many available prefabricated swimming pool deck kits, all the required parts and instructions for installation will be delivered to your location by truck. You are still responsible for meeting local building codes while installing your new deck and once you have made your choice, the deck really cannot be modified without a lot of additional work. The prefabricated decks are usually constructed of powder coated steel framing underneath and resin decking and railings. These materials are more weather resistant than wood and will provide years of service with very little maintenance.

If your goal is to save some money and still enjoy a deck around your above ground pool a prefabricated decking kit may be your best option.

Source by Jesse L Moore

Catnapper recliners are a kind of furniture that is used to give complete support to the spinal cord. A company named “La-Z-Boy” designed these chairs and it instantly clicked in the market. When people bought the piece of furniture and used it for some time, they gave positive feedbacks. They said that it is an excellent way to rest after a long and heavy day at work.

The creators of this chair gained the maximum benefit when the popularity of the chair was at its zenith. The product had many advantages to offer to its users. After the initial chair became a rage, they introduced different styles and models to serve different purposes.

It can be placed in the garden, the poolside and even in the living room while you are watching TV. This chair is said to give a lot of peace of mind and hence is placed in all the places where people like to relax. The poolside is the best place to use the Catnapper.

While it was initially used in the living room to watch television, it is now used for commercial purposes. It is used greatly in movie theaters where the viewers want to get the maximum relaxation that they seek. All the multiplexes are now providing these seats by replacing the old and uncomfortable ones. These Catnappers are usually made of leather, latex materials which are similar to leather and upholstery. Leathers Catnappers are much more in demand when compared to upholstery ones. While it uses the materials of the first order to make these chairs, a lot of maintenance is required to keep them in proper condition.

People demand more of leather Catnappers due to the lower prices and its attractive feature. Upholstery is a quiet expensive material. However, it has its drawbacks and thus people who can afford buy the upholstery Catnappers. Wall saver Catnapper is a one of its kind furniture that uses advanced technology in its manufacturing. This technology enables the user to roll front and back when he is sitting straight. This also gives him a semi sleeping position.

Source by Nelson Carlin

Chairs receive plenty of use and can get worn out quickly. Leather, unless treated will crack and corrode rather easily with just everyday use. Leather chair covers can provide your chair with a brand new and beautiful look.

In any environment, whether it is an office or your living room, the furniture sets the tone. In order to keep a room from looking old or ordinary furniture is rearranged and even replaced quite often. Buying new chairs for your room can get expensive, especially if the chairs are leather. By purchasing covers for those chairs the price is dramatically reduced and the look of the room is new and fresh.

Leather is a great option for chairs and can give a room a professional atmosphere. Using covers to provide that look is an inexpensive way to bolster your rooms look. There are many options when choosing a cover and unlike trying to fit new furniture in your room you know that the chairs you have already fit where you want them.

Leather chair covers are amazing because you can purchase different sizes and colours without sacrificing the fit on the chair. Some covers can look bulky or puffy but by selecting a stretch fit cover it looks as if the material is original.

Continuing to work with low end materials can cost a company potential clients and give visitors a bad impression. A worn down chair can scare someone away, who really wants to sit in a chair that looks so bad?

There are so many different options when selecting chair covers that it is easy to explore options that once seemed unaffordable or even impossible to achieve. Some of the benefits of choosing leather chair covers are:

Much more affordable then buying new chairs

Protection from frequent use

Comfort

Fits easily and snugly

Many varieties to choose from

Beautiful and elegant look

Classy and economical

The difference between rooms with chairs covered by other fabrics is the professional atmosphere. If you enter an office or conference room with leather clad furniture you know that they mean business. The whole tone of a meeting can be altered by just the type of furniture in the room.

Leather chair covers can protect chairs and provide each chair with a longer lifespan. When a cover is worn out it can simply be replaced by another cover rather than purchasing an entirely new chair. The beauty of your chairs is determined by you with these covers and not your wallet. The ease of replacing a chair cover is part of the beauty. You do not have to hire movers, worry about where the furniture is going in the room or whether the chair is comfortable (as you already know what you have).

Keeping chairs beautiful is important to all of us. A feeling of accomplishment and sense of pride comes from someone commenting on how beautiful and elegant your chairs are. Instead of having last years popular design on your chairs you can upgrade easily and economically by using leather chair covers.

Source by Brantley Graham

For many people, retiring from work can be almost as life-altering as having children or getting married, and it can require just as much personal adjustment. After all, that last day of work means more than just a dramatic shift in your daily schedule; it also represents a significant change in your role. Retirement is a chance to redefine yourself, and these ten tips will help.

Keep Moving

Remember the image of a retiree sitting back in their rocking chairs and watching the world go by from the comfort of their front porch? While that might be how your grandfather spent his retirement, it’s not the life today’s seniors have in mind. These days, people in their 60s, 70s, 80’s and beyond are more active than ever. According to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits of getting regular exercise include everything from managing weight to controlling health conditions like Type II Diabetes. What’s more, getting regular exercise, especially with friends or a spouse, can build your endurance and dramatically improve your state of mind and energy level. Great activities to consider include walking, swimming, or even cross-country skiing.

Continue Learning

You know that old saying about learning something new every day? That still holds true, no matter what your age. Stretching your mind, whether through crossword puzzles, library books, or community education classes, is a great way to stay sharp well into the future. Set the goal of trying something new every day, week, or month and enjoy checking it off your list. Have you always wanted to make pottery on the wheel, learn French or practice watercolors? Now is the time to expand those skills. You’re free from the responsibilities of work and child-rearing, so you can focus on doing (and learning) exactly what you want. Some seniors even go back to school to finish their college degrees. To find out about classes near you, contact your local community center, college or university.

Share Your Wisdom

You’ve spent a lifetime accumulating great lessons and a valuable perspective, and retirement is the perfect time to share those gems with others. Young people, whether they’re neighborhood kids or your own children or grandchildren, can benefit from the lessons you’ve learned over the years. One great way to pass on your wisdom is to make a book of life lessons. You can cover a specific topic, like raising kids or managing your finances, or you can make it general. Recording these lessons also helps to keep them fresh in your mind.

Find a Support Group

Any time of great change can be bittersweet. While you may enjoy your new freedom, retirement can also bring a sense of loss. In addition to your changing role, you may be dealing with financial stress, aging, illness, and loss of loved ones. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Care.com, a site for seniors and their families, says that joining a support group can help seniors cope with challenging situations by sharing their feelings with others. A support group can even provide a social outlet if you’re feeling isolated.

Stay Social

Did you know that recent research indicates that seniors who have an extensive network of friends are healthier and longer-lived than those who simply have a close family? While family relationships are very important, they aren’t a substitute for having friends. You can make friends by attending classes and events at your local senior center, getting out in the community through a church or school, or by starting a weekly card game or book club. While they shouldn’t replace “real life” friendships, virtual friends can also be a great joy. Get active on social networking sites or start a blog to share your experiences with friends around the world.

Record Your Story

Sharing your life story can also be a great way to enjoy your retirement. Reviewing the events of your life allows you to reflect on all you’ve learned and experienced over the years. In addition, recording the your story and family history lets you share those important memories with those you love the most. You can record your life story in a variety of ways. It might be as simple as sitting down in your favorite chair with a tape recorder and just telling the tales you remember. Alternatively, you can write a memoir or hire a professional to do your Video Biography to share with your children, grandchildren, and their descendants. No matter what format you choose, you’ll be giving future generations a priceless gift.

Volunteer Your Skills

Volunteering is another important part of a healthy retirement. Whether you help out in the local elementary school or dish up food at a soup kitchen downtown, you’re giving the gift of your time. Mentoring others is an excellent way to make a difference in the world. Sites like ‘Micro Mentor’ can help you connect with new entrepreneurs who might benefit from your expertise. Perhaps you will even volunteer to teach a course at a community center. You can also speak to local hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches, and daycare centers about how you can help.

See the World

Now that you don’t have the set schedule that comes with work, every day is a vacation day. Make the most of all that time by doing the traveling you put off during the busier years. Whether you trek to the other side of the globe or the other side of town, this is a great time to see new places. Organizations like Seniors Home Exchange give you a chance to trade houses with others who might enjoy staying in your home. Another great option is Elder Treks which features exotic adventures for active people over age 50.

Take a Moment to Enjoy Life

You’re not rushing off to work in the morning to putting the kids to bed at night, so take a few minutes to just enjoy life. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee out on the patio or relaxing in front of a fire in the evening, one of the great joys of retirement is the slower pace and the chance to really appreciate all that you have. Keeping a journal can help you focus on those moments as you record them for the day. Another option is carrying a digital camera. You’ll be surprised at what might inspire a photograph, and in the moment it takes you to pull the camera out and turn it on, you can remember to stop and smell the roses you’re about to photograph.

Identify Activities You Love

Overwhelmed with all the options of activities you might enjoy? Let your life inspire you! What did you enjoy doing over the years? Perhaps you loved building model cars as a teenager. Maybe you enjoyed quilting with your mother. List as many favorite activities as you can, then sit back and analyze your list. What do those activities have in common? Perhaps they are all creative or adventure-oriented or social. These common threads can guide you toward the perfect new hobby or experience.

However you choose to spend your time, retirement is a major life change and your outlook will determine a great deal. Attitude is everything. Stay focused on the positive, continue to set goals, and explore. Keeping a good attitude is one the most important ways you can improve your quality of life.

Source by Susan Saunders

One of the renowned metropolitan cities in India, Mumbai welcomes all kinds of travelers throughout the year and therefore it is obvious that there is no dearth of hotels in Mumbai. While leisure tourists visit this ‘Maximum City’ with the purpose of sightseeing and meeting Bollywood stars, the city also welcomes distinguished guests which include state heads, bureaucrats, international cricketers and film celebrities. These people have so many important works and priorities lined up in their daily life and prefer to stay in five star hotels nearby airports while travelling. The article gives information about luxury hotels in Mumbai that are situated in proximity to Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport.

ITC Grand Maratha|

A property of the famous hotel chain ‘ITC Group’, ITC Grand Maratha is a five star hotel that can be accessed from Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport within 10 minutes. Taking cue from the art and culture of erstwhile Maratha dynasties, this luxury hotel presents an elegant assortment of accommodation, culinary and recreation options. The hotel offers accommodation in terms of 368 rooms that are spread across 6 floors and come equipped with state of the art amenities.These rooms are classified as ITC One, The Towers, Executive Club and Suites. The spa and wellness center offers a right blend of Indian and western therapeutic treatments.

Leela Kempinski

Just a five minute drive from Mumbai international airport, Leela Kempinski has been one of the popular addresses of airport hotels in Mumbai. Spanned across 11 acres of manicured gardens and cascading waterfalls, this five star hotel is a seamless fusion of traditional opulence and modern comfort. Classified in 7 different categories, the 400 rooms and suites of this hotel are well furnished with rich fabrics, elegant furniture and modern amenities. The dining outlets housed within this hotel cater to the varying tastes of the guests. The in-house ESPA offers various therapeutic treatments that aim at stabilizing the energy chakras, bringing inner peace, improving skin texture and revitalizing the body.

The Orchid

Recognized as Asia’s first certified ‘Ecotel’ hotel, The Orchid Mumbai is located at a distance of ½ kilometer from domestic airport which make it a perfect base for business travelers. This five star hotel has 372 well appointed rooms and suites ranging from 255 square feet to 900 square feet in terms of space. The most exotic and opulent among all is the presidential suite that offers complete stay with bedroom, living room and dining area. The hotel offers 5 multi-cuisine restaurants serving south Indian, grilled delicacies, Continental and Asian delicacies. There are 6 state of the art venues that can play host to confidential board meetings, cocktail parties and business lunch among others.

Sahara Star

One of the most sought after five star hotels in Mumbai, Sahara Star is located in the vicinity of Sahar airport. The hotel has 223 beautifully decorated rooms designed on the themes on the themes of 9 planets in the solar system. The most lavish Sahara suite is spanned across 3 floors and has an attached hemisphere glass elevator. The 9 specialty restaurants of Sahara Star serve a wide range of Indian and international cuisines along with some signature in-house recipes to tantalize your taste buds. The 8 state of the art venues including 2 banquet halls, 1 presidential suite and 5 meeting rooms can comfortably play host to high profile meetings, seminars, conferences and social get-togethers.

The above mentioned Mumbai airport hotels are by far the most preferred accommodation options for high-profile travelers. The strategic location of these five star hotels nearby domestic and international airport makes them feature in the preferred list of time bound travelers.

Source by Mike Budhani

Can you really build muscle using dynamic tension?

For those of you that are not familiar with the term “dynamic tension” it’s the name of the system of exercises that Charles Atlas gave to his course. It became very popular back in the 1920’s.

“Dynamic Tension” however, is not isometric exercises as we currently know them.

The idea behind this system of muscle building is to use your own body weight or resistance to pit one muscle versus the other. In some exercises, you tense a particular body part and then you move that body part as if you were performing an exercise with a dumbbell or resistance band. In other words, you want to move your body through the full motion of the exercise.

Dynamic tension utilizes some isometrics, isotonic and iso-kinetic exercises. The biggest benefit of dynamic tension according to some individuals is that it’s impossible to injure yourself while using this method. For some of the exercises you need two chairs to train with. This helps increase the resistance from just doing body-weight exercises.

This is a great muscle building technique and is part of every dynamic tension workout.

For example, in an exercise that Charles Atlas refers to as “dips” you place two chairs approximately shoulder-width apart and then you perform push-ups while dipping as low as possible between the two chairs. Once, you can easily perform this exercise – a third chair is brought into play – on which you place your feet. You would continue to perform push-ups in between the chairs just like regular push-ups.

However, let me reassure you, that they are much more difficult than regular push-ups and you get a great chest pump.

Another great exercise for building your triceps is the place two chairs approximate shoulder-width apart. You then place your palms on the edge of the chair and you do a triceps dip.

For building your back – you again use two chairs and place a broomstick or bar on the tops of the chair and then you perform a pull-up.

For building your shoulder muscles nothing beats doing handstand push-ups. In order to perform this exercise you need to get close to the wall and then push yourself upward so that your toes are resting against the wall. You then lower yourself until the top of your head reaches the ground and then you push back up.

Perform as many repetitions as possible. You can increase the difficulty by playing around with your hand placements. The wider apart your hands are the more difficult the exercise becomes.

This is a great exercise for building the shoulders and triceps and it was used by many of the old-time strongmen for building their upper body.

These are just a few examples of some of the best exercises for building muscle using dynamic tension.

Source by Robert Deangelo

In India trains are not only a mode to transport goods they are also incredibly beautiful way of exploring the unexplored lands on individual levelsAfter the British rule, the Indian trains were given luxurious look for those who enjoy travelling in majestic deportment. The luxury trains are the asset of India as they contribute about 20% in the total revenue of the Indian Railways.

India has five luxury trains that are famous for elegant and alluring interior, traditional Indian hospitality and exquisite dinning services. The trains were designed for providing elegant ride to the passengers coming from all over the world to explore India and its scenic beauty.

• Palace on Wheels: It is the oldest luxury train in India. It was first introduced in 1982 after having temporarily shut in 1947. The train is one of its kinds in the world. It offers 14 deluxe saloons that are equipped with 4 cabins providing facilities of bath and shower, attached toilet and leisure facilities like games for children, intercom and more. The interior of the saloons is decorated with cozy furniture, handicrafts and paintings. Beside 14 saloons, the Palace on Wheels also has two restaurants cum kitchen cars that offer traditional Indian, Rajasthani, Continental and Chinese cuisine. The Palace on Wheels covers nine destinations during its eight days trip. The famous destinations that are covered by the train include Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra.
• Deccan Odyssey: The train is the newbie in the list of luxury trains of India. It was launched in 2002 and is famous as Palace on Wheels of Maharashtra. The train has 13 fully air conditioned deluxe saloons, each with a combination of 4 twin bedded chamber. The salons are fully equipped with intercom, music channel and other leisure facilities. It offers special facilities to physically challenged people. Wheel chairs, creches and a special attendant are some of the facilities that are offered to them. Special attention has also been paid to the security of the passengers and their luggage. During the eight days trip on the Deccan Odyssey, the passengers are mesmerized by the beauty of the Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Bhatye Beach, Goa, Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta to Nasik respectively as train moves ahead in its journey.
• Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: The train was launched in 2009. It offers Super Deluxe Saloon- the Bravura Suite and Deluxe Saloon – the Extraordinary Suite to its passengers. The Bravura Suite has been crafted with fine silk and velvet bedspreads and draperies and the Extraordinary Suite has been thematically designed with matched color textures and schemes to augment their splendor. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels travel for eight days covering hot destinations of Jaipur, Khajuraho, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Varanasi, Chittorgarh and Agra. During the journey, the passengers are served lip-smacking meal at two famous restaurants on the train Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal. The Sheesh Mahal has been adorned with resplendent crystal pelmets and floor lamps, while the Swarn Mahal is themed around gold and brass. It has Spa and bar and lounge as well.
• Golden Chariot: The train was launched in 2008 for the tourists interested in exploring the Southern regions of India. The train is also famous as Pride of the South. The stay of the passengers is made comfortable at Golden Chariot by the eleven luxuriously furnished air-conditioned saloons with 4 sleeping chambers or cabins. The facilities like dining cars, one bar lounge, business centre, mini gymnasium & ayurvedic spa are also offered to the passengers. Small wardrobe, vanity desk, LCD Televisions and private washroom with high class facility are other features of the train that makes the stay of the passenger comfortable. It travels for eight days starting its journey from Bangalore to Mysore, Jain Monolith & Hosalya Temple Architecture, Hampi Temples & Vijayanagara Palace, Badami Caves & Pattadakal Temples, Goa and then back to Bangalore.
• Fairy Queen: The train holds a Guinness World Record for having single locomotive. Built in 1855 it offer just one AC chair car coach, which can accommodate a maximum of 50 tourists. For the privileged passengers it has also attached pantry car. Fairy Queen takes its passengers to a mesmerizing ride for two days trip. The journey begins from the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and takes one to the majestic land of Rajasthan.

Travelling could be both good and a bad experience. But, having a ticket of any of the luxury trains of India could add enjoyment to your travelling. After all, travelling in luxury trains is all about safe and healthy travelling.

Source by Sachdeva Geetika

Leather is broadly utilized as a part of a variety of various items. Book covers, a wide range of handbag, wallet, garments, upholstery material, shoes, belts, and even wallpapers are famous items in which leather is utilized all around the globe. The strength and adaptability of leather makes it a superb contrasting option to other covering materials. The nature of leather to keep cool in summer and warm as winter makes it the best upholstery material.

Leather originates from a wide range of sources. Some are self-evident, for example, steers, sheep and pigs, and some not all that self-evident, for example, stingrays and ostriches. Contingent upon the sort of use and wear and tear demand of the furniture, the kind of leather is picked. Seats, couch sets, chairs, stools, bean sack, auto seats, and pads are items that utilization leather upholstery. Be that as it may, the accompanying are regularly utilized sorts of leather items in furniture upholstery. Nonetheless, it is the means by which cowhide is handled that figures out which of three principle classifications it falls into: aniline, semi-aniline, and protected or pigmented leather.

Aniline Leather:

Aniline leather is very prized for the way it looks. It is the most common looking kind of leather and holds special surface attributes like pores scars. Aniline cowhide is colored by inundating the cover up in a straightforward color shower, yet the look of the surface is held on the grounds that it isn’t covered with any extra polymers or shades. Just the absolute best covers up, around 5 percent or somewhere in the vicinity, are utilized for aniline cowhide since every single surface stamp stay unmistakable. This is likewise the reason it is usually introduced to as “exposed leather.”

Advantage: Aniline leather is agreeable and delicate to the touch. Since it holds all the special markings and qualities of the shroud, each piece is not quite the same as some other one.

Disadvantage: Since it isn’t ensured, aniline calfskin can be recolored effortlessly. It isn’t suggested for use in furniture for youthful families or in high rush hour gridlock regions thus.

Semi-aniline Leather:

Semi-aniline leather is only somewhat harder than aniline leather since its surface has been treated with a light coat that contains some color, which makes it more soil-and stain-safe. That makes the impact of coloring somewhat unique on the grounds that even the scarcest piece of progress in the process makes an alternate result.

Advantage: While it holds the uniqueness of aniline leather, semi-aniline leather has more predictable shading and is more impervious to stains. It can confront harder conditions and isn’t harmed as effectively. Pieces upholstered in semi-aniline calfskin may likewise be somewhat more affordable.

Disadvantage: The markings are not as clear and thusly the piece does not have the one of a kind interest that aniline cowhide does. In the event that you are a fanatic of the more regular looking aniline leather, at that point this isn’t for you.

Protected or Pigmented Leather:

Pigmented leather is the most stable type of leather, and hence, it is the most generally utilized leather in assembling furniture and auto upholstery. Protected leather has a polymer surface covering containing shades, making this the hardest of these three sorts.

Preserved leather has varieties in the surface covering, yet by including it as a major aspect of the procedure the producer has more control over the properties of the calfskin. The covering likewise adds more protection from scraping or blurring.

Advantage: Protected or pigmented leather is anything but difficult to keep up and faces diverse conditions and employments. There are diverse levels of assurance, and you ought to have the capacity to discover a sort that fits your requirements best.

Disadvantage: This kind of leather does not have the uniqueness of aniline leather and looks less common. It can be difficult to disclose to one sort of grain separated from the other in light of the fact that the surface is covered and embellished.

Source by Jay Malviya

What is an outdoor living area? The easy answer is simple and very broad: it can be whatever the owner wants it to be, providing of course that it is outside and that a good deal of time is spent living in it. What are your wants and needs? How do you like to spend your time out-of-doors? These are the questions that will help develop your definition of an outdoor living area. For these reasons, my definition of an outdoor living area includes the following features:

• a furnished patio, dining area and kitchen.
• an activity area including a swimming pool and lounge area.
• a well designed landscape and garden area to add ambiance.

First and foremost, the key elements of an outdoor living area, like the inside of the home, include a kitchen, a dining area and a patio sitting area. When weather permits our family likes to cook, eat, relax and entertain outside; my wife and I like to have our friends over; our three teenage children like to have their friends over. Cooking, then, is important and takes place at all hours from morning until midnight. A good barbecue forms the center piece of any outdoor kitchen but an extra burner or two in some form also make life easier for the cook. An ample work surface with a chopping block or cutting board can further increase the cook’s pleasure time outside. Access to water, whether it be full outdoor plumbing or simply a hose hook-up or water dispenser, is yet another necessity. One more important feature is a means of keeping food and beverages cool and handy, either in a fridge or cooler on ice. An added bonus for me is a sit up counter area where friends can watch and keep me company while I cook. All of these features should be arranged to form an efficient working triangle just as they are indoors. Next, the kitchen should have easy access to the dining area. A dining table with seating to accommodate groups larger than just immediate family is a wise move if space permits. Once again, a bonus here would be outdoor storage space to hold patio dishes, flatware and linen. A chest or garden hutch could easily be adapted to fit this purpose. Finally an area to sit, relax, read, converse and even watch TV if possible is a lovely addition to any outdoor living area. Comfortable chairs, couches, side tables, a glider or porch swing and even a daybed can make this area cozy and inviting. Patio furniture can be purchased in a wide range of styles and materials to meet anyone’s taste and preference; my bias leans to cedar patio furniture.The goal here, ultimately, is to make the outdoor living area mirror the comfort and design of the indoors.

In addition to eating, relaxing and entertaining outside, we also like to be active; thus my outdoor living area also includes a swimming pool and space for other activities. Pools come in three basic styles: in ground, on ground and above ground. In ground pools are by far the most expensive option but they also offer the greatest range of use and the best aesthetics. The pool is best placed where it can receive maximum sun, an aspect not so necessary in hotter climes perhaps but certainly so further north where summers are a bit shorter and less intense. Ample decking all around the pool is necessary for good traffic flow and for ease of cleaning and maintaining. I recommend two distinct patio areas be included in the pool deck design. One is an open area where lounge chairs or adirondacks can be placed for sun worshipers. The other should offer an escape from the sun in the form of a covered bar/sitting area or some form of pagoda or tiki hut. As a rule, people will stay by the pool longer if they can get out of the sun for a bit without deserting the entire area. A hot-tub spa or a sauna would be a pleasant addition as well, if for no other reason because they add a year-round drawing card to the patio. Additionally, if space allows I would set aside a relatively long but not needfully wide area for playing catch with a baseball or football, for shooting pucks or practising soccer kicks, or for pitching horseshoes, bocce, lawn bowling, whatever. Most yards can accommodate all, or at least some of these features to some degree; downsizing is preferable to omitting. The more options available, the more enjoyment can be taken.

Finally, atmosphere and ambiance are vital to any outdoor living area; these elements can be created with a well designed garden and complimentary landscaping. The goal here is to set the mood for whatever activities occur, be they pool parties, dinner parties, afternoon barbecues or quiet family time. The greatest compliment is to have guests comment that they feel as if they are visiting a resort. Having a clear theme in mind when designing the landscape and garden is well advised. Some common themes include tropical paradise, desert oasis, north woods retreat, English country garden, Symmetrical Zen inspiration or an eclectic mix of garden features drawn from several themes. I prefer the tropical theme but with a few elements drawn from the others for effect. Medium sized trees and shrubs such as Japanese maples, tiger eye sumacs, magnolias, dogwoods and smoke bushes provide a very lush, multi-coloured backdrop for any setting; tall ornamental grasses can create an effective privacy screen and mimic a kind of bamboo forest look. The odd succulent adds a desert quality; yuccas, for example will grow anywhere. Honey suckle, trumpet vine, climbing roses, bougainvillea (in hotter climates) or simple ivy can be grown on a fence, or other garden feature such as a trellis, arbor or pagoda. If space permits, add a garden bench or swing along a pathway. Next, I am also a big fan of natural stone and rock. River rock makes an excellent border around the pool deck and patio and can be laid out to suggest a rock beach or dry river bed. A grotto appeal can be added by stacking quarry stone slabs to establish a variety of raised garden beds around the pool or patio. Larger rocks and boulders are always eye-catching additions. Whatever style is chosen, there are a few factors to keep in mind: the amount of space available (do not overcrowd the space – remember: less is more), the position and movement of the sun, average rainfall and ease of irrigation if necessary, and of course, the cost.

In conclusion, my definition of an outdoor living area is simply that – my definition. It reflects my personality and my taste. It fulfills the wants and needs of my family and how we want to spend our time out of doors. You may wish to set aside space to accommodate a fire pit area or an ice rink in the winter. Make your outdoor living area what you want it to be. I only hope my views have provided a starting point.

Source by Kenneth J Watson