Extend Your Summer: Outdoor Living for Your Home

Extend Your Summer: Outdoor Living for Your Home

September 29, 2017 – There’s a lot to love about autumn—the end of hot and humid summer days, beautiful orange foliage, and the prime time for apple picking and trips to the pumpkin patch. While the weather may be cooling off, the conclusion of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of spending time outdoors. There are many things to do to stay warm and cozy, even as the temperatures drop. We’ve put together this list of 6 things you can incorporate into your outdoor living space to ensure you can enjoy your porch, patio, and yard long into fall. Check it out:


Firepit
While people often associate firepits with summertime s’mores, the truth is they can—and should—be put to use long into fall. With the summer heat officially behind us, now is the perfect time to make the most of your time outdoors. Swap out the comfort of your kitchen for a meal cooked—and enjoyed—by the fire. Yes, now’s the time to relive the summer camp glory days of your youth. Don’t forget banana boats and tonka toasters! Need some meal inspiration? Check out Country Living’s list of 28 Easy Campfire Recipes That Are Finger-Licking Good.


Cushions and Throws
Outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be cold and uncomfortable. Warm up your outdoor living space with an assortment of pillows and throws. If you’re planning on keeping your pillows outdoors even when they’re not in use, we recommend that you purchase the variety specifically made for outdoor usage. These tend to be water-repellant, and more resistant to moisture, fading, and stains. As far as blankets go, you can’t go wrong with wool. Wool is a great insulator, repels moisture, and resists soiling. However, if you don’t already have a wool blanket, there’s no need to go out and buy one. Any cuddle-worthy blanket will do!


Fall is the perfect time to purchase outdoor furniture accessories, as this is when these items tend to go on sale. Check out TargetPottery Barn, and Wayfair for a great selection of outdoor pillow options!


Fall Decorations
If you’re anything like us, you’ll agree that fall is one of the prettiest times of the year. Extend the beauty of autumn at your house with fall decorations. Add a touch of life to your outdoor space with mums, pansies, or tall grasses. If flowers aren’t really your thing, you can incorporate pumpkins, hay bales, or fall garland into your space.


Heated Floors
While heated floors are becoming increasingly popular for interior rooms, few people know that there are also flooring systems that can be used to warm up patios and decks. Incorporating heated surfaces to your outdoor living spaces can extend beyond the benefit of keeping your toes warm. They can also melt snow and ice!


Heat or Patio Lamps
Popular in the restaurant scene, outdoor patio lamps also make a great addition to any home. Tall and compact, patio lamps are a space-efficient option for keeping your outdoor spaces warm. Most heaters are fueled by propane and can heat up an area up to 25 square feet. In general, outdoor heat lamps cost anywhere from $100–200. In our opinion, they’re worth every penny.


Outdoor Rugs
While an indoor/outdoor rug is not going to provide the same amount of warmth as a fire pit or patio heater, it does help make a patio or deck cozier. There are many options for outdoor rugs, at a wide variety of price points. You can buy a rug specifically made for outdoor usage or you could opt for a carpet remnant as a more cost-efficient option. Both of our Randy’s flooring locations have a full selection of carpet remnants with various textures, colors, piles, that would work well in an outdoor living space. Visit us in Cedar Rapids or Coralville so we can help you find the perfect option for your space!