BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP JUNE 23 – JUNE 29, 2017 19
Add living space to your home
with an easy patio makeover
Everyone looks forward to a shi
into summer mode, with its sunsoaked
days, lower-scented
breezes and velvety nights under the
stars.
Now's the time to take advantage
of a golden opportunity right outside
your door. Celebrate summer and all
it o ers by recreating your outdoor
space. Whether it's a balcony, a patio
or a deck, a few touches are all you
need to turn it into a highly functional
living space.
When done right, a patio makeover
is like a boost to your home's square
footage of living space without straining
your wallet. Think of the patio as
a summer room, and the possibilities
really open up.
One approach to making your
summer room perfect is to start by
thinking of your needs and what you
love to do. If you could add any room to
your home, what would it be, and what
would you use it for? Then, turn to a
resource like Big Lots, which o ers
everything you need to build that
summer room, while keeping you
within budget.
YOUR SUMMER
LIVING ROOM
Transform any outdoor space into
a relaxing oasis that's perfect for
unwinding and summer daydreams.
Your key piece is a comfortable outdoor
couch you can really sink into.
It's always best to start with a neutral
colored cushion, then work the
accessories and accent pieces, including
side tables, brightly colored throw
pillows and outdoor lanterns to make
the space feel extra homey and just like
an authentic living room. These decor
pieces can be easily and a ordably
switched out year-over-year to make
your outdoor space feel fresh and new.
With an easy assembly gazebo, you
can also keep the space cool and comfortable
in the heat of the day.
Finally, if your patio faces an open
or public area, a row of evergreens
planted in large colorful pots will
transform it into an intimate space
with a perfect touch of nature.
AT HOME
Think of your patio space as an extension of your home, and the possibilities really start opening
up. Big Lots can help you nd everything you need to create your outdoor summer room
YOUR SUMMER
PARTY ROOM
With the right pieces, you can set
the scene for any gathering of friends
and family. Start with ample seating.
Add to the traditional living room setup
with an outdoor cushioned bench,
and position some accent chairs and
tables in a nook or two for conversation
clusters. A patterned outdoor
rug also helps to delineate spaces on a
large patio or deck.
A fi re pit always creates a natural
centerpiece and gathering spot. Some
designs take this up a notch and incorporate
the so glow of fi re right into
a tabletop, making it easy to talk long
into the summer night. As a fi nishing
touch, be sure to have a wireless
speaker and playlist ready to set the
mood with music.
YOUR SUMMER KITCHEN
The downside of summer living
is building up unwanted heat in the
kitchen from cooking dinner. The best
solution is to take it outside. Don't limit
the grill to weekends and burgers and
brats. Explore the many grilling
recipes out there to expand your repertoire.
While you're doing this, set
up your patio as an outdoor cooking
station that's ready to go whenever
you're ready to start cooking.
Set up a sturdy table for prepping
veggies and meats and a selection of
lightweight, outdoor serving dishes.
The variety of colors and designs are
endless and add to the space aesthetic.
(Just as you would indoors, make sure
the surface is clean before you get
started.) Use colorful crates to keep
grilling tools, potholders and outdoor
dishes and glassware organized and
handy.
Finally, pick up some bright-colored
pots that match your decor style and
plant rosemary, parsley, basil and
other herbs so they're within easy
reach to add fresh lavors to your
grilled fi sh and chicken, as well as
those tasty summer veggies. These
potted plants also make for beautiful,
easy centerpieces.
BPT
YOUR SUMMER
DINING ROOM
Dining outside is a fun and relaxing
way to enjoy food as well as the company
of your family and friends. When
you choose a patio table, choose one
with ample seating, and keep things
comfortable and colorful with waterproof
cushions.
Umbrellas can throw shade on a
sun-drenched deck or patio, making
daytime dining (or your morning
co ee time) more pleasant and easy
on the eyes. If you're looking for
something different, a patio umbrella
outfi tted with lights on the
underside will let you linger over
dinner longer.
Creating beautiful outdoor spaces
can be easy, but it also doesn't have to
break the budget. Big Lots has a wide
variety of a ordable patio furniture
and décor so you can create an outdoor
scene with indoor style. Visit
BigLots.com or a store near you for
all your patio and outdoor accessory
needs. (BPT)
without straining your wallet.