AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
The perfect patio setup for some people is two chairs, a table and maybe a plant. If done well, this arrangement can look clean, classic and simple.
But simple patios and decks are becoming far less common. Outdoor “rooms” that rival our interior spaces are more than in vogue — they can even increase the value of your property.
Until recently, my patio suffered from neglect. Last month, I began building upon my collection of hard-to-kill cactus and succulents and considering new patio furniture.
Because our patio is so small, about 8 feet by 8 feet, I’m not in the market for an outdoor living room. What I have in mind is a nice conversation area. I dream of matching four teak Adirondack chairs (see my favorite type in Object of Desire, below) around a ceramic fire bowl or similar apparatus for controlled urban “bonfires.”
Unfortunately, because of a hasty pre-Kentucky Derby party, plastic-chair-buying frenzy, my Westport-inspired conversation area might be further off than I’d hoped. Five sand-colored plastic lawn chairs and a matching side table later and suddenly, my husband thinks our patio is done. Apparently, I failed to warn him that this collection of chairs was merely a party expense and would be used only for outdoor celebrations involving more than four guests.
Until I can change Mark’s mind, or he gets amnesia, it’s back to my trusty can of spray paint. If I’m stuck with plastic chairs, the boring sand color has to go. I’m thinking lime green or bright red for a funky, modern look.
As for the rest of you, there are so many amazing choices out there and in all price ranges. As always, keep a few things in mind when you go shopping.
Remember that the goals here are to connect with nature, extend the living space and ultimately, to offer another area for relaxation, so stick with durable, low-maintenance materials. The best choices are aluminum (it’s rustproof), all-weather faux resin or vinyl wicker, weather-resistant fabrics (look for polyester) and my favorite, teak.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories outside just as you would use them inside. By adding throw pillows and curtains — remember those weather-resistant fabrics — hurricane lamps or metal lanterns, metal or wooden screens, stone or metal sculptures, you can transform any patio or deck into an extension of the house. This is another way to express yourself.
For those lacking in the creativity department, look at magazines and books for inspiration. Try “Ultimate Backyard: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living,” by Michelle Kodis (Gibbs Smith, $39.95). Gorgeous backyards and patios in all sizes and for all budgets from all over the country are highlighted in 250 color photos. Pay particular attention to page 100, an Austin home with several outdoor spaces, created with the Texas heat in mind.
If, like me, you must wait to indulge in the fab furniture you crave, draw the focus of your backyard, patio or deck to nature. Next to paint, plants are just about the most inexpensive way to decorate. Given my murderous streak, I turned to an expert, Jon Hutson at Floribunda (2041 S. Lamar Blvd. 441-6145). You might have seen the company’s grass furniture, but it also offers a large selection of plants, flowers and other garden accessories.
“If you are a sunny, lazy gardener, herbs would be perfect,” Hutson says. “Then cacti and succulents, too. They don’t require too much attention.” As far as herbs, Hutson recommends certain lavenders, curry plants (not to be confused with actual curry, but it smells similar and is edible) and rosemary.
I took his advice and planted fragrant Goodwin Creek Gray Lavender in my flower bed (I can’t wait to make dried lavender sachets) and Blue Sedge in an empty terra cotta pot. For the record, the former resident of the pot was not a victim of mine, but of the last frost. If the lavender dies, I’m creating a rock garden.
Last year, I added two tiki torches and a concrete, shell design birdbath to our backyard. A small, concrete statue of St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals and the environment) came with us from our last place. The bath draws various birds, especially my favorite mourning doves (I love to listen to them coo). It was worth every penny of the $20 I paid for it at Garden Ridge.
As with any area of the house that you choose to decorate, your outdoor space should reflect your style and the way you want to feel when you are in it. Each morning before making a batch of espresso, I open the back door so I can hear the birds sing and splash while I fill the machine.
Interestingly, when I’m sipping that first coffee of the day and enjoying the cooing birds on my patio, the last thing on my mind is shopping for outdoor furniture — or anything else.
mspencer@statesman.com; 912-2519
