The Inspired Intermedia digital book collection
Issue link: https://inspired.uberflip.com/i/1346609
307 Outdoor Living Outdoor living spaces offer a unique opportunity. They bring together the best of two worlds, where Mother Nature mingles with everyday activities. While it's normal to see families playing sports, relaxing, or dining al f resco, it's less common to see people reading, cooking, and entertaining through the seasons—these are typically conducted indoors. But they don't have to be. When crafting an outdoor living area, it's important to plan for a wide range of potential activities, but I don't focus solely on the most common outdoor fun. To maximize spaces for near-year-round use, light and temperature con- trol is imperative, and often requires creativity. In any design we are looking for ways to naturally cool or warm the area, which means manipulating the sunlight. I often utilize umbrellas in all shapes and sizes, whether operating f rom a center pole at a dining table or cantilevered over a row of lounge chairs, while fans or heaters help with temperature control. What I love most about designing these spaces is that nature can be used as the backdrop. For me, it provides inspiration for design, color, and form, so outdoor spaces can overflow with artistry. If strategically designed and well landscaped, an outdoor environment can provide seasonal color that creates an ever-changing canvas. Creating separate "rooms" is a fun way to look at defining the space for multiple uses. These "rooms" can be achieved with the use of elements including level changes, f ree-standing structures, water features, fireplaces, and gardens—the options are nearly limitless. So the next time you're on a beautiful patio or well-designed courtyard, take it all in, and appreciate the uniqueness of outdoor spaces. Cheers! Judy Pickett Design Lines Signature Raleigh, NC see page 385 Lori Carroll & Associates, Tucson, AZ, page 389 LGB Interiors, Columbia, SC, page 389 Celaya / Soloway Interiors, Tucson, AZ, page 384