Summer has arrived and if you're like most people, you're itching to do some kind of home improvement project. But with the weather so nice outside, who wants to stay cooped up in the house working on a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Make this the year you join the growing number of Americans who are expanding their living space by bringing the indoors out. "Creating an outdoor room is a great way to expand your home's living space without the cost of an addition," says Larry Bedosky, director of marketing for Durasol Awnings and an expert on outdoor design. "Today's consumers are no longer satisfied with a set of aluminum patio furniture and a potted plant or two on their decks or patios. Homeowners are demanding outdoor design elements that really echo the personality of their home."
Among the qualities they are looking for, a space that takes the 4-Fs (function, furnishings, flooring and flexibility) into consideration.
Function - How will you use your outdoor room? Do you plan to entertain large groups outside? Or are you looking for a private oasis where you can have quiet time for yourself and your family while providing protection from the sun's harmful rays? Will you be cooking or serving food outdoors?
Furnishings - Choose outdoor furnishings that will complement what's inside your home. If your taste indoors runs to casual, consider some simple wood furniture with durable, comfy cushions. Wicker can complement a country theme. For more formal effect, consider wrought iron.
Flooring - The amount of traffic your outdoor room will get, as well as your budget, will help determine your flooring. Will your baby be crawling in your outdoor room? Try a durable outdoor carpet. Will still-damp (but hopefully not dripping) swimmers be walking through your outdoor room? You may want to consider something waterproof like tile or natural stone.
Flexibility - Will your outdoor room get enough sun or shade during the day to suit your taste? A motorized retractable awning, like those offered by Durasol Awnings can offer shade and a true open-air ambiance, while protecting your high-end outdoor room furnishings and décor.
Durasol Retractable Awnings are available in more than 200 fabric colors and patterns, and up to 10 complementary hardware finishes. They can be motorized and equipped with remote controls or even sensors that automatically retract or open the awning depending upon sun or wind conditions.
"Retractable awnings are a great fit for the trend towards high-end designer outdoor rooms, while reducing your cooling costs" says Bedosky. "They are the perfect marriage of elegance and function that embodies today's outdoor rooms."
To learn more about how a retractable awning can enhance your outdoor room, visit www.durasol.com.
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