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Con Artist Prevention Tips
The con artist's philosophy is "the gullible were put on this earth to be gulled." In the past, con artists were usually referred to as con men. This is no longer the case as more and more women have become involved in con games and numerous...
Home Equity – Don’t Spend It On Risky Investments
The housing market has exploded in the last five years, and homeowners are finding that the equity in their homes is greater than it has ever been. The equity in a home is the difference between the market value of the home and the amount still owed...
Home Improvement: Loans to Build Your Very Own Comfort Zone
Home is your sanctuary. The place you go back to every night and somehow it doesn’t seem right. Your home is an expression of who you are and if you walk out each of a place that you does not seem to belong to you then probably your home needs...
Sprucing Up Your Yard And Garden To Sell
If you are thinking of selling your home, the best way to raise the value of your property is to fix the place up! Whether it be new landscaping, a new front door, remodeling the kitchen or bathroom, or building a fence, every dollar that you put...
Winterizing A Vacation Home
Unlike winterizing your main home, winterizing a vacation or summer home effectively means closing down the home for the winter. However, winterizing a vacation home or summer home really only involves a few basic tasks that can be completed in...
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Patio Design And Patio Furniture - The Use Of Focal Points
A focal point is an important design element; it is a place where the eye naturally comes to rest. In a well-designed patio there is always a planned focal point, such as a large dining set, perhaps with a well-selected umbrella. But a patio’s focal point could also be another interesting object or a landscape feature.
Examples of landscape features that can serve as a patio’s focal point are an interesting pathway leading from the patio to an area beyond, a flower garden, a mature tree, or a dramatic view of the back lawn.
However, patio furniture is often used as a focal point. An outdoor dining table and chairs is often a natural focal point because of its size. If you intend to have a large outdoor dining set, there are several things to keep in mind.
Be conscious of the style of the table and chairs and if you have other patio furniture, try to keep styles consistent. If you have a very rustic patio, then a contemporary table and chairs may not go well together. It is always a good idea to have only one decor style.
Select the colors of the furniture and cushions with care. Visualize the furniture in the location where they will be used. The colors should be similar or complimentary to the surrounding area.
An umbrella is a good addition if it is appropriate. An umbrella in an area already covered may look odd. However, umbrellas usually work well in screened-in areas that are still exposed to direct sunlight. If you buy an umbrella separately from the table and chairs, make very sure the colors and patterns go well with each other as well as their surroundings.
A pair of chaise lounges with an umbrella could also be an interesting focal point. The umbrella would have its own stand. Of course, the cushions on the chaise lounges and the material of the umbrella would have to either match or be complimentary
with each other.
A statue, fountain, or other ornament can be used as a focal point. However several things should be kept in mind. If using a statue, the statue and its size must be in keeping with its surroundings, the style of the house, and the decor of the patio. A large statue of the god Jupiter would probably not look well on a patio with, for example, western decor. But a statue of Venus in a traditional English garden setting would be a pleasing addition. A graceful statue would bring an air of serenity.
Size is important as you would not want to overpower the surrounding garden features with a statue that is too large. One of the most agreeable placements for a nicely sized statue within a garden setting is placement by a wall, such as a red brick wall, especially where there are plants, including climbing plants. Never place a statue in isolation, but in an area where it can become part of its surroundings.
These are but a few examples of possible focal points in a patio or garden setting. There are many other possibilities. The important thing is to include the focal point naturally within the patio or garden environment so that it blends in and be in harmony with its surroundings.
About the Author: Sebastian Van Deyck is a successful writer and a noted authority that writes for http://www.better-patio-furniture.com, providing practical insight and moneysaving tips. Also visit their Glossary of Home Improvement, Construction, & Landscaping at http://www.better-patio-furniture.com/glossary/index.htm.
Source: www.isnare.com
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