Making the most of your outdoor living space

By Christine Brun

It isn't fair that most of the nation has been freezing. It's been a hard year weather-wise, and it could be therapeutic to focus on warmer times.

Even though you're cold right now, that doesn't mean you cannot plan ahead. Dreaming is an often a healthy pastime.

No matter how tiny your outdoor space, there are many ways to enjoy it. Let's start with those who just have a balcony.

Entertain ideas of purchasing a handsome outdoor area rug to cover unsightly an unmatched material. Look for a color that blends with your flooring to extend the feeling of your interior.

There are wood floors made for outdoor spaces that lock together. One of my favorite materials is something called Bolon from Sweden. Made substantially from recycled materials, the woven floorings are glued directly to cement or another level material. Designs are sophisticated and absolutely gorgeous. They look and feel like a vinyl wall covering and are perfect for a modern, urban look.

A confined courtyard or front porch can be coaxed into a design feature.

This photo shows the front entrance to a walled-in hillside home and the narrow space is perfumed with blooming sweet broom. The water feature is custom, but there are thousands of wall fountains available online. All you need is an outdoor duplex outlet and a quality outdoor cord.

Note that it is advisable to avoid resin materials. Yes, they look just like concrete fountains, but you can be sure they will not last in strong sunlight and the elements. It is also difficult to imagine how the water will pour from a photograph. In my opinion, it is best to visit fountains in person at your local nursery or home improvement store.

Sometimes retailers who sell pottery also carry outdoor fountains. Know, too, that you can add low-voltage lights that sit in the water. Nothing is as lovely as the sound of water and the dancing soft light. You will feel that you have all the space necessary for a tranquil retreat.

Speaking of lights, look for ways to add dimension to your porch or small yard with lighting. You might be able to string globe lights in the same manner that the Italian piazzas use. Simple clear Christmas lights hung on fence material or wound through trees and bushes work well.

Timers can control accent lights and save on energy costs. Even the smallest yard can benefit from lights positioned at the base of trees or arbors.

Consider battery operated candles or lanterns. They are quite lifelike and worth the extra expense.

You can create lush arrangements from succulents to blooming flowers in a container garden. Porches and decks are softened when adorned by plants. Be aware of the type of containers you select. It is best to stick with one color.

Choose your color carefully and in a way that supports your exterior color scheme. I have a black roof and fascia board, so I have all black plant containers. They are different sizes and shapes, but all are dark.

Just because you are dealing with an outdoor space, the rules of order and compatibility of materials don't disappear. Visual confusion is important, so be disciplined and get rid of anything outside that is broken.

Remember that you can spray paint shabby patio furniture, and maybe you will be successful searching for gently used furniture on the resale market.

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

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