2013 Resolutions for Outdoor Living

We all make lists for the coming year… but how many of these to-do’s actually come to fruition?  Here’s a compilation of ideas that you can fit into your busy life that will make 2013 your best year (so far) in your outdoor living space.

January-Share your hearth.It’s the coldest month in Houston, so enjoy your outdoor fireplace as much as possible!  Be sure that your cozy space has all the essentials for ultimate at-home relaxation. Entertain family and friends with welcoming seating, complete with comfy cushions and throws, while you bask in the warmth of your outdoor hearth.  And don’t forget the marshmallows!

February-Plan ahead for spring.

Start planning any outdoor living projects to be completed in the spring.  Remember that upgrading your outdoor space is a process that takes at least a few weeks.  TCP can help with any ideas you have for improvement-from an outdoor fireplace and built-in seating, to a new outdoor kitchen, to an entire room addition or sunroom.

March-Clean now to entertain later.

One of the prettiest months in Houston is the perfect time to clean up your outdoor kitchen.  Get ready for the grilling months ahead by cleaning up the appliances, washing the tiles, and adding a fresh coat of paint.  Then stock your outdoor fridge with the essentials so you’re always prepared for guests.

April-Protect your party from spring showers.There’s nothing like a fresh spring rain… unless you’re trying to entertain outdoors!  A freestanding patio cover will keep your guests protected in any weather, while still enjoying your outdoor kitchen and entertainment center.  Plus, your patio cover will withstand the Houston heat to keep you comfortable in the coming summer months.

May-Embellish your protection.

Once your patio cover is built, it’s time to decorate and get ready for the summer.  Consider installing outdoor lighting, and definitely invest in some high quality outdoor furniture.

June-Add shady spots.

Summer’s extended daylight hours means you’ll be spending more time outdoors.  Get the most out of your outdoor space with a shaded arbor.  Also known as a pergola, this modified roofing structure adds shade and aesthetic appeal.  This will be your favorite part of the backyard-plus, it can even increase your home’s property value.

July-Cool off your kitchen.

During Houston’s warmest month, keep your regular kitchen cool.  TCP can customize an outdoor kitchen to handle all your backyard feasts, complete with popular options including a built-in gas grill and sideburner, sinks, and fridge.  Accoutrements like a pizza oven, an ice maker, and a wine chiller round out your dream cook space.  Your unused indoor kitchen will be jealous!

August-Bug off!

You love your backyard, but the summer months bring swarms of bugs that can make it unpleasant to stay out for very long.  The solution: a screened porch.  Block pesky mosquitoes and harmful sunrays at the same time to make entertaining that much better.

September-Chill out!

Thinking “back-to-school?”  Think cooler temps ahead!  Will you be ready to keep your guests comfortable during your winter parties?  Yes, you will if you use this time to plan the installation of your outdoor fireplace.  Winter might seem like a long way off, but your cozy living space takes time to design and construct, so don’t delay!

October-Tailgate in style.

Are you ready for some football?  Gear up your outdoor living room as the ultimate Fan Zone.  Bring in TCP to get your outdoor space fully wired for surround sound and TV.  Be sure you have enough game-watching chairs.  If not, consider having us install built-in seating.  Add personalized finishing touches, like special team memorabilia or coordinating upholstery in your team’s colors, to further enhance your entertaining space.

November-Ship-shape for Turkey Day.

Once you’ve got your outdoor room set up for game-day entertaining, preparing for your Thanksgiving guests is a snap!  The unofficial start of “the holiday season” is the perfect excuse to wrap up those unfinished projects you started planning in February.

December-Deck the halls.

Deck your deck for holiday festivities.  If you chose decorative railings for your project, adorn them with lights or tinsel.  And don’t forget the outdoor fireplace - hang stockings on the mantel, or place candles and ivy on top.

 

In Photos: Best of 2012

Thanks to all of our great customers, we had a great 2012!  Here are a few of our favorite patio photos from around our service area.

Click on each photo to view it on Flickr.

Houston, Memorial

Katy

Missouri City, Sienna Plantation

Memorial City, Sienna Plantation

Houston, Memorial

 

Houston, Royal Oaks

Richmond

Landscaping for Your New Home: Where to Start?

After buying a new home and decorating the inside to suit your personal taste, it’s time to set your sights on the outside of the home and its curb appeal. If you’re planning to sell the home in the future, the landscaping should be appealing for the next buyer. Performing landscaping chores should be done to improve the home’s current value.

Resale value is not the only deciding factor in choosing to update the old landscaping and clear out the dead plants and shrubs.  Working outdoors is a relaxing hobby, and an easy one for the whole family to enjoy. And, a well-manicured lawn provides the perfect backdrop to a patio or porch.

Testing the soil

The first step is to determine what kind of soil is in the yard. Any landscaping from trees and shrubs to grass and flowers starts with good soil. It is the foundation of a beautiful yard. A healthy yard needs nutrients, but without testing the soil it can be difficult to know what the dirt is lacking. Soil testers can be bought that allow homeowners to see what was missing. The homeowner can then make adjustments to their fertilization plans based on the missing components.

Brown patches and missing grass

The grass covers the majority of most yards. If it is not healthy, that can undermine the look of the property. The brown spots or holes in the lawn may have been from the previous owner’s pet or bad landscape maintenance. Patches of missing grass and large brown spots are easily fixed. Brown grass should be dug up, and then you can aerate the soil and sprinkle new, grass seed into the spot. After the initial watering, keep an eye on the growing grass and water when needed.

Dead foliage

Inspect the landscape for old, dead and dying plants, shrubs and trees. Trim back overgrown areas. They just look messy and detract from the beauty of the yard. Remove the dead or dying plants and plant new ones. The plants you use to replace the old ones depends on the location itself. The amount of sunlight and the soil needs to be considered before planting. A plant that needs full sunlight throughout the day should not be planted in the shade.

It will take some time to get the landscaping in pristine condition, but the work can be relaxing and once finished, it will be extremely rewarding to see the nurturing you performed on the plants come to life.

Author Bio

Melisa Cammack has been freelance writing for several years. She loves writing for home improvement and parenting blogs. She and her husband recently had a brand new aluminium fence installed on their home property by Fencemakers, and it gave Melisa the idea to write this article.

How To Properly Maintain Your Patio Furniture

How can you make sure your patio furniture stays in tip-top condition when it’s always exposed to the elements and their associated dirt and debris?  While popular belief may convince you that a good rainstorm will clean the furniture for you, it’s not true.  Soap and water never fall from the sky together, and so patio furniture cannot get cleaned by merely sitting in a rainstorm.  In fact, rain can cause dust particles to float around in the air and can make furniture appear even filthier.  Instead, try to your patio furniture a good wash down once a week or so, inspecting for any lawn chair repairs that might need to be done at the same time.  You can expect some wear and tear on patio furniture over the years, but the condition can save you the embarrassment of having it fall apart when you’re entertaining.

Patio Furniture Maintenance According to Material

When it comes to repairing patio furniture, it’s important to take the building material into consideration.  The best way to maintain the furniture depends on what it is made from:

Aluminum

Aluminum furniture can have either a painted or an unpainted finish.  Cleaning both varieties is done in the following way:

• Use warm water and add a mild detergent to it.
• Scrub the entire surface of the furniture with soapy water.
• Rinse with clear water to remove soap residue.

Once the furniture is clean and dry, you can apply metal polish to aluminum that has not been finished with paint.  It shines it up nicely and will keep the furniture clean longer.

Plastic

Many people own plastic patio furniture.  It’s easy to clean, it’s affordable, and it can be fairly durable.  Cleaning plastic furniture can be done the same way you might clean aluminum, minus the metal polish.  Use warm, soapy water and then scrub the furniture clean.  Rinse with clear water and either let it dry in the sun or towel dry.  To keep it in good shape for years to come, move plastic furniture indoors during winter months.

Wood

Some enjoy the natural look of a solid piece of wood furniture.  Wood can be an especially attractive material used for pool deck furniture, and if it’s properly maintained it can last a lifetime.  Clean it with soapy water, rinse, and dry it.  You might want to treat the wood with a protectant of some sort a few times each year.  It’s also a good idea to store wood furniture indoors during the winter.

As you clean the furniture weekly, you might notice some damage that will need to be repaired.  Usually individuals are capable of performing minor repair work, the kind that you might anticipate on a piece of patio furniture.  If the furniture is plastic, however, you’re out of luck.  There really is no way to fix a broken leg on a plastic chair. Wooden and aluminum pieces, on the other hand, might be repairable and something that you can do yourself.

Play it Safe: Keeping Outdoor Spaces Safe for Children

For generations, there has been an energy surrounding swing sets, slides, see-saws and merry-go-rounds that attracts both the young and the young-at-heart. These things may not be considered traditional outdoor furniture, but these are the fixtures that your kids will enjoy the most.

So if you are thinking of revamping your outdoor space to install a play area for your children, here are some of the things you should consider:

1. Check the play area – The space where you will install or build your children’s play set will have to be canvassed and scanned thoroughly. This area should be clear of any hazardous items, loose rocks, nails, and other accident-prone debris. It also has to be a spot where you can see them from inside the house so you can keep a watchful eye when they are up and about.

A play area in the grass of this backyard would offer entertainment for the kids while the grown-ups lounge in the outdoor living area.

2. Choose kid-friendly materials – Kids can be very experimental with their surroundings, especially during the toddler stage. They will put anything in their mouths, and this can cause serious health issues. Never use or purchase materials that have lead in it. Check the labels just to be sure.

When purchasing play sets, check for any loose screws or bolts that easily come off. These are potential choking hazard for small children. Worse, kids can get cuts and bruises as a result of poorly-constructed sets.

3.  Double check the quality of the play set – Play sets are constructed with children’s safety in mind. However, being a parent, it is also your responsibility to set your own safety standards.

Check and re-check the whole set to see if there are any sharp edges. If there are, make sure that they can be covered with rubber to make it safer for children to use. Installing a rubber mat at the bottom of the slide will also help your child have a smooth and softer landing spot.

4.  Install safety railings – If the set you are purchasing includes a slide, your children will have to climb up to reach it. This is an accident waiting to happen, especially if you have small children running around and pushing each other to get to the top. Install safety railings to keep them from falling down.

5.  Schedule regular maintenance – Conduct weekly checks if the set needs repairs. Any loose part should be immediately repaired and attached. Dangling ropes should also be carefully attached.

Play areas help keep the kids entertained while you relax on the patio or bbq in your outdoor kitchen.  As long as these play areas are safe, they’ll make the backyard a fun place for the whole family.

Ashleigh Lynn is a writer for Open Brook, an excellent source of information and reviews about patio, garden and outdoor furniture .

August Project of the Month

Our Project of the Month is this 30-year-old home, which sits on an acreage lot with plenty of room. Prior to our project, however, it had no covered outdoor living space. The new homeowner wanted to create an inviting space for entertaining and lounging while enjoying the views of their gorgeous backyard.

The home has lovely extensive windows in the back, so we decided to build the patio cover off the 2nd story roof. We added the arches to give the feeling of a more enclosed space and to add protection from the elements under the cover. When we couldn’t match the brick of the home, we went with a contrasting Oklahoma Chop stone (rustic blend).

The project includes a dramatic corner fireplace and beautiful stamped concrete in a flagstone pattern. Sconce lighting on the house and columns provides a great accent to the project.

See larger versions of these photos in our Flickr Photostream.

Backyard and Patio Security Tips

Garden theft is on the rise. It makes perfect sense, too. To scope a house, a thief might believe is empty, he can simply ring the doorbell. If no one answers, the burglar will then enter the backyard and search for open doors and unlocked windows. The goods are right there; ready to be taken without ever having to enter the home.

There’s no reason why you should make a thief’s job easy. Patio furniture, grills, exotic plants, even garden art and lawnmowers get snagged or vandalized.  Here are a few simple tips to help you secure your belongings in the back yard and keep thieves from invading your home through a back door.

•  Document your inventory. It involves some time and effort, but taking pictures of items or videotaping your property can help you with insurance claims. List your furniture, grills, smokers, gardening tools and anything else you deem important and valuable. Make sure to create an itemized list to go with your visual proof.
• Make your mark. Place your name, address, zip code or other unique symbol on your belongings. Place them in discrete locations, so they won’t be noticed or removed. This will help you identify and claim them, should they be stolen. It’s wise, especially if you are using a symbol, to record where you place these identifying marks in the inventory descriptions.
• Nail it down. Everything from patio furniture to BBQ grills, even heavy fixtures, can be bolted down, bound with cables or cemented in place.
• Make ‘em run. Another option for securing items is installing alarms that create an excessive amount of noise. Cable alarms can be used for most items in your yard, including riding mowers, tables and chairs, even coolers. The costs are low and the effects are impressive.
• Make friends and get them involved. Neighbors are one of the best deterrents you can have. Sadly, many homeowners don’t get to know one another as they should. Simply by being aware of one another and keeping an eye out for suspicious activities, most thefts can be deterred.
• Fence it off. A good, strong, six-foot fence will not only keep out most burglars, it can keep animals out of your garden. If you have a fence, check for holes and damage that may need to be repaired or replaced. Do NOT rely on simple lift latches on your gate; these will not deter a thief. Install latches and use padlocks to secure gates.
• Light it up. If thieves hate to be noticed, one of the best deterrents is to shine a spotlight on them. The best way to do that is installing motion sensors in the backyard. Place them over or near entrances around the house. These devices are cost effective and not only provide safety; they provide extra light on those late nights when you come home.
• Lock it up. When you leave your home, make sure you lock the windows and doors. It may sound silly, but homeowners often forget or simply don’t mind leaving a backdoor open. Chances are a theft will happen during the day while you’re at work. Thieves, by nature, will simply find the path of least resistance, walk in, take your valuables and leave. Don’t give them that opportunity and check the house before leaving. Make sure your shed is also locked and secured with padlocks.
• Grow your confidence. Landscaping is a two-edged sword. Trees planted to keep a thief out can also hide him while he takes advantage of your absence. Weigh and consider the pros and cons of using plants as part of your defense. If you do decide to use live barriers, consider beautiful plants that can hinder. Rose bushes, berry bushes, Firethorn and Hawthorne are great examples to use around the windows of your home. Place them under the easiest access areas. A lawn forgotten is also a sure sign that you don’t care about your home and may have left a way in. Mow your lawn and keep your yard clean.
• A man’s best friend. Don’t forget that a good line of defense can also be a good friend. Dogs are a wonderful addition to the family and an effective deterrent to potential theft. Don’t want an actual dog? Post signs about the invisible beast living in the house.
• Keep an eye on it all. The last option, albeit it can be an expensive one, is a security camera system. You should know that a truly effective system is both costly to buy and to maintain over time. Another option, combined with the tips mentioned above, is to install fake ones. Give the dirt bags the illusion that you have your house all under control. The simple presence of a camera can encourage a thief to pick an easier target.

There you have it: A list of simple, yet effective ways to deter a thief and secure your backyard and home. If you have any suggestions I may have missed, please leave a comment and share your suggestions.

How to Create a Year-Round Outdoor Living Room

Modern outdoor living accessories make it simple to create an outdoor room that’s comfortable enough to sit in all day.  Here are some of our favorite ways to turn your porch or patio into an outdoor living room.

Buy Lounge-able Furniture Once upon a time, comfortable, attractive, well-made outdoor furniture was impossible to find.  Now it’s everywhere.  You can get couches, easy chairs, and matching pillows that look like they should be inside your home but are built to withstand the outdoors.  They’re built with durable, easy-to-clean materials and come in every color imaginable.

 

Create Comfort for All Seasons
If you want to enjoy your outdoor living room year round, consider adding some cooling elements for the summer months and heating for the winter.

In the summer, the easiest way to stay cool outside is to install ceiling fans on your patio cover.  Fans have the added benefit of keeping bugs away.

To stay warm, you have a few more options.  Heating lamps are a great option and come in a variety of styles and price ranges.  Outdoor fireplaces are an even more attractive option and can add to the overall value of your home.

Get Rid of Bugs!
No one wants to spend time in an outdoor living room if they’re constantly scratching – so come up with a plan to keep the bugs away.  The most economical option is to buy mosquito repelling candles, but you will have to purchase quite a few to keep mosquitoes off your patio.

Adding a screen to your outdoor living room and creating a screened-in porch is a very effective way to keep bugs away.  If you want to keep things more open, a mosquito misting system will keep your outdoor living room virtually bug free.

Enjoy Your Backyard Again with a Mosquito Control System

Tired of being bitten by mosquitoes while trying to enjoy your patio or backyard?  Then consider a mosquito control system.  An automatic misting system will safely remove annoying insects from your yard so that you can spend time outdoors without scratching.

We asked John Dailey, owner of Total Mosquito Control in Houston, Texas, a few questions about installing and using a mosquito control system.

What percentage of mosquitoes are killed by your system?

John Dailey:  Most systems can offer 85-95% in the controlled area.  This includes all cold-blooded insects, like mosquitoes.  Some people choose to go with a more eco-friendly chemical in their system, and these chemicals are a little less strong.

Chrysanthemum

The chemical we use is natural Pyrethrum, which is made from the chrysanthemum plant.  This flower has a natural ability to repel insects, and scientific breakthroughs in the last few decades have allowed us to use it as a strong insecticide.  Pyrethrum is extremely safe when used as directed.

How does a misting system work?

John Dailey:  A misting system consists of a reservoir and a delivery system, which consists of a pump, motor, timer, tubing, and nozzles.  This system is set up around all areas of your property that need to be sprayed.  We can also do a tankless system.

You can set the system to go off automatically at certain times of the day, or use manual valves.  You can also create “zones” in your property, which allows you to mist certain areas more often than others.  We recommend misting 3-4 times a day for 30-40 seconds.  It’s best to mist in the early morning and evening.

What do I do if I need extra spraying?

John Dailey:  In the event that you would like additional spray time – such as before an outdoor party – we have a remote control like a garage door opener to cause the system to go off.

What areas in my property are the most important to spray?

John Dailey:  Any outdoor spaces that you utilize.  Definitely spray around the patio and outdoor kitchen so that you can enjoy that space.  Mosquitoes tend to like the shade and sources of water, so it’s important to spray in those areas too.

How long does it take to set up a mosquito misting system?

John Dailey:  The average installation takes about 6-8 hours.  Once it’s set up, it’s done.  We install all of our own systems.

Other Mosquito Control Options

Screened porch

If you have a bug problem in your yard and don’t care for misting, consider a screened porch.  You’ll be able to enjoy the air flow from outside without shooing away mosquitoes.  Other less convenient, but economical, choices include insect repelling candles or bug spray.

Want Your Patio Design to Wow the Neighbors? Do the Tangerine Tango

You’ve worked hard to decorate the inside of your home – so don’t give up when you get to the patio.  With the right furniture and finishing touches, your patio can feel like another room in the house.  We interviewed an interior and exterior designer – Sophia of Sophia Designs in Houston, Texas – to get a few tips on making the most of your outdoor living area.

What tips do you have for making your patio an extension of your home?

Sophia: It’s important to use space in the best way possible.  Think about exterior space in the same way that you think about interior space.  Think about a focal point in the “room,” such as a sculptural piece, fire pit, flower or herb garden, or a water feature.  Then, match your designs around that one point.  I like to use native plants, stones, and colorful cushions in exterior design.

Marigolds

As far as furniture goes, the options are endless.  I tend to use classic or modern furniture with neutral color bases.  I add stonework and rocks for an organic feel and a water feature for a calming affect.  Also, outdoor rugs are a great accessory to define a space.

What colors work well outdoors?

Sophia: Every year, the Pantone Institute forecasts a color of the year.  This year it’s “Tangerine Tango.”  They say it has “it has the adrenalin rush of red with a friendliness and warmth of yellow.”  It’s a great color for the outdoors.  You’ll see it on umbrellas and cushions, and flowers like marigolds and lantana.  Tangerine Tango is a positive, hopeful color.  Blue is a great complementary color.

Tangerine Tango Umbrella

See Tangerine Tango decoration ideas from HGTV.

How can someone choose colors for their patio that match their home?

Sophia:  Work with the colors of the exterior of your home.  Consider the existing outdoor structure – wall, brick, siding, whatever.  You can even hang artwork outside if it’s water resistant, like a sculptural, iron piece of art.

Also, it’s important to incorporate the home’s interior design by taking the same style and colors into the outdoor space.  For example, if your home has a traditional style, use a traditional style on the patio.  If you live in a contemporary home with a lot of angles and pops of color, use the same ideas outdoors.  Mixing styles can result in a patio looking “added on,” instead of like an extension of your home.

What are some current outdoor design trends?

Checks

Sophia:  Stripes are classic and work with everything.  Personally, I love huge checks also.  People tend to forget about lighting—the lights on fans are too harsh, so get a lamp with batteries.  Candles, firepits, outdoor fireplaces, solar and garden outdoor lights bring ambiance to the space.  I suggest spotlighting interesting areas in your outdoor space, like your artwork or garden.  Lighting helps make your patio look richer but without much of an investment.

Do you have any favorite products?

Sophia:  I like metal and synthetic furniture that looks like wicker and wood. All are easy to clean and look wonderful.  I like to decorate with all kinds of planters, rocks are important, and cushions, pillows, and umbrellas for color.  Sunbrella is one weather resistant fabric that’s great for panels and awnings.

My team installs a lot of netting and drapery panels; our workroom purchases, constructs and installs these special fabrics.  Netting comes in all kinds of colors – beiges, whites, greens.  It helps keep bugs out and you can roll it up like a shade.  You can drop it down at night to keep things more private.

Panel draping can be hung from columns and closed for added privacy

I also love patio panels.  They look like indoor draperies and you can hang them from your patio cover at each of the four corners and strap them back.  They come in an endless variety of weather treated fabrics.  Stripes are good for a cabana feel.

Contact Sophia Vassiliou at Sophia@sophiadesigns.com or 281-685-1429.