Create your own outdoor living space

July 6, 12:03 AMCincinnati Interior Decorating ExaminerKarla Dunn

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Summer has arrived finally and it’s time to move outdoors and enjoy these 100 days we’ve been waiting for. Depending on your location however, the sun can be your best friend or your worst enemy. These days can be long and torturous if you aren’t able to enjoy your outdoor patio or deck due to extreme heat and sunlight. Add in our renowned Ohio Valley humidity, and you’ve got a prescription for staying indoors all summer long! If you’re longing for cooling shade during the day and calm evening breezes in the evening, luckily you now have many choices to help beat the heat.

Gazebos and pergolas have gained popularity in recent years. You’ll find multiple sizes styles in pine, cedar, metal and vinyl finishes at most local retailers and they have a price point to suit almost any budget. You will need a little mechanical ability as most will need to be assembled. One drawback to gazebos is their ability to withstand strong winds. If you live in a particularly windy area, you may want to consider a more permanent structure such as a pergola. Pergolas provide shade while allowing some sunlight to come through allowing you to define an outdoor space without constraining it. Pergolas were common features of Italian Renaissance gardens, often covering walkways or serving as grape arbors. Today, the same design can be used to define a passageway or frame a focal point in your yard. Add a climbing plant such as wisteria or, yes, grapevines, and your pergola will provide color and shade. Wood pergolas are the most popular, but you can also find some styles in vinyl for durability. Another option is installing an awning. Though not typically a do-it-yourself project and usually more costly, awnings can fit the bill to provide shade for the outside and protection for your furnishings inside. Retractable awnings provide comfort and flexibility and typically range from $1500 to $4000. A less expensive and often overlooked option is the sun shade sail. Sun shade sails are made of durable knitted material that is water resistant and provides up to 90% UV protection.It comes in a variety of styles and colors to accent your outdoor decor.

Turn on any do-it-yourself network and you will see many examples of the newest trend called the ‘outdoor living room’. Ranging from a few pieces of lawn furniture under a pergola to a full size paved area with an complete outdoor kitchen and water features, the sky and your budget are the only limits to your outdoor living design. Whatever your choice, it will be well worth the time, money and effort spent the very first time you sit in your cool, shady, comfortable outdoor space.