Oh February, the month when we’re all tired of winter and dreaming of warmer weather. I don’t know about you, but my favorite February activities include planning summer vacays, complaining about the cold, and designing outdoor living spaces.
Maybe you’re thinking – outdoor living spaces in February? I’m not ready for that!
Well, here’s the thing, whether we “feel” like it or not, now is the time to make plans and get everything in line for your patio, landscaping, pool house, outdoor kitchen or any spaces you’re planning to spend your time in this summer.
The good news is, a professional designer can help you with all these tasks so that your outdoor living spaces are ready to go when the weather warms up.
Clients are often surprised when I tell them that I can help with their outdoor spaces. Don’t be fooled by the title “interior designer” – my skillset most definitely includes exterior spaces as well!
Why Hire a Designer for your outdoor living spaces?
- Time Saver
Cushions for outdoor furniture don’t last – even the expensive ones succumb to the wear and tear of use and exposure to the elements. It’s a fact of life. So when your cushions inevitably need to be replaced, you start the painstaking process of trying to find new ones.
Over the course of several weeks or months, you stop in at different big box home stores and browse the selection of cushions. You finally find some you like, buy one to test it out and take it home.
It’s the wrong size. You throw it back in your trunk, drive around with it in your car for a month before finally returning it and when you do, the selection is picked over and you can’t find the correct size.
Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Life is hectic and as easy as it sounds to “run out” and grab something, it usually takes much longer than anticipated.
Here’s an ulterior scenario – you call me and say, “hey Jill, my patio cushions were looking rough at the end of the season. I think it’s time for something new.” I come by pick up your cushions, take some measurements and we decide whether to replace or recover them.
I return fresh, clean, bright cushions and get you all set up for summer.
- Cost Effective
Because working with a designer is such a time saver, that translates to a savings in cost as well.
I know you’re thinking — how can that be?
Here’s the thing, I’m going to help you choose quality materials that will last more than a season. I’m going to show you how to take care of your outdoor furniture so that it stays in great shape. I know where to shop and which brands will hold up best in the hot St. Louis summer. I will help you choose products that can be repaired rather than replaced.
If you’ve bought outdoor furniture, you realize that purchasing dining tables, seating arrangements, appliances, sun shades, and even accent pieces for your outdoor area can be just as costly as buying furniture for the inside of your home. So, while the initial investment is high, the longevity of well-made and well-thought out pieces will save you money in the long run.
Will these products cost you more up front than shopping at a big box store? Most likely, yes. But over time, the cost savings will become apparent and your enjoyment of the space will make the return on your investment worth it.
- Cohesive Look
Let’s be honest, we all want an Instagram-worthy home. From the front entrance through the entire home and all the way to the backyard, we are dreaming of a home that we love and are proud of. I want that for you too!
There are so many factors to consider when planning any area of your home. Style of the house, personal taste, existing furniture and artwork, budget…the same considerations apply to your outdoor spaces.
Do you want to carry the style of your interior decor outside? Do you have pieces you want to reuse? Are you going for a specific aesthetic?
When you realize that each detail incorporated into a design–from furniture style to lighting choices and even landscaping materials and the plants you display–contribute to the overall look, it can become overwhelming rather quickly.
That’s exactly where a professional comes in. I will make sure that each detail is mapped out to create the picture perfect outdoor living space that you desire.
- I Know A Guy
Yep, sure do. Whether you need a contractor, exterior shades, landscaping work, cushion repair, etc., my contacts in the local design and construction world come in handy!
I will coordinate with other professionals and contract their services to get your project done exactly as you have imagined.
- Live Beautifully
The bottom line is, you want your outdoor space to be beautiful. Outdoor living spaces are an extension of our homes so really, it makes sense that you want these spaces to be as coordinated and lovely as the interior of your home.
As always, I’m here to help you achieve the look and feel you want for your home. Contact me at jill@myjsbdesigns.com.