A GREAT FIND SHE WON'T MIND

The last few weeks have found me out in the pouring rain, on top of a beautiful bluff overlooking the Hudson River, desperately trying to help a housewife put together an outdoor space before her family arrives for the holiday weekend. Working with a tight budget can be tough, but the world of outdoor accessories is a big one. When designing an outdoor space I like to think of it the same way I do an inside space; it should be comfortable, it should reflect the taste of the homeowner and, most importantly, it should be able to withstand the test of time (and the elements). For example, my parents live in Rancho Mirage, California and live most of the year outside (when it isn't 110!). Their outdoor furniture is as beautiful as some of the pieces inside: monochromatic in color, interesting, unique and comfortable. While the space isn't huge, it is fairly large so just like an open plan living area, we created several spaces outdoors; a sitting area with sofa, chairs, coffee table and outdoor rug, a dining area, lounge area and more casual cocktail area. One of the major issues, however, in their neighborhood: WIND, so to face that battle head on planters need to be weighted down inside with rocks and bricks, glass tables become plexi-glass tables and the heavier the piece, the better. In our neighborhood with the ever-changing weather (yesterday it rained like the the end of the world for most of the day, this morning it's muggy and sunny...two months ago it was below freezing) outdoor pieces need to be strong enough to survive. Our wooden benches are covered with a coat of boat varnish, I use Rustoleum spray paint on chairs and sunbrella fabric on all outdoor cushions, sprayed with scotch guard (found at the grocery store) before they go out for that extra layer of protection. I'm treating this clients outside space with the same care and concern I would our own, however her area is high on a hill so needs to combat wind and other elements not found on our street. To dress up a few areas, I found these great wire lanterns at Z Gallery that can be hung or placed on a table. Powder coated for protection, they won't rust or lose their shine! Drop a few battery operated candles in them, and they'll never lose their glow either!
TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: half a day to set up an cool outdoor space.
COST: These huge, cool lanterns (18" high) are on sale for $9.99 at www.zgallery.com
STRESS LEVEL: Cool pad with a hot view: LOW