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Bringing style to the great outdoors

— Kate Davidson is principal of Kate Davidson Design Inc., an interior design firm that focuses on creating livable spaces as unique as their clients. For more information, visitwww.katedavidsondesign.com

It is finally getting warm outside which means we can start enjoying our outdoor living spaces once again!

Whether you have a small balcony or a large cottage there are many ways we can bring life to our client’s outdoor spaces which we would love to share.

Starting from the ground up, there are so many fabulous outdoor rugs that are now stylish and soft under foot. I love using the indoor/outdoor rugs that Dash & Albert offer in our projects.

They now have a fabulous range of patterns and colours that will add personality to your space.

As a designer I often advise clients to bring in some colour to your outdoor dining and living space with a rug.

What is so great about these rugs is that they are low maintenance and can be hosed down and left outside year round.

Add colour and texture with your accessories such as accent pillows, planters, table decor and durable accents.

When decorating with colour we recommend to stick to a colour scheme, go with two or three colours, one as your main colour and the other two as your accent colours.

Decide ahead if you want a monochromatic scheme or a bolder colourful look. Make sure items you place outdoors are durable and have a good weight to them to prevent them from blowing away in heavy rain or wind storms.

Exterior storage boxes are a handy place to stow away cushions when not in use to protect from the elements.

Exterior lighting adds impact to a space especially at night. Soffit lighting on your home or cottage adds a beautiful glow to your home, and incorporating lighting into your landscaping is an elegant way to add drama.

Add another fabulous dimension to your outdoor lighting by using lanterns to illuminate your entertaining area. Lanterns are a fantastic way to add charm and a warm ambiance to your exterior space.

I love incorporating large scale lanterns into my designs — they are elegant and durable and able to withstand the elements.

Now you can also find battery-powered candles which are safer more handy options.

Living outdoors ensure that you cover up from the harsh sun with awnings or umbrellas.

Be strategic where you place them, and pay attention to the direction of the sun during different times of the day.

You can find a variety of umbrellas that offer many options from sizes, shades and a wide range of fabrics.

Cantilever umbrellas are great for living spaces that need some cover. If you enjoy entertaining at night, consider selecting an umbrella that has lights incorporated to illuminate your living space at night.

Don’t get bugged out by those pesky skeeters! There are now fantastic bug zapping units which you can get for your patio.

What’s the point of having a fabulous outdoor space that you can’t enjoy comfortably?

Another great outdoor appliance are outdoor heaters. There are lots of models on the market which use a propane tank; these will offer you warmth during cool summer nights and extend your outdoor entertaining season.

Now get out and enjoy the outdoors this summer in style!