Extending the Outdoor Season -According to LiLu

Extending the Outdoor Season

According to LiLu

Outdoor Living Longer into the Fall?

That's right, we've figured out the key to extending the outdoor season. We’ve all been enjoying our outdoor spaces just a little bit more this year. Have you noticed the increase in gardening? Outdoor entertaining? Creating memories spending time with the family enjoying the pool? Sitting on the dock listening to the waves lap the shore?
All part of staying at home and enjoying the fine things in life. Since we are all enjoying the deck, patio, pool, or porch just a bit more this year, I wondered if we could help everyone out with a few ideas on how to extend the use of those outdoor spaces even when the days grow cooler.
I know, right now you are enjoying the sunny days and wondering, “Why would I want to think about fall?” Be the ant, and not the grasshopper so you too will fare better when the cold winds blow.

Outdoor Fire Feature-Extending the Outdoor Season

One way to extend the season is to add a fire feature to your outdoor space. The options are so numerous from a fire pit to a fireplace. From modern to traditional. The experience of gathering around a fire on a cool evening or morning to have a meal or share some conversation is an irresistible one.
One of my best memories of being at the cabin is someone playing guitar at the fire ring. It really is a peak experience to enjoy the people you love around a fire and build a sense of community.
I know my teen has been enjoying gathering with small groups and having a bonfire. Bringing that experience home would be divine.
When I think about peak experiences in life, I want to have more of them.  We are working on an outdoor project this year and a firepit will be an important element.
Fire pits are likely to become a hot commodity when those grasshoppers realize fall is upon us. So little ant, plan or shop now. If you want a permanent option designed with a fabulous seating area give LiLu a call or click on the shoppable link below if you are ready for a plug and play options.

Heat but not Fire

Maybe you are hoping to extend the use of the deck or porch where a fire element just won’t work. May I suggest that you pick up on the way hotels and restaurants have been extending the life of their outdoor dining spaces for years with an outdoor patio heater. Simple to use and just a click away they are a wonderful way to work that deck or patio well into October (or longer in other parts of the country)
Check out the selection below for immediate gratification.

Modern Infrared Heat
A recent to the trade discovery is perhaps my favorite option! The Heatsail lamp can be free-standing or installed as a ceiling light on a porch. One lamp will heat a 16’ diameter area. Modern and marvelous, they look fabulous and have the benefits of using infra-red to keep you toasty (which has been known to have health benefits, think infra-red saunas) See this blog post for more info.
Used in Europe even at ski resorts, I imagine sitting outside in the winter with less bundling and soaking up some much-needed vitamin D! This one is to the trade only so give LiLu a call if you are intrigued and we will help you with how a lamp like this can work in your outdoor space.

Build a Conservatory or Sunroom to enjoy all year

If you really want to go for being in touch with nature all year round may I suggest, building a conservatory. We often design conservatories and sunlight filled sunrooms rich with plants for new construction homes and this year might be THE YEAR to consider a renovation that adds a plant-filled space to your home.
In the depths of winter, one of the ways I’ve coped is going to the Como Conservatory and sitting for a while smelling the rich air and looking at the vibrant colors of the annuals on display. Since I am a proponent of designing your most loved experiences into your everyday life…why not a conservatory?
Need tips on gardening indoors? Check out this lush tome by Hilton Carter! He’s simply awe-inspiring.

This like many of our Sunday blogs is shoppable. While we may receive a small commission from the links your price will remain the same.

Bringing Intention Home

For more than a decade, LiLu Interiors has been designing intentional living environments that reflect the singular values and needs, lifestyle, and aesthetics of each individual client. With care, joy, and trust, we’ll creatively collaborate with you to design a home that uniquely expresses who you are and how you live. Intentional design, no matter the style, requires thoughtful attention to detail and deliberate choices.
Let’s make life better. Let’s bring your intentions home.