Sunday, September 11, 2011

Turning Your Deck Into A Backyard Room

I have just added a deck to my house and needed some inspiration on how to make it feel like part of the living space. Susi from Arcadian Lighting has generously agreed to be that inspiration.

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a must-shop resource for beautiful lighting fixtures. Visit their website and cool blog for more information. Enjoy.

Many people have an underutilized deck that is less than inviting for anything other than grilling.  Turning these decks into outdoor rooms is easier than it may seem. A few tricks, such as using outdoor fabrics and rugs, can turn the backyard deck into a lovely outdoor room.

Backyard Deck

Pinterest via

Create an outdoor room with a comfortable seating area and accessories. Garden stools, a coffee table and a mirror all impart the feeling of a well styled room.

Backyard Deck

Better Homes and Gardens via

When creating an outdoor room on the backyard deck, outdoor fabrics are a must. Outdoor fabric has come a long way in the recent years. Select a color palette just as you would for an indoor room.

Backyard Deck

West Elm via

Think about lighting when designing your outdoor room. An umbrella or sun shade to block the light during the day and lights to dine by at night are key for an outdoor eating area.

Backyard Deck

Elle Decor via

A rug centers an outdoor room just as it does indoors.  Outdoor rugs, like outdoor fabrics, are available in a multitude of colors, patterns and styles. An outdoor pendant light also helps turn a deck into a room.

Backyard Deck

My Kotori via

Entertaining is what having an outdoor room is all about.  Providing an array of seating options and side tables with vintage and new finds creates a charming space to entertain as well as having enough lighting fixture around the space.

Backyard Deck

The Pennington Point via

Create extra seating by building a custom banquette along one side of your deck. You can add storage under the banquette for pillows and cushions.

Backyard Deck

Miss Design via

A pergola not only provides shade during the day for an outdoor room but creates a place to hang lighting.  String lights, votives, outdoor lanterns and pendant lights can all be suspended from a pergola.

Backyard Deck

Good Housekeeping via

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit transforms a deck into an outdoor living room. The fireplace or fire pit becomes a nice focal point for the seating area as well as provides warmth on cooler evenings.

For more necessary inspirations on how to use your backyard deck as an outdoor room, check out Arcadian Lighting blog for more tips, ideas and inspirations. They are a one-stop shop that provides the best lighting fixtures from a variety of manufacturers. Make sure to check them out today!

Thanks again Susi....you have given me some great ideas! Linda

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Pleasantdale Chateau - A Feast For The Eyes

We had the pleasure of attending a wedding this weekend at the Pleasantdale Chateau, just outside of New York City.
It truly was a feast for the eyes! 

Not only were the grounds simply stunning but the building and the decor were not to be outdone.
Before becoming a wedding destination, it was the former home of Charles Walter Nichols, a renowned industrial leader in the early 1900's.  In 1994 it was acquired by the Knowles Family.  They have kept its elegance and rich history intact, maintaining a farm and apiary on its grounds that provide fresh produce for guests and local restaurants in the area.
It is located on forty acres of mature woodlands, with ponds, fields and charming gardens nestled around rustic structures.

www.pleasantdale.com 



 I am in love with this millstone.....I want one!!!

Now for the inside....
There were many rooms....one more beautiful than the other and the cocktail hour is held in all of them.
  You could just wander from room to room....food was served in just about every one of them




Then, as if this wasn't enough....a large atrium 
with fabulous and exotic plants that led to more rooms


 The decor was everything that I love...





...and the grand ballroom, a later addition, 
was just as beautiful
I just can't resist showing you a few more photos





and finally....a little friend we met while on a stroll
Paradise for this Frog....or maybe the Prince?