outdoors Archives - Bright Ideas

Picking Out The Perfect Mailbox For Your Home

You’ve mowed the lawn, planted flowers and painted the front door, yet something still seems off anytime you step outside. It might be the dull mailbox that’s diminishing your outdoor style. Being the practical accessory that it is, a mailbox often isn’t given much thought in regards to curb appeal. Plenty of sleek finishes and interesting designs, however, are available on the market today, and choosing the right one can enhance your yard’s overall appearance. Know your options and any restrictions before you start browsing by reading our quick guide below.

Backyard camping: enjoy the great outdoors without leaving home

Camping is one of my favorite summer activities, but sometimes it's hard to set aside a week or even just a weekend to get away. That's why I love the idea of backyard camping. It gives families the opportunity to spend time outdoors and bond. Plus, staying close to home is often recommended for young children who are not ready for the full camping experience. Backyard camping seems like a simple concept, but there are some strategies you can use to create an experience that is similar to an actual camping trip. For example, you can: Set up a tent...

The latest outdoor decor trends to liven up your yard

In the spring and summer months, your front and back yards are extensions of your home’s interior design. So why not spend time perfecting your outdoor space like you do your interior? Try these five outdoor décor trends to refresh your yard space and captivate all those who pass by. 1. Mood lighting With so many outdoor lighting solutions available today, there’s no reason to take the party inside when the sun goes down! Along with outdoor lamps and wall lights, you can use ambient lighting underneath chairs, benches and sofas to create a social environment that is chic and...

Keep the bugs away with an outdoor ceiling fan

Is your patio or porch roof not doing enough to keep you cool during hot summer days? Are you tired of being pestered by numerous summer insects? If so, it may be time to start considering an outdoor ceiling fan for your space. You already know that indoor ceiling fans are beneficial because they reduce energy bills and keep your various rooms nice and cool. But did you know that outdoor ceiling fans provide many of the same advantages as your indoor fans, and more? Along with creating a nice breeze for you and your family to enjoy, outdoor ceiling...

March is finally here, and you know what that means. Soon it will be spring and we can all finally put this long and frigid winter behind us! As the temperatures start to warm up, and you start to put away your sweaters and thick coats, take some time to refresh your home as well. With these four simple decorating tricks, you can get your home ready for spring and warmer weather. Replace your thick curtains If your windows are covered with heavy curtains for insulation, replace them with curtains made from a sheer fabric that allows the sun to...

Outdoor showers – are they right for you?

Outdoor showers are becoming more and more popular these days, and when the temperature is nice it’s not uncommon for people to bathe in their backyard rather than their bathroom. Outdoor showers are a great way to take your daily routine to the next level and turn it into an exciting and pleasant experience. Even with a busy schedule, an outdoor shower allows you a little time each day to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful blue sky. If you give the idea a chance, you might just realize that an outdoor shower is right for you. Outdoor showers aren’t...

Bar Stools Around the House

Bar stools have already made their way into the kitchen — where will they end up next? Well, that’s for you to decide! As people get more creative with their décor, many furniture pieces, including bar stools, are becoming much more versatile. No longer do bar stools have to be accompanied with a bar counter-top. In fact, they don’t even need to be used for sitting! Contemporary Kitchen by Denver Interior Designers & Decorators Nancy Sanford, Inc. Wherever you need seating, or want to have extra seating, you can use a bar...

Furniture and rugs: The key elements to making outdoor spaces as comfortable as indoors

Whether your style is restrained and modern or classic and ornate, furniture and rugs often provide the central inspiration for the rest of your room – and the same can be said of outdoor spaces. In fact, those two décor elements can help make your outdoor “rooms” as comfortable, welcoming and livable as your indoor spaces. If the idea of a carpet outdoors gives you pause, think again. This décor-defining accessory is available in weather-resistant materials, woven into inspiring patterns, from botanical to geometric and even intricate textile motifs like paisley. Just as they do indoors, outdoor rugs provide a...

Throw pillows: How one simple accessory can make your patio perfect

Everyone has a vision of the perfect outdoor party: Your yard is flawlessly landscaped, your food looks as good as it tastes, and your outdoor décor could be a snapshot from a magazine. That dream doesn’t always fit the reality, but luckily, it doesn’t take much to make it happen. The key is to start with a quick refreshing of your patio scenery – and one of the quickest ways to do that is by updating your outdoor pillows and cushions. These key accessories are like the finishing touch on a great outfit: they add style and interest, but are...

Light your landscape for splendor and safety

You can keep your home safe while enhancing your landscape’s beauty – just improve your outdoor lighting. It expands your outdoor entertaining opportunities, provides better sidewalk illumination for guests, adds a bit of romance to your porch and makes your yard interesting in the evening. Front entrance A well-lit stoop allows you to identify visitors, and gives guests a warm welcome. Choose wall lanterns on either side of the front door that match your home’s look, whether it’s traditional or modern. Garage exterior Match the wall lanterns on your home’s entrance to ones on either side of your garage door....