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8 Elements of a Perfect Outdoor Dining Room
Create an Extension of Your Home for Fun and Romantic Summer Gatherings
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building process. For me, it's all about learning about my clients and creating a personalized space that fits the way they live.
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building... More »
Summer is fast approaching (faster in some parts of the country) and now is the time to start planning for entertaining outside on those late summer evenings. An outdoor dining area is a perfect setting for a dinner party, and if planned correctly, a wonderful setting for the evening repast throughout the year. Here are 6 things to think about when creating your perfect outdoor dining space.
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1. Light your table for ambience. A light source above or near your table allows for an enjoyable gathering past sundown. By placing this dining table under the metal canopy, these homeowners were able to also hang a chandelier above their table. The simple solution makes this space that much more enjoyable (and usable) as the early evening turns to night.
| For a simpler alternative, a string of lights around the underside of a market umbrella provides ample light. |
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2. Protect the table from the elements. Most of us live in a part of the country in which we have some type of weather to deal with on a daily basis. It might be a late afternoon rain shower or searing mid-day sun. Whatever it is, covering the outdoor dining room is a way to make it into a space that can be used most of the year.
In this space, the drapery adds an extra layer of protection while softening the hard lines of the structure. The chandelier provides nice light for late evening parties.
In this space, the drapery adds an extra layer of protection while softening the hard lines of the structure. The chandelier provides nice light for late evening parties.
3. Consider the outdoor dining room as a destination spot. This purely modern structure sits in a parklike setting surrounded by large trees and an expansive pool. By placing it away from the house, it becomes a destination for your guests. The particular design of this structure is reminiscent of an old drive-thru. It's time to gather the family and just hang out.
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| 4. Look for a place to carve out a intimate dining area. So, maybe you don't have a yard the size of a park. It might take a little thinking and rearranging, but I bet there's someplace in your yard that would be the perfect little dining area. Maybe a side yard or under a large tree in the back corner. This dining room seems to have been plunked right in the middle of a long, narrow garden. The concrete pavers give structure to the dining area within this forestlike setting. |
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5. Decorate your "room" to make it a true extension of your home. This outdoor dining room is a perfect place to incorporate personal taste and style with furniture and accessory choices. Look for way to incorporate art on a large wall (side of your house) or nearby fence.
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| Not all decoration has to hung on a wall. This cottage-style dining area is complete with a trellis, climbing vines, flower arrangements, wrought iron chairs and crisp white linens. I see a Sunday afternoon tea with ladies of distinction in this romantic setting. |
| 6. Provide a heat source for those cool summer evenings. This expansive deck, with a couple of fire pits and seating which goes on forever, just begs to be used all year round. The real star of this space, however, is the fire table, perfect for roasting s'mores or just staying warm on chilly autumn nights. Don't forget to look around — there are some great views from this vantage point. |
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| 7. Scrap the table for a different experience. I can so easily imagine Saturday afternoon barbecues with the neighbors around this outdoor kitchen and eating bar. Reminiscent of a kitchen island, the bar creates a more casual dining environment. The pergola structure further defines the space and creates a cozier environment. It's 5 o'clock somewhere! |
| 8. Use an architectural feature to define the room. This canopy plays a double role: to protect diners from sun or rain and to define the space as the dining area. The gravel rim reflects the canopy, further defining the space.
How are you going to create your outdoor dining room? More: 50 Great Designs for a Garden Party Balconies: A Private Room in the Sky Northwest Style: Staying Cozy Outside Browse: Gazebos and more outdoor products |
Ideabook updated on May 14, 2011.
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