Friday Back When- Memorial Day Edition.

Today's Friday Back When is brought to you by Memorial Day. It's time to start grilling & hanging out on the patio. It's easy to forget to consider design on you porch or patio, but it's such an easy place to add some fun elements that you may not be comfortable adding inside. I hung a disco ball over my porch swing, I think it's divine. Have fun! It's only decorating after all, you can always remix things when they start getting tired. Have the best weekend!

"With the emphasis on outdoor living, no home landscape is complete without an outdoor living area- a patio. And probably the two most important rules for planning your patio are to make it big enough, and as private as you can. Its accessibility is nearly as important- the more parts of your house that open onto it, the more enjoyment your family will derive from it. Another thing to keep in mind is that relaxation is the whole point of any patio, so plan yours with low maintenance foremost in your mind. A major planning consideration to take into account is the exact function you intend for your patio. Is it going to be used primarily for outdoor cooking and entertaining? If so, then you should include a barbecue of some sort. Or is the patio only to be a nice cozy nook where you can relax, get some fresh air and escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday living? Is so, then plan your patio accordingly."

"Building an outdoor living area can be a good investment. A carefully planned outdoor patio with landscaping can boost the resale value of your home by much more than what the improvement cost you. A landscape architect (or ahem an interior designer- yes it's true I can layout outdoor spaces as well!) can design a plan for your particular lot, one that not only enhances the looks of your house but also your yard. The biggest expense is, of course, labor. And this is where you can save yourself some money- by doing the work yourself, just a little at a time."

XX,

Jamie

Friday Back When is a weekly feature highlighting images and text from vintage decorating books. Today’s exert is from The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement Volume 1 A-AME.