1.  Cement Furniture  A beautiful complement to all natural surroundings, concrete furniture fits right in to any outdoor arena. Concrete is durable and because it is a mixed product, it has unlimited design capabilities and we love the textural element it adds. The one negative... it is VERY heavy to move. However, a real positive- it can stay outside year around even in the winter and if you are short on storage, even better as the perfect choice. I have a cement console table that I use to serve from on my patio and can't imagine outdoor entertaining without it! Cement furniture is also great indoors as well...

2.  Lattice Motif  Lattice is a framework of diagonally crossed pieces. The geometry of lattice lends itself to both a classic traditional interior as well as a contemporary space. Look for the lattice motif in area rugs, screens, fabrics, trellises, wallpaper and chair backs!

3.  Darker Hued Exterior Trim  Pick a dramatic paint color for your trim to contrast with the rest of the exterior of your house. Quickly change the look of your front elevation... paint your front door, side doors and or your garage door(s). Choose a color that reflects your personal style and creativity. We love deep grays as they complement almost any exterior color. While vacationing on North Captiva, FL I saw a pink house with bright red trim. Loved it- not sure if the neighbors did though!

4.  Water or Pond Element For a true stress reliever and a bit of magic, add a water element to your garden. I love the gurgling or bubbling sound! Create your own unique backyard escape -select a water fountain or dig a pond and enhance your exterior space.

5.  Lawns Are Gone- Almost What's taking the place of traditional green grass? Native groundcovers, perennials, grasses and more hardscape space! Get creative with your landscape so you have less to mow and water. And of course, less dandelions to pull! I hate seeing a beautiful green lawn with yellow dandelions throughout. Just be mindful of our natural resources.

6.  Outdoor Patio Lighting Create the perfect summer ambience with outdoor lighting. Use large lanterns with candles (better yet, we recommend battery powered candles) for intimate settings. Place them everywhere- group them on tables or clump them together on your patio floor. String "holiday" lights in trees or under your patio umbrella(s), but not red, green or blue, instead try softer, pastel shades and white. If you have a pergola or canopy, adding strings of lights and paper lanterns will create a festive look! And don't forget the traditional tiki torches! While not new, they are a go-to for any outdoor space.

7.  Fire Pit The best thing about a fire pit here in the Midwest is that it prolongs your nights outside well into the fall and at this time of year when we are anxious to be outside. It can even jumpstart our spring evenings by a few weeks! Fire pits are great for snuggling, keeping mosquitoes at bay and how about for making s'mores? My favorite easy-peasy who can resist outdoor dessert!

> clockwise photos courtesy of: Benjamin Moore, Concrete Studio, HGTV.com, Jeff Lewis, HGTV.com, dcarch.blogspot.com, Ancient Mosaic Studios, Torana Carpets, Oslo Industries

The Front Porch- what a comeback!

Now that it is spring and you are getting outside more, have you noticed on your neighborhood walks that many "tear downs" have been replaced with houses that have front porches? The front porch is no longer a "thing of the past".  

Remember Gladys Kravits on the 1970's era TV show Bewitched? She was the neighborhood busy body and she would have been even more of a Miss Know It All if her home had a front porch. A front porch adds curb appeal to say nothing of adding valuable space for entertaining, people watching (ala Gladys), dining el fresco, drinking a glass of wine or a cold beer and making new friends. Let's face it - it's THE place to socialize and visit. Why sit in your backyard when you can sit on your front porch and watch all the activity. A known fact, people feel more connected in neighborhoods that have revived the front porch craze.  

Aesthetically, the front porch adds character and curb appeal to what might otherwise be a rather boring front elevation. Make it your "own" by adding a hanging swing, comfy porch furniture, planters heaped with flowers, outdoor fans and lights, a rocker or two or even area rugs.  

Now, if only you could keep those uninvited guests from imposing - the pesky mosquitoes, bees and ants- your time outside would be perfect.  

> clockwise photos courtesy of: Covington Design Build, Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design, Rethink Design Studio, Melville Thomas Architects Inc.