It’s 65 Degrees! Let’s Design for the Outdoors!

Megan Blake Design outdoor living space room

We have seen unseasonably warm temperatures in and around Washington DC. There are daffodils smiling in the sunshine and tulips starting to show their heads. You know what that means? Get outside and enjoy the view! If your outdoor living situation has been a bit lackluster or even non-existent, now is the time to start planning a stylish and durable outdoor design for living, dining and entertaining. Expanding your livable space outdoors make sense for our moderate climate and adds value to your home. Plus, you get a “bigger” house! Megan Blake Design offers outdoor design for living spaces – we will hand-pick and customize comfortable seating arrangements, set up inviting dining areas, cast beautiful glows with perfect lighting, add patterns and personality with seat cushions and durable accessories. The sky is the limit. We’d like to take your landscape there.

Contact us at MBD for your outdoor design needs today! 202-688-1311 or email us at info@meganblakedesign.com.

 

Welcoming the Red Zone.

We all know that a red front door adds instant curb appeal, but what does a red front door symbolize?

red painted front door and meaningA lot, actually. It’s hard to pin down a specific origin of the red front door, but after a little research,ShelterPop.com traced the tradition back to Biblical times. As history goes, Hebrew slaves were instructed to paint their doors red to protect their first-born from the angel of death. Many churches also painted their doors red, with the belief that once you passed through it you were protected from evil. And in early American times, if a family had a red front door, travelers passing through by horse and buggy would know that a home was a safe place to stop and stay. According to the principles of Feng Shui, a red door symbolizes “welcome.” Perhaps more importantly than its historical meaning, though, is the fact that, according to the principles of Feng Shui, a red door is supposed to create a welcoming energy in your home. And the most exciting meaning: In Scotland, a red door means “mortgage-free,” since homeowners used to paint their front doors to announce to the world that they’d paid off their home.

Excerpt borrowed from ShelterPop.com

It’s National Poison Prevention Week!

As pet parents honor this week by assessing animal toxins in their homes, the ASPCA wants to remind us to take care when planning (or planting) their springtime gardens, too. Our furry friends can come in to alot of danger when accidentally ingesting or coming into contact with garden-related products, insecticides, weed killers and pet-toxic plants.So, let’s save our furry family members with some helpful and healthy tips from the ASPCA:

  • When designing and planting your green space, keep in mind that many popular outdoor plants—including sago palm, rhododendron and azalea—are toxic to cats and dogs, and may cause liver failure or heart problems. These are blooming now so keep puppies and elderly pups at bay.
  • When walking your dog, take care to keep Fido off the grass and away from toxic lawn and garden products. Cocoa mulch—a byproduct of chocolate—is especially problematic because it attracts dogs with its sweet smell and can cause them gastrointestinal distress or more serious neurological problems if consumed in large quantities.

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Design Tips for Outdoor Living Spaces.

When decorating an outdoor or indoor living space, I aim to create a seamless flow between both spaces. Many homeowners consider their outdoor living areas an extension of their homes and spend a great deal of time under the skies dining, entertaining, or relaxing outdoors in warmer weather. My theory is that the outdoor space should reflect the home’s interior design so the areas blend together harmoniously.

When planning your outdoor space, consider the following or contact me for professional guidance:

modern outdoor patio and fireplace design

Compatibility Both Ways. Your outdoor furnishings should be compatible with the architecture and aesthetics of your home and the surrounding landscaping. When planning your budget for your outdoor living areas, be sure to account for furnishings. If your interior has iron accents and furnishings, bring that element to the outdoor space. This will keep the eye moving and will make the home seem so much larger.

Create Outdoor Rooms. Think about how you will use your outdoor living areas and then design it by the way you prefer to use it. If you like to cook, create an outdoor kitchen and nearby dining area close to the house for ease of service. If you like to relax, hang a hammock further away from the bustle and noise for sweet silence. I’m big into a few chairs around a fire pit for immediate and cozy lounge feel. You’ll see the transformation.

Reflect Your Style. Add patterns, color and textures to your liking through accent pillows, linens upholstery and event pottery. Mix solids and stripes with florals or patterns for an eclectic vibe. A simple fountain, wind chimes, or herb gardens can be the right relaxation you need after a day at the office.

With warmer weather around the corner, now is a good time to think about how you would like to use your outdoor space this Spring. Delivery times vary by manufacturer and it’s never to late to start.

Outdoor Week at the Washington Design Center.

Later this month, I’m heading to Outdoor Week at the Washington Design Center. This week-long learning of outdoor spaces and landscapes is all about design and outdoor-friendly furnishings and accessories. Having worked in plant nurseries and landscape design firms in the past and now as a professional designer, I have a hankering for outdoor design. And today’s 60-plus degree temps in the DC area have me pining for some projects! Any takers?

Outdoor Design Furniture Contemporary cool pool The weather’s slowly warming up, so it is now to start thinking about plans for updating your patio, terrace or deck. And with some more great design ideas from Outdoor Week, I hope to make someones summer fun!

Learn how my design service can add to your outdoor space, Also, check out my design blog’s outdoor category for posts on all great things outside the walls.