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Everyone has their own style and manner of living. This is reflected in outdoor decor and furnishings. I call our style country modern, a mixture of modern furniture with traditional Latin country fabrics, pillows, rugs, and knickknacks. The overall effect emphasizes comfort, a truly relaxing area that we enjoy with family and friends, surrounded by large planters and bright flowers.
Country Modern Living
We spend most of our time outdoors when it isn’t winter. That means outdoor decor that is comfortable and adaptable. The style outside is modern country, while the interior is contemporary. Both have their appeal, but the exterior decor is durable but soothing. It encourages kicking back and taking in the view.
We have a bit of Mexican flair in our patio. There are several terra cotta pots with traditional etching and large bright cobalt blue containers that recall Mexico’s azure sea. There is an outdoor rug in Mexican patterns of indigo and cobalt. I have several statues acquired from past trips to Mexico, as well as some clay masks dotted about. Smaller collectables peek out from the lips of planters and among the foundation plantings. Inside my home, I don’t tolerate many dust catchers, preferring to have small items as outdoor decor.
There are also larger decor pieces. A wrought iron sunflower taller than a man anchored by a rustic, huge stone. My rusty metal mariachi band frogs the size of toddlers. Each one has a different instrument and are from a Latin import store. I guess I like a combination of whimsy and kitsch in my outside adornments.
Outdoor Furniture
The anchors of the patio are the couches. They were originally in cream fabric, a ridiculous color for outdoors. I made my own covers for them out of marine fabric that is water proof, nearly indestructible, and fade resistant. I also covered the back pillows in the same fabric and then got another outdoor patterned fabric to make throw pillows. They are a cozy place to take a siesta or read a book, and have been the site of numerous parties and BBQs. Flanking the couches which are arranged in a U-shape, are several other chairs, with similarly upholstered cushions.
I always feel that one area to relax outdoors isn’t enough. We had an outdoor fireplace built of rock that we removed. It was on a small cement pad. There is a love seat and matching chairs in sunflower yellow in this area. It also contains a Mexican tile topped, iron legged table which is my pride and joy. Here we also have an outdoor heater to warm up chilly Autumn evenings.
There is one more mostly outdoor area. We have a covered porch with 2 side walls. We installed mesh on the front to keep out the bugs and it is here that we can extend our outdoor time well into fall and early in spring. Big comfy chairs, a coffee table, and storage for our sunhats and mud boots. A very simple area, but one we use in cooler, rainy weather on a daily basis.
Inside is comparatively boring. I like clean lines, neutral tones, and little in the way of tchotchkes. Art on the walls provides decor. And of course, plants. Lots and lots of plants! They help enliven our days while we wait to resume our outdoor living.
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