the finishing touch think outside the house...

HomeStyle l 4-2-15 Edition

THE FINISHING TOUCH

THINK OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

SET THE STAGE:

HOW TO CHOOSE AN OUTDOOR RUG

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR

LIGHTING

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New Jersey Hills Media Group • www.newjerseyhills.com

Thursday, April 2, 2015 HOMESTYLE 365 New Jersey Hills Media Group

INDEX of Advertisers

TABLE of Contents

ADVANCED POWER EQUIPMENT..................11

1930 Washington Valley RoadMartinsville, NJ 08836732-302-1566www.advancedpowereq.com

A&L POOL........................................................81 Van Syckle Street, High Bridge, NJ 08829908-638-9339www.aandlpoolservice.com

FLEMINGTON DEPARTMENT STORE............12

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GASIOR’S FURNITURE...................................10

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JOHN’S PAINTING...........................................6 & 9

76 Crest Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920908-604-8759www.johnspaint.com

KING GEORGE PLUMBING.................................7

20 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059908-754-4773www.kinggeorgeplumbing.com

MADISON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE...11

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MONK’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS....................... 5

1095 Mt. Kemble AvenueMorristown, NJ 07960973-635-7900www.monkshomeimprovements.com

PERMANENT PAINTING.................................. .....8113 Morristown Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924908-766-0099 • www.permanentpaintingnj.com

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RCS CONTRACTORS, LLC................................ 4

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REGENCY LANDSCAPE....................................933 Stone House Road, P.O. Box 224Millington, NJ 07946908-647-3434www.regencylandscape.com

SKYVIEW CONSTRUCTION, LLC......................7115 Morristown Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924908-766-8931

WARRENVILLE PAINT AND HARDWARE.........361A Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059908-757-9100www.warrenvillehardware.com

WASHINGTON VALLEY CABINET SHOP..........11

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 5

3

THE FINISHING TOUCH

Fashionable accessories are the next frontier for outdoor living spaces.

6

SPRING IS BLOSSOMING

Maintaining your trees this season.

7

THINK OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

Wanting it all in your backyard.

9

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING

10

SET THE STAGE

How to choose and outdoor rug.

New Jersey Hills Media Group HOMESTYLE 365 Thursday, April 2, 2015

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 5

Outdoor living spaces are nothingnew.

According to Casual Living and Apartment Therapy’s 2013 OutdoorDecorating Survey, 55 percent of respondents have an outdoor roomand 43 percent either want one orwere in the process of creating one.

But the idea of families or a solitaryfigure kicking back on a tufted sofa inthe great outdoors, propped up against

implausibly weatherproof boucléthrow pillows in the glow of a lampwith a fabric shade — that’s fairly new.

The emergence of highly sophisti-cated accent pieces has evolved theoutdoor-living concept. “We’ve beentalking about outdoor rooms for 10years, but I think consumers are finallygrasping that they can really do a living room outside, with all the comfort and functionality they enjoyindoors. Accessories are a big part of

The

FinishingTouch

Fashionable accessories

– floor cushions, poufs,

rugs, even art – are the

next frontier for outdoor

living spaces. Here’s

what’s hot this summer

Accessories like soft, richly

textured pillows add ‘warmth’

to an outdoor-living area, says

designer Laurie Bell

By DAWN KLINGENSMITH

CTW Features

Warrenville HardwareDesign Center

Patty Hernon, Design Consultant

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that,” says Laurie Jenkins, principal at Laurie Bell, a Sarasota, Fla.-based outdoor décor vendor. “They bringwarmth to the whole look and individ-ualize the space.”

To complete the look of a newly cre-ated outdoor space or update an exist-ing space on a budget, look to thisseason’s delicate-looking yet durableaccessories.

PillowsThanks to improved textile chemistry,decorative pillows for outdoor use areas comfy as indoor pillows. At higher price points, “The fabrics are just getting more and more sophisticated, and the weaves are somuch softer,” Jenkins says.

Richly textured fabrics likejacquard, velvet and chenille are growing in popularity. Decorative elements such as metallic fibers, embroidery and trim make for a luxurious look and feel not previouslyseen on outdoor pillows. Trendy colorsand patterns include aqua, teal, salmon,coral, geometrics, chevrons, exoticprints and custom monograms. In certain high-end collections, paleshades predominate seemingly as adare, as today’s high-performance fabrics repel stains and can be safely

washed with bleach according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Look for fade-resistant, solution-dyed fabrics and fast-drying filling material. Sunbrella and Outdura aretwo of the most recognized and reliable outdoor-fabric manufacturers,but be advised that “the fabric has become associated with the finishedproduct, which it is not,” says JasonSiesel, a vice president at Casual Cushion Corp. in Rock Hill, S.C. “Youcan have a pillow or cushion of lesserquality covered in Sunbrella.”

RugsOutdoor rugs have been sold for yearsto define dining and seating areas andsoften the appearance of hardscapes,but today’s pricier options also are softunderfoot. “They look and feel just likeinterior rugs except they’re not goingto mildew or break down,” says ElaineWilliamson, principal of ElaineWilliamson Designs in Dallas.

Surya, Jaipur, Loloi and other makers of indoor rugs are bringingthat level of quality to the outdoors.Oriental Weavers for the first time thisspring offers licensed Tommy Bahamaoutdoor rugs in botanical and “coastal-inspired” designs that look right athome in the backyard. Other manufac-

turers, like Mad Mats, offer styles andpatterns typically associated with theindoors including traditional Moroc-can, Oriental and Turkish designs.

Some rugs come with a backing for durability and skid-resistance. Reversible rugs offer design flexibilityand widely are available at every pricepoint. Prices range from less than $100on up to several thousand dollars for arug that is soft even under bare feetyet can be cleaned with a brush andhose.

Poufs and OttomansWhen the outdoor-living craze intensi-fied 10 years ago, Laurie Bell began offering all-weather ottomans for increased comfort and additional seating. “The whole idea is to provideflexibility,” Jenkins says, so make surethe ottoman is sturdy enough to stayput when in use yet lightweightenough to move around as needed.

Hers have removable slipcovers forwashing and are designed for use as aside table and seat as well as a footrest.

Pillows in bold colors

and exotic patterns

are on-trend.

Today’s outdoor rugs look and feel

just like their interior counterparts


“They sit up off the ground so the fabric’s not in standing water” follow-ing a heavy rain, Jenkins says.

By contrast, today’s wildly popularpoufs sit flush to the ground and, depending on their shape and construction, “you can’t really set atray on them,” Jenkins says.

Poufs have their place, though.They’re great for extra seating, easy tomove around and stow, andare less expensive than ottomans. The trend is toward global flare, withikat, kilim and suzanipatterns proving tobe big sellers along-side repeatinggeometric pat-terns and bold solids.

Wall Art and

LightingThis year many companieshave introduced weather-resistant wall art that looks like painted canvas yet standsup to the elements. With somany new options on themarket, “It’s time not to

hang terra cotta sundials anymore,”Williamson says.

“You can make the fence look likea wall. I’m not suggesting you make itlike a gallery,” she adds, “but onepiece of art or a grouping of art cancreate a focal point” as well as a personal touch.

Especially in sunny climates, “Youwill get a slight bit of fading overtime,” Williamson says.

Be advised that certain outdoorwall art, including Surya’s new collection featuring outdoorsy motifslike maps and beach scenes, are suitable for covered outdoor spaces as opposed to full exposure.

Table and floor lamps with moldedor fabric shades have come a long way,as well. Shopper should look for UL approval for outdoor and wet use. Besides electrical safety, “The most important consideration is theweight,” Williamson says, “so the lamp doesn’t tip over in the wind.”

© CTW Features

Outdoor wall art, like this OrbitScreen

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Some advice from the expert himself:be proactive. All trees require a moder-ate balance of sun, water and oxygento thrive in competitive habitat of surrounding plants and trees. Look for basic signs of struggle or damageamongst the trees on your property.Step outside onto the front or backpatio, stand in your driveway and walk around the side of your garage or home. Trees within these livingareas—places where you go the mostfrequently—are the ones you shouldprioritize. We typically suggest thin-ning trees and removing lowerbranches that encroach on theseareas. Why? For starters, too muchshade and insufficient sun exposurecan lead to potential mold and mois-ture problems down the line. There is also the increased risk of heavierfallout in the autumn months.

Having erosion problems? You’re notalone. Diagnosis: another case of inad-equate sunlight. Sunlight is needed tosustain vegetation roots, which holdthe soil in place. The solution: selec-tively remove trees or branches toopen up the dark areas for increasedsun exposure.

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- Cont. on page 8


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Everyone loves the sight of a lush,well-kept garden outside a pictur-esque house. The sight of an out-

door kitchen might be a little moresurprising. Yet such additions a re pre-dicted to rise in popularity amonghomeowners this year, according to the2014 Residential Landscape Architec-ture Trends Survey, conducted by theAmerican Society of Landscape Architects.

Based on responses from 179 residential landscape professionals ontrends homeowners would be incorpo-rating into their outdoor projects, someof the most intriguing developmentsinclude outdoor stoves, vegetable gardens and greater seating.

According to the survey, outdoor living spaces – examples of which include outdoor kitchens and seating –have a 92-percent popularity rate. Seat-ing and dining areas rank even higherat 97 percent, and if that popularityholds, eating outside may become thenew dining out.

From the 89.6-percent popularity ofinstalled seating and the 84.1-percentpopularity of outdoor furniture, it’s safeto say that comfort is becoming top

priority even in the great outdoors. The New American Home 2014, builtby the National Association of HomeBuilders for the International BuildersShow, featured luxurious armchairs onan outdoor balcony. While outdoor Internet connectivity and access isn’t ajuggernaut demand, more than half thesurvey respondents expected to bepopular.

Don’t expect the grill to be the only outdoor culinary device this year.Homeowners are expected to bring the amenities of home beyond its walls through both furniture and out-door kitchens and ovens – the latterwas ranked at 71.4-percent popularity,a sign that people are thinking past the grill and fire pit.

While grills and fire pits are stillbackyard staples, the most popular outdoor supplement by far was light-ing, with a 98.3-percent popularityranking among residential landscapeprofessionals. With the help of illumina-tion, there’s no need to confine social-izing behind walls or under a roof.

— Maggie Flynn

© CTW Features

- Cont. from page 7


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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 5

Outdoor living spaces requirelighting for functionality andsafety. Most homeowners,

though, arrive at a lighting showroomwith a longer shopping list and biggerdreams: Warm evenings spent relaxingin a magic, glowing backyard.

Where to begin? Focus on how youintend to use the space, experts say,and don’t overdo it.

“Clearly define your objectives,”says Joe Rey-Barreau, associate profes-sor at the University of Kentucky’sSchool of Interior Design and educa-tion consultant for the American Lighting Association. “It’s not necessaryto illuminate everything in your yard,so decide which areas are the highestpriorities,” he advises.

Start with areas close to the house,where most activities take place. Expand the plan to highlight backyardelements – plants, sculpture, a waterfeature – as time and budget allow.

Installing too many lights, and lightspoorly chosen for a location, are common hazards. Lighting experts andlocal showrooms can help you sortthrough new energy-efficient technolo-gies that can work best for you.

Some bright ideas from the American Lighting Association:

Back DoorWall lanterns on each side of the doorleading to the patio or outdoor spacewill provide a warm, welcoming look.Use recessed, chain-hung or close-to-ceiling fixtures under a porch or over-hang.

Light a secondary side entrancewith a single wall lantern installed onthe keyhole side of the door.

Steps and PathwaysIlluminate walkways so family

members and guests are able to moveabout easily and safely after dark. Attachlights to the side of the house or installpath lights or lanterns.

Low-level path lights, which spreadcircular patterns of light, will brightena walkway and highlight nearbyflowerbeds, shrubs and ground cover.Bollards, which stand 30 to 36 inchesoff the ground, also work well. Useshielded fixtures to avoid glare.

Decks, porches, and patiosConceal LED or low-voltage mini-lightsunder steps, railings or benches to create an intimate, romantic feel.

Grills and serving areasFood preparation areas call for brighttask lighting. Install a recessed spotlighton an adjacent roof overhang, mountlights on a railing behind the grill oruse a portable fixture approved for outdoor environments.

Pools and fountainsIlluminate with underwater lighting toprovide beauty and safety for eveningentertaining or swimming. Low-voltageand LED lighting are popular sourcesfor ambient pool lighting, or installfiber-optic lighting to create a starrybackground in your pool's floor andaround its edges. Floating and solar-powered lights also are available.

Light a treeLook for a focal point on your propertythat can be accented with lighting toprovide a nice contrast of color. Treelighting uses the heights of the trees tospread the light out in a soft and subtleway to bathe the area in light. Thehigher the lights, the larger the spreadof light.

By Agnes Reardon

CTW Features

Bright Ideas for Outdoor LightingNot too many. Not too few. Not too big. Not too small. The best backyard lighting schemes start with plan.


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The good news about out-

door rugs? They’re pretty

much foolproof. Thanks to

synthetic fibers, such as

polypropylene, and acrylic and U.V.

inhibitors, they resist moisture, stains

and fading. And at a cost of $100 to

$400, they’re less costly than their

pampered indoor cousins.

With some protection from the

elements and a little TLC from you,

an outdoor rug can last from 1 to 5

years, according to rug maker Surya.

Choosing one that best comple-

ments your style and sets the stage

for a great conversational grouping

of furniture could be the biggest

challenge. Keep in mind these tips:

to accommodate all the pieces of

furniture in a conversational group,

either on the rug or close to it,

according to your preference.

all the furniture in the center. Leave

12 to 18 inches of exposed floor to

create a border around the rug,

equal on all sides if possible.

by leaving some space between the

rug and any furniture.

or largest seat on the rug; the back

legs can be on or off the rug as you

choose. Leave 18 to 24 inches

between the wall and rug, creating a

border of exposed floor that frames

the arrangement – equal on all four

sides, if possible

-

ing area? Allow 18 to 24 inches of

floor around the rug.

round rugs look best. Under a rect-

angular table, go with a rectangle.

The rug should be sized about 2 feet

wider than the table, so that the

chair legs remain on the rug when

pulling out a chair to sit down.

colors, styles and patterns. Take a

cue from the style of your home or

patio to narrow your search, and

find the most complementary rug.

color outdoor furniture, go for a

bold rug design. With patterned fur-

nishings, look for a quieter rug.

during winter.

rug.

Sources: Surya Carpets; wayfair.

com; The Carpet and Rug Institute© CTW Features

How to Choose an Outdoor Rug

Set the stage

Su

rya

Indoor comfort, outside: The cheerful

striped Rain, a hand-hooked polypropyl-

ene area rug for outdoor use

Lolo

i Ru

gs


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