The key to designing
a successful outdoor living space is to create an area that reflects
the architectural character of the home as well as the personality of
the homeowners who inhabit the space. With regard to porch, patio and
deck design, first contemplate the activities that you want your family
to pursue within the space. Then, ponder the ways in which you can divide
the space into distinct areas for each activity. Paint represents a powerful
component that assists the homeowner with their ultimate goal of creating
an outdoor living space that not only enhances the home exterior, but
also the ways in which that unique family lives within their home's outdoor
structure.
Decks and
porches can be fashioned to highlight the dramatic exterior setting that
belongs to the home itself. Decks that overlook breathtaking mountain
views or the rhythmic flow of a body of water need not be overly pretentious,
as the major focal point rests within the panoramic view. A classic porch
design that reflects the natural environment maximizes the powerful setting.
Usually the view is all that is necessary to lend prominence to the impressive
outdoors. A deck
that is stained in a natural color, or a weathered and unpretentious
hue often represents the only required ingredient for completion of the
dynamic outdoor ambience.
Decks
may be constructed to add appeal to plain homes that simply need a 'pick
me up'. Built-in benches, tables and planters add a note of permanence
and visually tie the deck to the existing landscape. Families that enjoy
regular quiet time within their outdoor living area (perhaps reading
or sunbathing) long for a designated relaxation zone as part of the design.
Entertainment areas can also be sectioned off to include a grilling station
as well as an outdoor kitchen area for family and guests to enjoy. Implementing
patterns and colors that are prominent in other areas of the exterior
living space visually connect the distinctively separate areas in an
attractive manner. Introducing a festively painted pergola or portico
offers a touch of shade protection while systematically creating the
sense that you are part of an interior space. Flowers and greenery that
reside inside of handsomely painted planters are wonderful decorative
accents that introduce texture, fragrance and color to a front courtyard
space. Painted columns and posts may be utilized to mark transitions
between various outdoor vignettes.
There are several ways to relate the home's architectural style to the
outdoor living space. One effective way to introduce the home's architectural
style to the exterior space is via the use of design repeats. Repeating
a design element (such as a shutter cut-out) that is apparent on the
deck railing of the home's exterior offers a practical and attractive
way to marry the exterior of the home to the deck. Consider emphasizing
the 'repeat' further by painting the deck railing in the identical shade
as the design element appears on the home. 
Victorian
styled homes often sport ornamental gazebos and deck railings that can
be painted in period colors, visually connecting the home's design to
the deck area. A painted trellis can be incorporated as part of the colonial
home deck design, to accentuate climbing vines or flowers. Railing post
caps that are indicative of colonial style architecture can be painted
in colors that contrast with the railing, and implemented as part of
the deck structure. Unique geometric motifs that highlight linear patterns
and modern surfaces can be applied to flooring that has been constructed
from synthetic-material decking, wood, concrete and other materials via
paint, in order to produce stunning exterior floor coverings on the porch,
patio, courtyard or deck of a contemporary style home.
With today's continued emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, it is not surprising
that the majority of today’s outdoor living spaces reflect the
character of both their interior residence and exterior property. The use
of paint and color aid in visually extending and attractively unifying
outdoor living areas with each home's unique architectural flavor.
Article courtesy
of Paint Quality Institute
www.paintquality.com
