Any home improvement or Real Estate expert will tell you to concentrate on three areas first: Kitchen, Master bedroom and Master Bath.
Improvements or remodels in those three areas will improve the value of your home faster than anything else.
But, did you know that in certain regions, the back yard and patio are the next in line? And guess what? They are simpler and dramatically less expensive, IF you make the right choices for your outdoor living furniture area.
Follow these guide lines to avoid the 7 deadly sins of outdoor living furniture on your patio or deck.
Pride: The Excessive belief in one's own abilities that interfere with good decisions.
Even though "Do it yourself" is the best way to go (We firmly advocate it) don't attempt to make repairs or improvements you are not qualified to do.
For instance, if you are installing deck lighting that requires new electrical wiring (or even just testing for that matter), do not attempt to do it yourself unless you are an electrician.
Leave it to the professionals.
You really don't want to have your beautiful new lighting set your beautiful deck on fire.
All of those fire trucks tend to put a damper on any back yard gathering.
Envy: The desire for what others have.
While getting ideas from friends or neighbors is not a bad thing, don't copy what they have done.
Do you really want that hot pink fire pit just like the two guys that live down the street? Your back yard is just that.
It is yours.
Your patio, backyard, and Outdoor Living Furniture should be unique to your style and your available space.
Put YOUR touch on it and you will be much happier.
Lust: Craving for the pleasure of the body.
Ok.
This one's on you.
If you conduct those kind of parties or gatherings in your back yard, that would be your choice and we will assume they are in line with any neighborhood ordinances.
We really don't have any advice for that other than make sure your hedges are thick and tall and that you are in decent physical shape.
The little old lady that lives next door might be watching.
Gluttony: The desire to consume more than required.
Don't over do it by stuffing every type of chair or table you can find into a small space.
Keep it open and airy.
Be choosy when making your selections.
Too much furniture and amenities in a confined space will make you and your guests uncomfortable.
Simpler is usually better.
Anger/Wrath: Spurning love and opting for fury instead.
Create something you will love and not hate.
Stay away from adding furnishings that are shocking and too bold.
A designer would say "get out of your comfort zone and do something wild".
We recommend you do something comfortable instead, you will have to live with it, not the designer.
Greed/Avarice: The excessive desire for material gain.
Don't be greedy by trying to put everything in at one time.
BUILDING your space over time is much more enjoyable.
Plus you'll get more ideas as you work.
Sloth- Avoiding physical labor.
Don't be lazy! So what if you have the money to "have it done".
Have fun and expend the energy.
You will enjoy your Outdoor Living Furniture MUCH more if you do as much of the work as you can.
Plus you have the pride in saying "I did it, myself!"