Bringing the Outdoors in and the Indoors out

Spring and summer are the best times for projects that bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. Today’s patio furniture is quite stylish and many pieces are beautiful enough to use indoors. The price tags are equally as impressive in regard to outdoor furnishings, but as compared to indoor furniture, these pieces are a good value. You can bring outdoor pieces in, especially if you use them in a casual space. They will work great for a sunroom, a playroom or game room, and even a family room. Some people even use modern patio furniture in kitchens. The additional benefit is that most outdoor furnishings are very child friendly. They are made to stand up to the elements, so they can certainly stand up to children. Wrought iron pieces also work well indoors. A small iron table from the garden adds a lot of charm to a space with its weathered finish. To make it feel more like an indoor piece, cover the top with a piece of glass. Instead of purchasing expensive, custom cut glass, look for an extra large picture frame at a thrift store or garage sale and use the glass from it as a table topper. Indoor pieces can be used outside just as effectively. Many people have expanded their homes to include outdoor living spaces, and you can too. Use interior pieces outdoors to create a comfortable, homey area to relax or entertain. If you have a metal futon and you are ready to replace it, don’t get rid of it. Store the mattress and use it when guests visit or children have friends overnight. Just pull it out of the closet, slip a fitted sheet on it, and you have an instant guest bed. Take the frame outside to the patio. Purchase patio furniture cushions to replace the mattress. You can buy individual cushions at home improvement centers and super centers, which will cost you far less than buying new patio furniture. You can also make your own cushions. To purchase foam inexpensively, choose “egg crate” mattress toppers. You will need more than one, but they generally cost around $10.00 for a twin size, which is far less expensive that other types of foam. For low cost vinyl, purchase flannel backed vinyl tablecloths. They usually cost the same no matter which size you choose, so choose the largest size available. For just a few dollars you will get several yards of vinyl. You can pick up small resin tables for about $5.00 at discount stores to use as end tables. Use leftover vinyl or pick up another large tablecloth in a coordinating color to cover tables if desired. Just slip the vinyl over the table, cut it to size, and pin in place. Turn inside out, sew the seams and add a hem. For a no sew tablecloth, cut out a large circle, place it over the table, and let the fabric drape.