Bring Romance Outdoors

Champagne, roses and chocolate-covered strawberries spell romance, but all can fade fast. A more innovative and enduring (not to mention budget-conscious) method for adding romance is to bring it outdoors. In fact, your own backyard can be a much more cost-effective and intimate date night.

When incorporating romance into the outdoors, remember a few key points. Generally, the same concepts that work for your home can also be applied to outdoor living spaces.

* The right lighting sets the mood. Gentle lighting, as opposed to harsh fluorescents, exudes romance. Bring indoor traditions like candelabras and miniature chandeliers outside to light your evenings, or hang diffused light via lanterns.

* Use existing furniture and decorate with romantic accessories that match the decor of your home and personality.

* Incorporate elements of fire and water through an outdoor fireplace, waterfall, pond or birdbath. The warmth and sounds will be sure to soothe.

* Outdoor curtains bring both privacy and romance. If your outdoor space is large, curtains help to define a romantic spot from those used for other purposes.

When bringing the indoors out, it is important to keep your climate in mind. Some climates offer year-round comfort. “In Southern California, we have the advantage of climate to allow for the concept of outdoor space as a continuation of the indoor living area,” says Mark Lewison, academic director of Interior Design at The Art Institute of California – Hollywood. “Due to our warm, dry climate, like that of the Southwest, we can use interior-grade furnishings and extend the more private areas of bathing and sleeping to the outdoors, providing a more hedonistic sensuality to private and lush exterior environments.”

For climates without year-round comfortable temperatures, additional considerations must be taken. “While Midwesterners enjoy the change of seasons, they also have to tolerate them,” says Mary G. Cain, academic director of Interior Design at The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg. “To capitalize on enjoyment of outdoor living experiences, spending a little more on durable, quality finishes and furnishings will save space and maximize all-season potential. Many surprising materials and products are available for more volatile outdoor situations, such as furniture made of teak and outdoor rugs made of colorful recycled plastic bottles.”

In addition to utilizing existing home furnishings, the budget-conscious can also acquire items at flea markets, garage sales or through online classified sites for accessories and antiques. Out-of-the-ordinary items repurposed as planters are not only whimsical and easy on the pocketbook but on the environment as well.

Enjoying your redefined outdoor space can bring romance in an unexpected area. Chocolate and champagne are optional.

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.