Make A Big Splash

Just be sure to keep one constant in mind: Any exterior additions or changes must be treated as an extension of the home to ensure a seamless look. So take your cues from your home and echo its style for a uniform, harmonious end result.

Local experts offer the following tips on adding the “wow” factor to your outdoor space:

Color it with plants. While selecting matching, neutral outdoor furniture is fine, the overall impression can be sterile. A collection of vibrant plants is a quick and easy way to liven up a monochromatic color scheme.

Spruce it up. Consider sprucing up the accessories around the pool.
A classic striped cabana would be chic, but even a modest approach can make a discernible difference. Consider a birdbath filled with glass balls, a sand-cast aluminum sculpture, a small gurgling fountain and wicker or rattan accent pieces.

Light it up. If you entertain in the evening, lighting naturally plays an essential role in your outdoor living area for more reasons than the obvious. A good selection of illumination can also create a sophisticated atmosphere and/or highlight features in your garden. Consider all options, from candles and Tiki torches to well lights placed directly in the lawn, strings of fairy lights in trees and overhead spotlights.

Heat it up. The weather can get chilly, even in Paradise. For those rare occasions when temperatures drop, an iron or clay outdoor fireplace can be a welcome patio accent. The clay version, which originated in Mexico, is commonly called a Chiminea and is not only useful but makes a fashion statement as well.

Simplify it. When faddish furnishings or your landscaping design features go out of style, your property will look dated. Timeless design is important to maintain the value of your home.