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Bringing the Indoors Out: How to Create a Cozy and Functional Outdoor Living Area

Creating a cozy and functional outdoor living area is a great way to extend your living space and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you have a small balcony, a spacious patio, or a lush backyard, here are some tips to help you bring the indoors out and create an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment:

Define the Space

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Start by defining the area where you want to create your outdoor living space. This could be done with a patio or deck or by using outdoor rugs, planters, or furniture to create boundaries.

Choose Comfortable Seating

Invest in comfortable seating options that are designed for outdoor use. Opt for weather-resistant materials like wicker, teak, or aluminum that can withstand the elements. Cushions should be made from outdoor fabric that is water-resistant and easy to clean.

Add Lighting

Remember lighting! Incorporate different types of lighting to create ambiance and functionality. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered pathway lights can add a warm and welcoming glow. Install LED lights under seating or table edges to provide subtle illumination in the evening.

Create Shade

Depending on your climate, it’s essential to have some shade options to protect you from the sun. Umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings can provide shade during hot summer days, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space comfortably.

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Bring in Greenery

Plants and flowers can add a touch of nature to your outdoor living area. Consider potted plants, hanging baskets, or vertical gardens to maximize space. Choose plants that are suitable for your climate, and make sure to provide proper care and maintenance.

Incorporate Functional Furniture

Think about how you intend to use the space and select furniture accordingly. A dining table and chairs are great for outdoor meals and entertaining, while a comfortable sofa or lounge chairs are perfect for relaxing and reading a book. Look for furniture pieces that offer storage options, such as ottomans or side tables with hidden compartments, to keep your outdoor space organized.

Add Outdoor Accessories

Just like indoors, outdoor spaces can benefit from accessories. Consider adding outdoor rugs, throw pillows, blankets, and curtains to make your space feel cozy and inviting. Remember practical accessories like a fire pit, grill, or outdoor kitchen area for cooking and entertaining.

Incorporate Entertainment Options

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Make your outdoor living area a place for fun and entertainment. Consider installing a small outdoor sound system, a TV, or a projector for movie nights under the stars. Additionally, you could set up game areas like bocce ball, cornhole, or a table tennis table to add some playful elements.

Pay Attention to Privacy

Depending on your surroundings, privacy may be necessary. Use outdoor curtains, trellises, screens, or plantings to create a sense of seclusion and intimacy. This will make your outdoor space feel like a private oasis.…

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Real Estate

Tips For Choosing an Expert Agent for Commercial Leases

Leasing a commercial property needs unique skills which are different from what is required when renting a residence. Therefore, it is vital as you hire a commercial space to work with the best expert agents to help you get a strategic place that can help you succeed in your venture. For example, if you want to lease automotive space, you need to find a place with enough room to work on vehicles, accommodate other activities, and have good customer flow. As such, you need to work with an expert commercial lease agent to get such kind of space.

Below are some of the things you need to consider when selecting the best commercial lease agent:

Check Their Years of Experience

consider their years of experienceThe truth is that experience matters with all kinds of professions, and even commercial real estate agents need to have a good experience. When you know that the agent you hired has been handling commercial leases for several years, you can be sure that they have the ability and skills to negotiate for you to get excellent deals.

Conversely, if the agent is starting their profession and have not handled many deals, they may not be the best to represent you or may not get you the best, and you should consider looking for better agents. However, agents who have not been in the industry for many years could still do a stellar job, so vet each on their merit.

Consider the Locations They Cover

consider the region they coverWith commercial spaces spread all over, the real estate brokers tend to have specific geographic areas they specialize in. As you look for a space for your business, you have the locality you want, and it would help to get an agent who specializes in the area.

You want a commercial tenant representative who has an in-depth understanding of the locality and has solid relations with other agents and even property owners in the locality. Such agents specializing in the area you are interested in and have networks will surely get you the best deals.

Ask for Contacts of Past Clients

If the expert commercial lease agent has the reasonable experience and covers your geographic area of interest, they must have businesses that have previously offered their services. You need to request to get a few contacts of such clients and talk to them to know the kind of service they received from the agent. This is vital because you get firsthand information, and mostly, it is unbiased and reliable. If the agent hesitates to give you contacts of any past client, you need to consider working with another one.…

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