Designing an eco-friendly patio can seem like a pretty frustrating job. After all, the nature of a patio seems a bit counterintuitive to the green lifestyle.Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can enjoy the benefits of your own outdoor space while still being environmentally conscious.
The first step to designing any space is to decide what type of colors and materials to use. Whether you choose to contrast or harmonize with the surrounding environment will greatly affect the overall mood of your space. Both the colors of your home and the surrounding foliage can offer sources of inspiration.
One great way to add a center of interest in your exterior design is by pulling in an accent color from your garden.
Find a color that really pops and use it to frame your space. You can use cushions made from recycled fabric to showcase your accent and turn a bland design into an exciting experience.
There are also a lot of interesting materials to consider when vying for a greener backyard. One of the more affordable and common choices is actually plastic.
Don't jump on me just yet! We all know that most plastic is definitely not friendly to the environment. We're talking about plastic lumber, which is created by recycling plastic that would otherwise go to landfills. It may be odd to think that your table used to be someone else's milk jug, but repurposed plastics can make attractive and weather resistant furniture that will last for years.
Another great way to make use of waste products is by using PolyWood, a synthetic type of wood created from sawmill leftovers and by-products. The resulting wood is a composite that takes unwanted materials and turns them into durable and attractive furniture pieces.
The best thing about PolyWood is that it is completely no maintenance! The wood will never rot or need repainting.
Bamboo can be a great option for people who enjoy the feel of wood without the guilt. Because of how fast it grows, bamboo is one of the most renewable building sources available! It also is cost efficient since it is around the same price as regular wood.
If your project calls for something a little different, be sure to look for FSC certified wood. The Forest Stewardship Council only approves wood that is harvested using sustainable methods with workers that are paid ethical wages.
A great way to add a special touch to your eco-friendly patio is by adding mood lighting for those nights you want to spend under the stars. Tiki lights that are crafted from organic paper and powered by energy efficient light bulbs are a great way to stay outside for longer without feeling guilty. You can even take your decorations further by using wind chimes designed with recycled materials or a bio-fuel fire pit for cold winter nights.
Choosing to go eco-friendly shouldn't mean sacrificing the functionality of your backyard. Armed with a little bit of knowledge and creativity, it's never been easier to create an environmentally conscious patio.
It's time to shed a little bit of karma and choose an eco friendly patio so that you can relax and enjoy the fresh air free of guilt.
About Guest Blogger
Marissa writes about all aspects of home design. For more info on green patio design, please visit?Patio Shoppers.
Image Courtesy : http://www.flickr.com/photos/garyjwood/1027166569/
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Source: http://www.indianhomedesign.com/2012/08/the-guilt-free-patio-designing-eco.html
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