Dear Debbie: This summer, we want to reinvent our large property that backs onto a lake to accommodate more outdoor entertaining. A traditional setting with a modern edge is what we like. Any ideas are appreciated. Thank you.
Mary Lynn
You are fortunate to have lots of room to spread out and enjoy life under the sun and stars. After time spent hiking, boating, playing watersports or visiting local flea markets, it’s wonderful to gather around and share the day’s experiences. The choices in outdoor furniture styles today give you the opportunity to select seating and accessories that suit any lifestyle and budget. For entertaining a group, you require a conversation zone that is set up so that people are facing each other, comfortable and able to relax and chat. Sectional seating is the most practical; you can configure it to suit the crowd and add on pieces to enlarge its scope. The contemporary look of the X8 Sectional seen at left has a stainless steel frame topped with natural teak. A fire is a welcome focal element year round. Today’s firepits are sleek and clean, and larger models provide added table surface. The rectangular Avera Firepit has concrete housing and either a natural gas or propane burner.
Outdoor lighting will contribute to a cosy setting just as it does inside. The Lady Jane floor lamp presents a stunning light show. It belongs to a collection of Italian furniture featuring a lacquered surface decorated using a special engraving method invented by Serralunga to create the effect of light and shade. If you have a pathway leading to your entertainment area or are looking for a unique way to light up a section of the garden, the Bonheur is a showstopper. Also by Serralunga, Bonheur is made of impact-proof polyethylene and has a wide base for stability. Both lamps are electric and are fitted with LED bulbs. For outdoor installations, it is always advisable to have a licensed electrician insure wires and plugs are properly situated and protected. Check out these and a wide range of outdoor products at ardoutdoor.com. They deliver throughout North America.
Dear Debbie: Last summer, I made a wooden top outdoor patio table, painted it black and put a layer of spar varnish to waterproof it. Over the winter, the top layer of wood peeled up. I’m peeling off the damaged layer and starting over. What’s the best sealer for this job? Thank you very much.
Myra
Since solid wood doesn’t peel, but splits or cracks, I am assuming you used a wood veneer. Moisture has seeped under the paint and varnish and between the veneer layer and the substrate. If the veneer is thick enough, you can sand away the damaged layer and start again. This time, apply a good quality high adhesive primer to the raw surface, and let dry. Apply two coats of exterior acrylic paint, let dry between coats and sand for a smooth surface. A good quality exterior varnish or marine varnish should protect the top. Follow the directions on the product and be sure that the paint coats are dry before applying the varnish.
If the damage has left the top less than smooth after you have sanded, why not apply an aged or weathered paint finish that will, in fact, be authentic. This is fun and will look great.
Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to [email protected]. Follow Debbie at instagram.com/debbie_travis, facebook.com/thedebbietravis, debbietravis.com.
