It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to summer and backyard BBQs or lazy days spent soaking up the sun by the pool. Especially in Toronto where summers are never quite long enough.
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Now that fall's in full swing and the temperatures have cooled off, it’s time to break out the cozy knits and prepare to bid farewell to outdoor living until next year. But don’t store away your patio furniture just yet.
Here are four fun and simple tips to extend outdoor living season and transition your outdoor living space for fall.
(Photo Credit Scott Robinson)
1. Turn Up The Heat
It can be difficult to enjoy outdoor living as temperatures start to drop and crisp fall days turn into chilly evenings. Heating up your outdoor space makes it more hospitable for entertaining or for your own enjoyment.
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If you don’t have a built-in firepit, a portable one like this one from Ikea can instantly warm up your outdoor living space, (though check to make sure you’re not breaking any bylaws). Patio heaters also make a great option for warming up your outdoor space.
2. Cozy Up With Textiles
Adding lots of textiles to your outdoor space adds both function and flare. Throws, blankets, cushions and pillows, especially in warm earthy tones, instantly create a warm and inviting ambiance and offer extra warmth.
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On extra chilly fall evenings, toss a fluffy rug on the deck and curl up under a blanket by the firepit with a hot cocoa.
(Photo Credit Wonderlane)
3. Add Extra Light
As the days get shorter and we start to lose those precious minutes of daylight, adding extra lighting is an easy way to get your outdoor space ready for fall by creating ambiance and extra warmth. Simply adding a few paper lanterns and some string lights can transform your outdoor space into a cozy retreat.
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You can also choose from a wide array of battery-powered or electric lighting options to light up your outdoor space but good old-fashioned lanterns will also do the trick.
4. Use Indoor Furniture
Extend your outdoor living space by bringing indoor living outside. Drag a sofa or a chaise lounge outside and add a few blankets for cozying up by the fire. Or simply add a table and a few chairs for games night, followed by marshmallows and hot chocolate!
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor living. A little creativity can go a long way toward making your outdoor living space ready for fall.
