Sublime Summer Space Savers: 6 Perfect Petite Patios

With the start of summer just around the corner folks are being bombarded with tips and ideas for their backyards. Most of us love spending the warmer months outdoors – but what do you do if you have really limited outdoor space? Sure, you’d hang a chandelier bird feeder with pride and invite all your friends to join you on your new extra large outdoor sofa, but just you don’t have room. Fear not. We’ve found six fun and easy ideas for your petite patios that’ll have you saying, “space schmace”. Check ‘em out below and get ready for summer.

Rugged Beauty – We’ve all accepted the idea of outdoor furniture being more than simply plastic chairs, right? Well, we’re encouraging homeowners to take this concept one step further and invest in outdoor rugs. They allow you to have more fun with your color scheme and create a cohesive look for your small space.

Playful Pallets – There’s lots to love when it comes to pallet furniture. It’s great for the environment, has such a fun and funky feel, and is fairly customizable. That last point has huge implications for your outdoor space. If you’ve got a little or uniquely shaped outdoor area, create furniture that’ll fit it perfectly.

Textured Treat – Add depth to your area without taking up too much room. Use blankets and pillows to create an inviting seating area, even though you don’t have space for a couch. The variety in fabrics and patterns will make things more luxurious.

Harmonious Hangout – You create the ideal space for hanging out when you make space for your stuff to hang. Maximizing vertical space can save you a lot in the long run.

Layered Love – Perfection is all in the details, and we’re loving this tiered herb garden. Not only do the herbs add gorgeous greenery to your balcony, they’ll make your cooking more delicious, and having them on a rack means you aren’t sacrificing too much space.

Beautiful Bed – Ok, we might never get up if we had this on our patio, but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? Just because you don’t have room for large furniture, doesn’t mean you have to get only teeny tiny pieces. We love the idea of the “half day bed”. It’s a nice, big, comfy piece – it’s just not as large as its counterparts.

We hope these balconies have inspired you to tackle your small space and make the most out of your outdoor decor. For more tips and ideas, make sure to connect with @HomeShows on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Have a small space you’ve styled nicely? Share a snap with us! We’d love to see what you’ve created.

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The Top 5 Things To See & Do At The Raleigh Home Show

The Raleigh Home Show, happening at the Raleigh Convention Center from February 13 - 15, is packed with features for the home and garden - so what are the top five not-to-be-missed features as the show? Aside from the Carolina Pride Signature Speaker Series, here's a peek at the top five features:

1. Outdoor Living Dream Lounge - The advent of spring means Triangle residents can get back outside for outdoor living and entertaining, and Luxury Living Scapes Inc., is creating the ultimate outdoor dream lounge. Built right inside the Raleigh Convention Center, this space is like a real like Pinterest board for outdoor landscape ideas. Find them on Aisle 100.
2. Go Girl Shoppe - The Go Girl Shoppe is a traveling boutique that carries fun eclectic finds and accessories. With their ever-changing items, there is something for people of all ages. Between their vintage inspired jewelry to whimsical wares, there is always something different and fun about shopping in a shop on wheels. The Go Girl Shoppe is located in aisle 1200.
3. One Room, Three Ways - Looking for an interior makeover this spring? Grab inspiration in the Designer Rooms feature at the show. One living room is given three different and distinct looks using designer secrets.
4. Hero Day - Friday, February 13 is Hero Day at the show. All active and retired military personnel will receive FREE admission to the show on this date.
5. Valentine's Day Flower Market - Don't forget to grab your sweetheart a flower arrangement for Valentine's Day from the Flower Market by The Flower Pot, located in the lobby.

This is just a quick look at the many amazing features the Raleigh Home Show has to offer! The home and garden event of the season takes over the Raleigh Convention Center February 13 - 15, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Buy them early to get the best deals and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook!

FEBRUARY 13 - 15, 2015.
RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER

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NOLA Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Stepping On Stones

We're thrilled to have Stepping On Stones joining us at the NOLA Home Show, January 16-18, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Before you see this fabulous exhibitor at the show, enjoy our interview with them below...

Name: Allan Blancas

Booth Number: 609

Describe your services:
Outdoor paving, outdoor lighting, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, and landscaping.

What are your best home and garden tips?
Protect your plants during the winter months to ensure a beautiful spring garden.

Will you have a show special or promotion?
Patios and retaining walls.

What's your biggest home and garden pet peeve?
Overgrown plants and trees.

What's your favorite part about the NOLA Home Show?
Meeting new prospective clients and showing all we have to offer them.

Don't miss Stepping On Stones at the NOLA Home Show. The show takes over the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on January 16-18, 2015. Get tickets early to receive the best deals - you can save $2 when you buy online now!

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10 Ideas for YOUR Outdoor Living Space

While it may be a little too cool to relax outdoors at the moment (depending where you live), it's never too early to start planning your great spring/summer escape!  Before buying new furniture, think about how you'll be spending time in your yard this summer.  Are you looking to catch some rays, play soccer with the whole family, or entertain small groups?  Regardless of the pastimes you choose, there are plenty of outdoor living possibilities for everyone.  Take a look at some of our great examples below! 

10 IDEAS: Outdoor Living Spaces    

1. The Shady Chill Zone

2. The Comfy Townhouse Front Porch 

3. The Party Central Pergola 

4. The Bright & Cheery BBQ Escape

5. The Grown Up Patio Lounge

6. The Family Fire Retreat

7. The Zen Condo Balcony 

8. The Dreamy Hot Tub Oasis 

 9. The Elegant Tea Party Retreat

10. The L-Shaped Reading Sectional 

What are you planning for your outdoor living space? Tweet

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Bring Your Living Space Outdoors!

It's finally time to start thinking about how you're going to live outside this summer!  Of course, we're advocates stylish and comfortable outdoor living spaces.  Nowadays, backyards are not just about swing sets and BBQs, they are about creating outdoor living spaces to relax, and LIVE in.  Below are some of my favourites!

5 Perfect Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor Living Room via Diane Bergeron

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