My Family Circle Magazine JUNE Column : Outdoor Rooms

Be sure to get a copy of the new June issue of Family Circle Magazine which is out now nationwide...

This month, my Designer Dad column is all about creating outdoor spaces that you can enjoy... So be sure to check that out...

With that in mind, here are some further ideas to inspire you about seeing your outdoor areas in new ways...

• I am all about using outdoors spaces as an extension of your home.  In a friend's garden area, a shaded apple tree makes for a perfect casual seating area for an outdoor living room...

• I like that the area is away from the house and allows your eye to be drawn over to the shady spot...

• What makes this grouping fun is that you can leave it there or move it around the yard as you wish...I appreciate this furniture style with a slightly modern flair to it...Plus, you can keep it outside all year long...they get better with time!

• The cushions that the furniture comes with are chocolate - but are also available in various colors...I chose chocolate brown base pillows only (no back pillows) to allow the clean lines of the furniture structure to come through.  These pillows are perfect for outdoors...if it rains, the water will bead right off of them...  

• You can add comfortable throw pillows in fabrics designed for the outdoors or just gather ones from inside for added support - just don't forget to bring them back in after each use...

• I was pleased to see that the collection offers up a rocking chair option for seating...I like the way it looks without a pillow...

• So in a short amount of time - an instant outdoor living room can be created for you and your guests to retreat to and enjoy...

• Since we are talking about outdoor living - one of my favorite things to have around the house are Mason Jars...Yes, the good, old-fashioned jar that people use for making pickles and jellies...I use them as drinking glasses all year round...Great for iced tea or a perfect way to keep up with your daily supply of water drinking!  A great American classic, but with great use for the modern family...

• The furniture collection is available here:  OUTDOOR LIVING

More to come...