Creating a Romantic
Outdoor Living Space by: Gail McCauley
of the Rohm and Haas
Paint Quality Institute
Fashioning
one or more exterior
living areas has been
enjoyed by growing
numbers of homeowners in
recent years. Versatile
outdoor spaces can be
used for dining and
relaxing with family
members, as well as
entertaining guests
within the peaceful
confines of home. With
today’s increased
emphasis on comfort and
relaxation, celebrating
the home during warm
weather months can
easily be achieved by
creating romantic
outdoor living vignettes
where family members and
friends uncover
contentment and charm
outdoors. The
application of paint
awakens lackluster
surfaces as well as
ordinary furnishings,
and transforms them into
dreamy materials and
glamorous fittings!
Instead of replacing
existing outdoor
furnishings and
decorative accessories,
consider injecting a
gentle hint of
enchanting color to the
mix. For instance,
enhance plain wicker
chairs and tables with a
touch of subtle painted
color. This spring and
summer season’s soft
palette consists of
romantic shades of pinks
and reds. Consider
transforming a dated
color or solid white
wicker seating vignette
into a monochromatic
color scheme that
highlights an enchanting
range of one muted
color, such as dusty
rose. Consult a paint
professional for advice
regarding necessary
primer, paint and
sealants. Then, add
overstuffed seat
cushions, comfortable
pillows, soft throws and
fragrant, cascading
potted flowers.
Introduce romantic
pattern to the outdoor
living space via painted
fabrics, special effect
decorative paint
techniques and painted
murals on exterior
walls. Regardless of the
surface, floral patterns
can be applied using a
variety of painted
options. Dusty colors
that display flowered
motifs can be stenciled
directly onto cloth
hammocks or canvas
umbrellas as decorative
borders, or painted
freehand randomly onto
wooden benches and
tables or even floors.
Smooth surface planters
of varying sizes can be
treated to a paint
application that
provides interesting
texture and flirtatious
color to the pot. Using
a rag to gently remove
random areas of paint
while the painted
surface is still wet
represents a simple way
to produce an aged,
vintage look amongst
many surfaces.) An
accent wall can be
fashioned from a
nondescript wall surface
and transformed into an
exciting mural using a
carefully considered
washed color scheme
together with oversized
painted floral designs.
Add a dash of romance to
your outdoor living
space this warm weather
season with the dazzling
effects of paint!