Hello!!! Haven't meant to be away, more like swept away...... into the height of landscape season, wildly busy this year.....a good sign for the economy? Since we were together last, I have been off to two landscape projects out of state, Highpoint market (brilliant finds) and took an Amy Howard painting technique workshop in Memphis for retailers. Cannot wait to share that! So, back to our series on creating outdoor living spaces and our joint project with Keri Dolittle of the blog Ivy Clad. We have studied uses, overall design and then began to break down the components as if designing a room inside your home beginning with the floor. Now let's move on to the ceiling. Attached to your home...... As a separate entity Whatever you choose, remember to look up at your architecture for clues; style, color....... Here is an example of "what not to do"......please, oh please, don't let these owners read this blog! This from a designer that did not look up, there is no relationship between the deck and the home. Let's explore the options, starting with the perennial favorite, an umbrella. Sailcloth Entwined with wood Wood Slatted reeds, reminiscent of Provence, the Greek Isles, Portugal. Don't you love the shadows it creates? Metal Notice how the overhead vines take center stage? Trees......would you have the patience? Back to Keri's "before" Keri and family are considering an umbrella. This design would be complimentary We have chatted about the potential of this design in her corner And if a wooden structure were chosen, thick uprights, framed simply with a matching stain to the trim, could be a nice touch. Happy gardening! Next up, garden furniture then decorative accessories xx Debra Local News: stay tuned or email me for our 'amy howard' decorative painting workshops, beginning in two weeks